ITS HEFFERNAN: Illinois hires longtime assistant Jim Heffernan as its new head coach
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by Gary Abbott
The University of Illinois held a press conference Tuesday naming long-time assistant Jim Heffernan as its new head wrestling coach.
"I can't wait to get started. I am excited about this program. I believe our best years are ahead of us," said Heffernan.
Heffernan has been the top assistant under recently retired head coach Mark Johnson for the past 17 years at Illinois and two previous seasons at Oregon State.
Heffernan talked about the increased challenges ahead, as Big Ten and Div. I college wrestling continues to improve.
"We need to be competitive at the Big Ten level and the national level. Big Ten wrestling gets better by the day. Our expectations, goals and commitment need to change. We have to raise the bar," said Heffernan.
Heffernan also announced that Carl Perry, one of Illinois current assistants, would remain with the program as the top assistant coach.
"Carl Perry will remain here in Illinois with us. It is a big deal to me and with the administration," said Heffernan.
He also said that the second assistant coach position would open up shortly, and indicated that Jeremy Hunter, who is currently on the Illini staff, is expected to apply.
Heffernan also indicated that Mike Poeta would remain with the team in some capacity, as he pursues his Olympic dreams.
"The advantage we have with Michael being an Illinois graduate is that he can continue to train here. He will remain in Champaign to train for the Worlds and Olympics," said Heffernan.
Heffernan admitted that he has always had a goal of being a head wrestling coach, but he "wasn't in any hurry" because of the great situation serving as an assistant at Illinois under Mark Johnson.
"I have a great job. We have great kids, and a great administration that is supportive. This is a great university to recruit kids to. I can speak positively about Illinois from experience. That gets me excited," said Heffernan.
When asked about what he will do differently than Johnson did as the head coach, Heffernan talked about adding to the success of Johnson's tenure.
"We have done a lot of good things over 17 years. There are a few things Carl and I will talk about. They will mostly be smaller things. We will sit down and talk about changes that need to be made," said Heffernan.
He did indicate that he will have no problems consulting with Johnson, who remains in the Champaign community, if there are things he wants to discuss.
"I am a smart guy and I don't have all the answers. I will have to lean on Mark some. I have absolutely no problem asking for advice. I respect him," said Heffernan.
When asked about all of the changes in college wrestling this year, including some prominent coaching changes, Heffernan focused on the challenge ahead.
"The conference continues to improve, which is difficult," said Heffernan. "The standards keep raising. It will become more and more competitive each year to win the conference tournament. These are the same teams you compete against on the national level."
Click here for the official press release from the Univ of Illinois
"I can't wait to get started. I am excited about this program. I believe our best years are ahead of us," said Heffernan.
Heffernan has been the top assistant under recently retired head coach Mark Johnson for the past 17 years at Illinois and two previous seasons at Oregon State.
Heffernan talked about the increased challenges ahead, as Big Ten and Div. I college wrestling continues to improve.
"We need to be competitive at the Big Ten level and the national level. Big Ten wrestling gets better by the day. Our expectations, goals and commitment need to change. We have to raise the bar," said Heffernan.
Heffernan also announced that Carl Perry, one of Illinois current assistants, would remain with the program as the top assistant coach.
"Carl Perry will remain here in Illinois with us. It is a big deal to me and with the administration," said Heffernan.
He also said that the second assistant coach position would open up shortly, and indicated that Jeremy Hunter, who is currently on the Illini staff, is expected to apply.
Heffernan also indicated that Mike Poeta would remain with the team in some capacity, as he pursues his Olympic dreams.
"The advantage we have with Michael being an Illinois graduate is that he can continue to train here. He will remain in Champaign to train for the Worlds and Olympics," said Heffernan.
Heffernan admitted that he has always had a goal of being a head wrestling coach, but he "wasn't in any hurry" because of the great situation serving as an assistant at Illinois under Mark Johnson.
"I have a great job. We have great kids, and a great administration that is supportive. This is a great university to recruit kids to. I can speak positively about Illinois from experience. That gets me excited," said Heffernan.
When asked about what he will do differently than Johnson did as the head coach, Heffernan talked about adding to the success of Johnson's tenure.
"We have done a lot of good things over 17 years. There are a few things Carl and I will talk about. They will mostly be smaller things. We will sit down and talk about changes that need to be made," said Heffernan.
He did indicate that he will have no problems consulting with Johnson, who remains in the Champaign community, if there are things he wants to discuss.
"I am a smart guy and I don't have all the answers. I will have to lean on Mark some. I have absolutely no problem asking for advice. I respect him," said Heffernan.
When asked about all of the changes in college wrestling this year, including some prominent coaching changes, Heffernan focused on the challenge ahead.
"The conference continues to improve, which is difficult," said Heffernan. "The standards keep raising. It will become more and more competitive each year to win the conference tournament. These are the same teams you compete against on the national level."
Click here for the official press release from the Univ of Illinois
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