Travis Mercado named inaugural women's wrestling coach at Colorado Mesa University
Share:
by Colorado Mesa Athletics
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Colorado Mesa University Co-Directors of Athletics Kris Mort and Bryan Rooks announced the hiring of Travis Mercado as the University's first women's wrestling coach on Tuesday (May 8) afternoon.
"We are excited to announce Coach Mercado as our inaugural head women's wrestling coach. He has a proven and impressive track record with a tremendous ability to recruit and relate to the women's wrestling community," Co-Director of Athletics Kris Mort said.
"We are very anxious to roll out the mat and start making wrestling history around the globe," she continued.
Mercado comes to Colorado Mesa after spending the past three years, helping turn King University (Tenn.) into a perennial power as the NCAA Division II's institution's associate head coach of women's wrestling.
During his tenure with the Tornado, he coached the team to three first place finishes at the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) National Duals and three first place finishes at Women's Collegiate Wrestling Association (WCWA) National Tournament.
He also trained 10 USA Olympic Trials competitors and nine USA Junior National Team members.
"First, I would like to thank President Tim Foster, Co-Athletic Directors Kris Mort and Bryan Rooks, Dave Jahnke, and the search committee on giving me this opportunity to join Colorado Mesa University athletic department as the first head coach for the women's wrestling team," Mercado said.
"Being on campus I could see how enthusiastic and supportive of the addition of women's wrestling is not only in the athletic department but across all departments. Knowing that we have support from all corners of the university excites me especially when starting a new program," Mercado stated.
"I am looking forward to building a strong foundation for a successful future here at Colorado Mesa. We have all the necessary resources to be successful and excel not only at the collegiate level, but also helping these young women attain goals on the international level. Along with success on the mat and in the classroom, I hope to build young women of character who will be role models within the community," he added.
Prior to his time at King University, Mercado was a graduate assistant at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Ky. He coached the Patriots to a fifth place finish at the NWCA National Duals and had four WCWA All-Americans.
He began his coaching career in his home state of California, leading the Covina High School boys' program for two seasons. The team featured approximately 40 males and six females.
Mercado earned his bachelor of science and master of science degrees from Cal State-Fullerton. He earned his bachelor's in kinesiology with a focus in sport studies in 2009 before earning his master's in kinesiology with a focus in sport psychology, coaching techniques and strength and conditioning.
He also wrestled for the Cal State-Fullerton club program, Titan Wrestling Club, for five seasons where he competed at the FILA Junior Freestyle Championships and the Men's U.S. Senior National Tournament.
"My family and I are very excited to be future Mavericks and join the Grand Junction community. I cannot wait to get started," Mercado added.
"We are excited to announce Coach Mercado as our inaugural head women's wrestling coach. He has a proven and impressive track record with a tremendous ability to recruit and relate to the women's wrestling community," Co-Director of Athletics Kris Mort said.
"We are very anxious to roll out the mat and start making wrestling history around the globe," she continued.
Mercado comes to Colorado Mesa after spending the past three years, helping turn King University (Tenn.) into a perennial power as the NCAA Division II's institution's associate head coach of women's wrestling.
During his tenure with the Tornado, he coached the team to three first place finishes at the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) National Duals and three first place finishes at Women's Collegiate Wrestling Association (WCWA) National Tournament.
He also trained 10 USA Olympic Trials competitors and nine USA Junior National Team members.
"First, I would like to thank President Tim Foster, Co-Athletic Directors Kris Mort and Bryan Rooks, Dave Jahnke, and the search committee on giving me this opportunity to join Colorado Mesa University athletic department as the first head coach for the women's wrestling team," Mercado said.
"Being on campus I could see how enthusiastic and supportive of the addition of women's wrestling is not only in the athletic department but across all departments. Knowing that we have support from all corners of the university excites me especially when starting a new program," Mercado stated.
"I am looking forward to building a strong foundation for a successful future here at Colorado Mesa. We have all the necessary resources to be successful and excel not only at the collegiate level, but also helping these young women attain goals on the international level. Along with success on the mat and in the classroom, I hope to build young women of character who will be role models within the community," he added.
Prior to his time at King University, Mercado was a graduate assistant at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Ky. He coached the Patriots to a fifth place finish at the NWCA National Duals and had four WCWA All-Americans.
He began his coaching career in his home state of California, leading the Covina High School boys' program for two seasons. The team featured approximately 40 males and six females.
Mercado earned his bachelor of science and master of science degrees from Cal State-Fullerton. He earned his bachelor's in kinesiology with a focus in sport studies in 2009 before earning his master's in kinesiology with a focus in sport psychology, coaching techniques and strength and conditioning.
He also wrestled for the Cal State-Fullerton club program, Titan Wrestling Club, for five seasons where he competed at the FILA Junior Freestyle Championships and the Men's U.S. Senior National Tournament.
"My family and I are very excited to be future Mavericks and join the Grand Junction community. I cannot wait to get started," Mercado added.
Read More#
Ali (Bernard) Sprenger named Augsburg head women's wrestling coach
Senior World Team Trials Challenge Tournament Special Section
Final X women’s freestyle preview: Olympic medalists Maroulis, Gray, Hildebrandt, three other World champs headline field
Over 100 already registered for World Team Trials Challenge Tournament; 13 added to field after changing weight class
