Charlie Falck added to Cornell College wrestling staff

Mount Vernon, Iowa - Cornell College head wrestling coach Mike Duroe rounded out his coaching staff with the recent addition of Charlie Falck, a two-time all-American at the University of Iowa.

Falck, who joined the Rams' staff in late November, will work with the lighter weights as a part-time assistant. He replaces Greg Murphy, who is the head wrestling coach at North Cedar High School.

"We had an opportunity to bring Charlie into the mix, and for me, it was a no-brainer," Duroe said. "He has already had an impact with our guys in the short time he's been here. We'll take advantage of his technical expertise and competitive success. He will be a real positive influence on our guys."

Falck is currently head of Podium Wrestling Academy in Alburnett, a kids wrestling club he started in October.

Falck jumped at the chance to return to the collegiate wrestling scene and work with Coach Duroe, who he's known for several years.

"I have nothing but good things to say about Coach Duroe," Falck said. "I want to try to give back to the sport of wrestling. I've been doing it all my life. It's all I've ever known."

Falck, 24, enjoyed a successful career at Iowa, where he compiled a 94-34 career mark at 125 pounds from 2004-09. The Strawberry Point native earned all-America honors his sophomore and junior seasons, placing sixth in 2008 and eighth in 2007. Falck was a three-time Big Ten placewinner, including a runner-up finish in 2007.

Falck was a key figure on the Hawkeyes' back-to-back Big Ten and NCAA Division I championship teams in 2008 and 2009.

Falck graduated from Iowa in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in communication studies. He and his fiancée Michelle Schoening, a 2008 Iowa graduate, reside in North Liberty. Their wedding is planned for May 1, 2010.

Falck was a four-time state champion at Apple Valley (Minn.) High School. He was named Mr. Minnesota his senior year and fashioned a career prep record of 213-11.