Chris ChionumaCoach Chionuma will bring championship level experience to a talented Tiger squad. He began his wrestling career at Lindenwood University where he was a NAIA National Champion in 2011. In 2013, he was a starter for the Big XII Champion Oklahoma State Cowboys. That team finished 2nd in the NCAA tournament.
The unique experiences of having wrestled at the highest level at both a small program and a Division I powerhouse will be a great coaching tool for Coach Chionuma according to Coach Ward. "He knows what it's like to get a team ready to compete for a national title."
When Coach Chionuma talks about goals for the OBU squad this year, championship caliber effort is a priority. "I expect all of our athletes to give 100%. The finish will represent how much effort we will put in. I see us placing as high as top 5 this year with a national champion in our lineup." Coach Chionuma went on to add, "My goals are to bring out the best in each wrestler on and off the mat, sharpen technique and build a hard working mentality to the foundation to our program."
When asked what drew him to Ouachita Baptist, Coach Chionuma said, "I chose Ouachita because they had just begun their program and are setting the bar high for Arkansas wrestling. Being able to coach with fellow former OSU Cowboy Kevin Ward will give me the experience I need to be the best coach for our athletes as well."
Ouachita Baptist Wrestling hits the mat in November.
Coach Chris Chionuma's accomplishments:
3X NAIA All-American
2010 NAIA Runner-up
2011 NAIA National Champion
2013 Big XII Champ
2013 Starter for an Oklahoma State team that finished 2nd at the NCAA Championships
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