"I want to express the utmost gratitude to Purdue and the wrestling family for the chance to be a part of such a fine program for the last 15 years,” said Erikson. “It has been an amazing experience to coach in the Big Ten Conference and work with so many outstanding young men. I will be forever thankful for my time at Purdue and have great pride in the things we accomplished while I was here."
Erikson joined the Boilermakers in 1998, coming on as a volunteer assistant coach under Jessie Reyes, and officially joined the staff as an assistant coach in 2000. Widely recognized as one of the top U.S. heavyweight wrestlers of all-time, Erikson lended his expertise to standouts Jake Vercelli, Tony Vaughn, Israel Blevins and Nathan Moore in addition to countless other Boilermakers.
"I want to thank Tom and his family for everything they have done for Boilermaker wrestling and the Purdue athletics department," Purdue head wrestling coach Scott Hinkel said. "He has been a great coach and friend, and we wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors."
Hinkel and Purdue athletics will begin a national search for Erikson's replacement.
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