Jake SinkovicsWILLIAMSBURG, Ky. -- In preparation for their 2019-2020 campaign, University of the Cumberlands head men's wrestling coach Jordan Countryman announced several changes to his coaching staff. Countryman promoted former graduate assistant Jake Sinkovics to an assistant coach while adding two new graduate assistants to the crew.
"I can't wait to get started with this staff," Countryman said. "They're energetic, positive role models and they know what it takes to win at the highest level."
Sinkovics was promoted to a full-time assistant role after a brief stint as a graduate assistant. Last year, he helped the Patriots on their way to an undefeated conference season and second-place finish at the Mid-South Conference Championships.
"It feels great knowing that I've got people behind me who put their trust in me to take on this responsibility," Sinkovics said. "I'm excited about this year for our team we have a lot of talent and a lot of work ethic, I think we're going to do some great things."
Sinkovics graduated from Cumberlands in 2018, highlighting his resume with an NAIA national title in the 133 lbs. weight class to top his undefeated senior season. The four-time NAIA All-American was also a three-time MSC Champion and Freshman of the Year.
"We're really happy to move him into a full-time position with the program," Countryman said. "He really loves this program and the team, he's awesome at building relationships with each guy, and he knows how to get the most out of each individual and help them reach their full potential as an athlete."
Bringing fresh eyes to the mats, Kegan Calkins will begin his first year as a graduate assistant for Cumberlands. As a three-year starter, Calkins accumulated 44 wins against Division I opponents during his collegiate career at Oregon State. He also was a two-time Fargo All-American in high school, taking a state championship his senior season.
"Calkins comes from a very well-respected background and is going to help make an impact right away," Countryman said.
Another former Patriot added to the coaching ranks this season under the name Hayden Lee. He joins the staff after two years with Cumberlands as a student, graduating this past May. During his wrestling career with the Patriots, Lee was an NAIA National Champion in the 125 lbs. weight class in 2018 and undefeated against MSC opponents in both seasons.
"Lee has a ton of respect and trust with the team already," Countryman said. "He's going to be a very dynamic recruiter, and he'll be a huge asset to our lightweight guys."
Cumberlands begins their 2019-2020 campaign on November 2 with the annual Patriot Open.
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