Nov. 29, 2006

Virginia head wrestling coach Steve Garland was named the National Assistant Coach of the Year by the National Wrestling Coaches' Association, as announced by the organization recently. Garland, who returned to his alma mater in April after serving as an assistant coach at Cornell for six seasons, helped the Big Red finish fifth in the nation and landed a top-10 class each year as the recruiting coordinator.

"This is a very special award as it comes from my peers," said Garland. "It is always nice to be recognized for one's work, but coming from those with whom you interact professionally on a regular basis, it is an incredible honor."

In 2005-2006, Garland landed the second-ranked recruiting class in the nation, including Troy Nickerson, who finished as the NCAA runner-up as a true freshman, competing at 125. The Big Red finished fifth nationally, and four Cornell student-athletes earned All-American honors for the second consecutive year.

"A number of people who are icons in our sport have won this award," said Garland, "and to be included in a list such as this with them is a very humbling honor."

The Virginia wrestling team competes this weekend (Dec. 1-2) at the Las Vegas Invitational.