Ohio State's innovative wrestling staff changes complete
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by Kyle Kuhlman, The Ohio State
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State University wrestling program staff includes two new faces and two familiar names serving in new roles for the 2018-19 season. Anthony Ralph, the team’s Volunteer Coach the last two years, has been promoted to Director of Recruiting & Operations while four-time All-American Bo Jordan takes over the Volunteer Coach duties following his graduation. In addition, Riley Ross and Ryan Mantel are also on board as the Director of Wresting Sports Science & Performance and Assistant Director of Operations, respectively.
Ralph is no stranger to team trophies having ended six of this last nine seasons as a Big Ten champion (2017, 2018) or national champion (2014 NCAA D-III; 2010, 2011, 2012 NAIA) for Ohio State and Notre Dame College. His recruiting prowess was responsible for bringing in the No. 1-ranked class in the country for five straight years (20012-16) according to Amateur Wrestling News and has found continued success attracting premier prospects to call Columbus home. Ralph was a talented grappler himself, seizing the 157-pound Mid-American Conference title and advancing to the 1997 D-I NCAA Championships.
“Anthony has been instrumental in our recruiting success,” Tom Ryan, head coach, said. “We are really fortunate that our administration and the university has supported us in transitioning Coach Ralph from on the mat into a Director of Recruiting & Operations role that will allow him to concentrate and put forth full-time focus on recruiting and operations.”
Jordan wrapped up his collegiate competition this past season with a total of 89 career victories. He’s a former Big Ten champion, NCAA finalist and one of the most decorated wrestlers in Ohio State history as four-time All-American. Jordan will serve as an example of a STUDENT-athlete, too, owner of three NWCA All-Academic awards.
“Bo comes from a rich coaching background obviously, the Jordan Family. We don’t lose him after graduation. That’s key. One of the great wrestling careers in Ohio State history. Looking forward to keeping Bo in the room. We want men that can lead. Bo brings that example to the room.”
Ross will be responsible for integrating analytics, technology, and strength and conditioning strategies for one of the nation’s elite programs. He comes to Ohio State with a unique background in performance, assessment and prescriptions, as well as analytics in the tactical and private sector. Prior, he was a Tactical Strength and Conditioning Specialist with 7th Special Operations Forces soldiers from an anti-terrorism task force in Florida. On the mat, Ross was a two-time NCAA D-II All-American at Nebraska-Kearney.
"Riley Ross is an expert in sports science and no other wrestling program in the country has a position like this. Our end goal here is to development our student-athletes to their full genetic potential, and Riley is crucial in accomplishing that.”
Mantel coached high school wrestling for five years in central Indiana before moving to Columbus to pursue a graduate degree in sport management. The Ball State graduate will assist Ralph with much of the program operations tasks and focus extensively on running camps and clinics.
“Love Ryan Mantel, he’s been a gift to us. Extensive experience and organizational skills as a high school teacher and wrestling coach. Been a blessing to the program and will be a nice addition to our staff while he pursues his master’s degree.”
Ralph is no stranger to team trophies having ended six of this last nine seasons as a Big Ten champion (2017, 2018) or national champion (2014 NCAA D-III; 2010, 2011, 2012 NAIA) for Ohio State and Notre Dame College. His recruiting prowess was responsible for bringing in the No. 1-ranked class in the country for five straight years (20012-16) according to Amateur Wrestling News and has found continued success attracting premier prospects to call Columbus home. Ralph was a talented grappler himself, seizing the 157-pound Mid-American Conference title and advancing to the 1997 D-I NCAA Championships.
“Anthony has been instrumental in our recruiting success,” Tom Ryan, head coach, said. “We are really fortunate that our administration and the university has supported us in transitioning Coach Ralph from on the mat into a Director of Recruiting & Operations role that will allow him to concentrate and put forth full-time focus on recruiting and operations.”
Jordan wrapped up his collegiate competition this past season with a total of 89 career victories. He’s a former Big Ten champion, NCAA finalist and one of the most decorated wrestlers in Ohio State history as four-time All-American. Jordan will serve as an example of a STUDENT-athlete, too, owner of three NWCA All-Academic awards.
“Bo comes from a rich coaching background obviously, the Jordan Family. We don’t lose him after graduation. That’s key. One of the great wrestling careers in Ohio State history. Looking forward to keeping Bo in the room. We want men that can lead. Bo brings that example to the room.”
Ross will be responsible for integrating analytics, technology, and strength and conditioning strategies for one of the nation’s elite programs. He comes to Ohio State with a unique background in performance, assessment and prescriptions, as well as analytics in the tactical and private sector. Prior, he was a Tactical Strength and Conditioning Specialist with 7th Special Operations Forces soldiers from an anti-terrorism task force in Florida. On the mat, Ross was a two-time NCAA D-II All-American at Nebraska-Kearney.
"Riley Ross is an expert in sports science and no other wrestling program in the country has a position like this. Our end goal here is to development our student-athletes to their full genetic potential, and Riley is crucial in accomplishing that.”
Mantel coached high school wrestling for five years in central Indiana before moving to Columbus to pursue a graduate degree in sport management. The Ball State graduate will assist Ralph with much of the program operations tasks and focus extensively on running camps and clinics.
“Love Ryan Mantel, he’s been a gift to us. Extensive experience and organizational skills as a high school teacher and wrestling coach. Been a blessing to the program and will be a nice addition to our staff while he pursues his master’s degree.”
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