CLARION, Pa. – Clarion wrestling head coach Keith Ferraro announced today that four-time NCAA qualifier Tyler Smith will join the Golden Eagle staff as a volunteer assistant coach for the 2018-19 season. One of the most decorated wrestlers in Bucknell history, Smith will look to help the Golden Eagles build upon the successful 2017-18 campaign.
(Photo courtesy of Bucknell Athletics)
“We are excited to welcome Tyler to our program and staff for the upcoming year,” Ferraro said. “Coming off a distinguished four-year career at Bucknell, he has an understanding of what it takes to compete against high-level competition at the most important time of the year. He’s going to make this program better with his knowledge and experience.”
Smith became just the fifth Bison to qualify for NCAA championships in all four years of collegiate competition this past year and became the first Bucknell wrestler to advance to the quarterfinals since 2011. He graduated ranked ninth all-time in program history with 107 career wins and 11th in career winning percentage at .743. Smith was a four-time place winner at EIWA Championships, topping out at second place in the 2018 tournament with a 3-1 record that included a pin, a technical fall and a decision over 18th-ranked Luke Karam of Lehigh.
Before coming to Bucknell, Smith enjoyed a fantastic high school career at powerhouse Franklin Regional. He recorded a 158-21 record through four years, winning the state championship as a junior and placing third and fifth as a senior and sophomore, respectively. He was a Freestyle All-American and USA Wrestling “Dream Team” selection in 2013, as well as an All-USA First Team pick in 2014.
Smith graduated from Bucknell this past spring with a degree in Political Science. He intends to pursue a Master’s degree at Clarion.
Copyright © 2024 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited.
