“I think Justin is the right man for the job, he held together the wrestling program this spring after Robin’s (Ersland) departure.” UCM Athletic Director Jerry Hughes said. “This will make it a smooth transition as he already knows the student-athletes, staff, school and community.”
Ensign served the past two years as a graduate assistant coach under Robin Ersland, who left UCM for the head position at Minot State (N.D.) following the season. During the past two campaigns the Mules have compiled a 14-16 dual record, while finishing in the top 25 at the National Championships both seasons (18th in 2009, 22nd in 2010). Ensign also helped guide the Mules to five individual All-American performances.
"I am very thankful and excited for this opportunity given to me by Athletic Director Jerry Hughes and the administration.” Ensign said. “Central Missouri is a great academic institution with rich wrestling tradition. We have had some legendary head coaches in Roger Denker, Mike Hagerty, and one of my mentors, Robin Ersland. I hope to continue their legacy of the Mules wrestling program into the future. We have a good group of guys returning and I can’t wait to get to work."
Ensign came to UCM from Division I Wagner University in Staten Island, N.Y., where he coached for one season after a four-year career for the Seahawks. During his career there, he was named team MVP two times. He spent two seasons ranked in the top 5 in the CAA and was a two-year team captain, and two-time Iron Man award winner. He was a four-year starter, twice at 141 and two at 149 pounds. He was coached his first two years by Joe Ryan and spent his last two under current Tiffin University head coach Doug Jesse.
As a coach, Ensign spent the 2007-08 season as the lone assistant, helping the team finish fourth at the Virginia Duals. He also had two NCAA-I East Region third place winners.
The Cherry Hill, N.J. native earned his bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education and Sociology from Wagner in 2007 and is working on his master’s in Sport Administration at UCM.
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