Nellis new head wrestling coach

Ken Nellis '86 is the new Clarion University head wrestling coach, replacing Jack Davis following his resignation at the conclusion of the 1996-97 season. Moving into Nellis' former first assistant head coach position is Clarion's 1996 U.S. Olympic Freestyle wrestler Rob Eiter.

"I'm really excited to be the new head coach and will do everything I can to continue our outstanding wrestling tradition," says Nellis. "This is a great opportunity for me. Clarion is a special place. The support the wrestling program receives from the administration, the faculty, the pin club, and our great fans and alumni, have always made the team feel that this was their second home. I truly believe there is no other place like it!"

A native of Glenshaw, Nellis wrestled at Shaler High School compiling a 124-3 record and winning two PIAA AAA Championships. He continued that excellence at Clarion from 1981-86, with a 113-28-5 record, qualifying for the NCAA Division I championships four times, winning three PSAC titles, and finishing second four times in the Eastern Wrestling League. Wrestling at 142 pounds his first two seasons, he moved to 150 pounds as a junior and then was red-shirted the following season. He concluded his career during the memorable 1985-86 season, compiling a 27-5-3 record, while the team he co-captained finished 17-0-1 and was ranked third in the national.

Receiving his degree in business management, Nellis worked for Huntington National Bank before returning to Clarion as an assistant coach in 1990. He was elevated to first assistant head coach for the 1992-93 season. He resides in Clarion with his wife, Cindy, and daughter, Brianna.

"There are lot a of keys to being a head coach," says Nellis. "But, I'd say academics and team discipline are first. Keeping a quality talent pool on the mat is extremely important, but with that must come patience, teaching techniques, and working tirelessly on the fundamentals. Clarion is known for having talented wrestlers, but also for being a scrappy, hard-nosed team that is in great condition and comes at you for seven minutes. That is the type of team we expect to continue."

Eiter, a native of Chicago, wrestled for two years at Arizona State before withdrawing from collegiate wrestling to devote himself full-time to international freestyle wrestling. The move was a successful one as he proceeded to win five U.S. titles at 105.5 pounds. Last summer he was a member of the U.S. Olympic team finishing eighth at 105.5 pounds. He has been a restricted earnings coach at Clarion University for the past four years.

Nellis becomes only the fourth head coach at Clarion since Frank Lignelli restarted the program in 1959-60. Lignelli was succeeded by Bob Bubb, who coached from 1967-92 before being succeeded by Davis.

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