"We are proud to add one of the great wrestling Buckeyes to the Ohio state coaching staff," Ryan, who is entering his fifth season leading the Scarlet and Gray, said. "Mike has been a standout in every aspect of his life for many years. We are all anxious to see Mike pass his knowledge on to the next generation.
"J Jaggers brings a long successful resume to the Buckeye program. He has accomplished many great things as a competitor and student. His deep-rooted passion for the Buckeyes makes him a great addition to the staff."
In addition to his integral role in the gym and his coaching duties during matches, Jaggers, a two-time NCAA champion in 2008 and 2009 at 141 pounds, will also assist the Ohio State Athletics Department's Fan Experience and Promotions staff in marketing all home matches for the upcoming 2010-11 season. (For the complete 2010-11 wrestling schedule, click HERE). The 2009 Ohio State Male Athlete of the Year, Jaggers also will work heavily in securing fundraising dollars for a program that has grown tremendously in terms of competition status. Jaggers also will serve as the team liaison, providing up-to-date team information to the squad during summer and holiday breaks.
In 2009 as the volunteer assistant coach, Jaggers helped mentor former teammate Reece Humphrey, who took over the starting spot at 141 pounds, following Jagger's graduation. Humphrey went on to finish third at the NCAA championships, earning his second All-America laurel.
Jaggers concluded his Buckeye career in impressive fashion, becoming just the third wrestler in program history to win two national titles. A three-time All-American and four-time NCAA qualifier, Jaggers compiled 107 wins during his career. After winning his first national title in 2008, he was honored by the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission with Collegiate Athlete of the Year.
Excelling in the classroom, Jaggers was a three-time NWCA All-Academic Team member, two-time Academic All-Big Ten and Ohio State Scholar-Athlete recipient. Jaggers earned his bachelor's degree in communication in March 2009.
In his coaching capacity, Pucillo, the 2008 Big Ten and NCAA Champion at 184 pounds, also will create the team's community service plan. In the past, the Buckeyes have worked closely with the 2nd and 7 Foundation, which is a program that strives to eliminate illiteracy, as well as volunteered at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Last season, the wrestling program generated 244 hours of community service under former assistant Joe Heskett. Pucillo will oversee the team managers, while also working on postseason travel information. Additionally, he will work closely with Jaggers in the fundraising department.
Pucillo finished his Buckeye career as a three-time All-American. Also the 2009 NCAA runner-up at 184 pounds, Pucillo amassed several impressive streaks during his collegiate career, including winning 43-consecutive matches entering the 2009 Big Ten Championships. He also finished the 2008 and 2009 Big Ten seasons undefeated and was the 2006 Cliff Keen Las Vegas Collegiate Wrestling Invitational champion. Of note too, is his 5-0 record at the 2009 NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals in Cedar Falls, Iowa. En route to that perfect ledger, Pucillo defeated three Top 20 opponents.
In the classroom, Pucillo, who earned a bachelor's degree in communication in March 2010, was a two-time NWCA All-Academic selection, Academic All-Big Ten and Ohio State Scholar-Athlete.
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