University of Dubuque Names Mena as Assistant in Spartan Wrestling
Aug 24, 2012 | UD Sports Info
Dubuque, Iowa - Former University of Iowa standout Mike Mena has been named to the University of Dubuque wrestling staff, Head Coach Jon McGovern announced.
Previously, Mike served as an assistant coach for nine seasons for the Indiana University wrestling program. Mena worked extensively with the Hoosier lightweights. His tutelage led to a 125-lbs. national championship for Indiana in several seasons at Indiana. In 2008, Mena guided Angel Escobedo to an incredible 34-1 season that ended with the national title after guiding Joe Dubuque to back-to-back 125-lbs. national championships, in 2004 and 2005
Mena is a three-time U.S. freestyle national team member, earning the status by finishing in the top three at the U.S. World Team Trials in 1999, 2001 and 2003. Mena also competed at the 2000 Olympic trials in Dallas, finishing fifth, while at the 2004 USA Olympic Trials in Indianapolis he placed seventh. Mena won gold medals at the New York Athletic Club International, Sunkist International and the 2000 Olympic Qualification International in Mexico. By winning the gold in Mexico, Mena ensured the U.S. would qualify the 119-pound weight class to the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. Additionally, he placed six times at the U.S. senior level Freestyle National Championship.
Mena graduated from the University of Iowa in 1997 where he was a four-time NCAA All-American and a Big-10 Champion. The Iowa graduate played an important part on three NCAA Team Championship Teams for legendary wrestling coach Dan Gable.
The Rock Falls, Ill. native is a graduate of Newman Central Catholic H.S. Mena is the only four-time undefeated state champion in the history of Illinois wrestling. He finished his career with a 157-0 record. Mena has three daughters, Elisia, Makaley, and Gracie.
Head Coach Jon McGovern and Mike Mena both competed for three seasons under the tutelage of Dan Gable with the Hawkeye Wrestling Club.
"Mike is a proven coach and will be a great addition to our coaching staff.” stated Head Spartan Coach Jon McGovern.
