KENOSHA, Wis. -- Dr. Corey VanGroll '09 is stepping down as the Parkside head wrestling coach, Director of Athletics Andrew Gavin announced on Monday. VanGroll directed the program for four seasons after returning to his alma mater in 2017.

"I want to thank the past and present team members for buying into me and for their constant work," VanGroll said. "Grinding day in and day out with the team is what I will miss most. Thank you to Andrew Gavin and the rest of the department administrators for the opportunity and the support for the past four years. I would also like to thank the alumni and my coaching staff for their unwavering passion of Parkside Wrestling. Being the Head Wrestling Coach at my alma mater was my pleasure and a true honor. Parkside Wrestling is alive and well, and the future is very bright." 

VanGroll led the wrestling program to significant success on and off the mat in his time as head coach. In 2018, the Rangers finished third nationally on the strength of five All-Americans and Nick Becker's third-straight national title. Parkside also had two national qualifiers in 2019, three in 2020, and two in 2021, including Joe Arroyo claiming third place at the 2021 NCAA Championships.

Off the mat, VanGroll directed the fundraising and facility project for the renovation and dedication of the Jim Koch Wrestling Center. The project transformed the wrestling room into a state-of-the-art practice facility, enhancing recruiting efforts and student-athlete experience while honoring the legendary career of the late Jim Koch.

"We are extremely appreciative for the passion, dedication, and hard work that Coach VanGroll poured into the past four years," Gavin said. "He cares deeply about Parkside Wrestling and our student-athletes, and we will miss his leadership on our staff. We wish Corey, Madeline, and Claire nothing but our best."  

Parkside Wrestling joined the Northern Sun Intercollegiate prior to the 2020-21 season, allowing the program to compete in the nation's best wrestling conference. The Rangers will prepare to host its home dual schedule in the renovated De Simone Gymnasium beginning in 2021-22.

Parkside will immediately commence a search for the program's next head coach.

"We are committed to finding the right leader for our storied program," Gavin said. "After joining the NSIC, renovating the Jim Koch Wrestling Room and De Simone Gym, and investing additional resources into the program and our athletics department, Parkside Wrestling and our student-athletes are well positioned to achieve excellence in and out of competition."