Mike MenaMena brings to Lincoln College varied collegiate coaching experience, most recently having served as head assistant coach at University of Dubuque, an NCAA Division III program in northeast Iowa, for the past five seasons. Prior to that, Mena worked as an assistant to the coaching staff at two Division I programs, starting at Indiana University, then at Cal State University Bakersfield.
Before launching his coaching career nearly two decades ago, Mena made a name for himself on the mat. At Sterling Newman Catholic High School, Mena became the first wrestler to win four state titles at the Illinois state championships with an undefeated record. He then headed west to wrestle for the Iowa Hawkeyes, where he was a four-time NCAA All-American and NCAA finalist for legendary head coach Dan Gable. Mena graduated from Iowa in 1997.
Mena takes the helm of a program that earlier this year placed fourth in the final team standings at the 2017 NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) National Wrestling Championships, with five Lynx wrestlers earning All-American honors out of ten weight classes.
"I am very excited about Mike being our next coach," said Lincoln College Athletic Director Dave Klemm. "Mike possesses outstanding coaching and recruiting skills that should lead to the continued success of the Lynx wrestling program here at Lincoln College."
"I am humbled and honored to serve as head wrestling coach at Lincoln College, a school that has a legacy of academic and athletic excellence," Mena said. "I would like to thank President Gerlach, Athletic Director Dave Klemm, and the board of trustees for this wonderful opportunity and for believing in me. Additionally, I would like to thank my family for all their love and support. I am looking forward to working closely with the administration, faculty, staff and student-athletes on a daily basis to execute the mission and values of Lincoln College."
Located in Lincoln, Ill., Lincoln College is a private college that describes itself as a hybrid, offering both two- and four-year degree programs. Founded in 1865, Lincoln is the only institution named for President Abraham Lincoln during his lifetime. The college has an enrollment of approximately 1,100 students.
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