Grant to retire following 2011 season

Northern Illinois wrestling coach Dave Grant will retire following the 2011 season, Grant announced this morning.

"Wrestling has changed my life and created so many opportunities for me," Grant said. "Northern Illinois has been a great place, and I love this program and the student-athletes. We took a program that in 1996 was in desperate need of rebuilding and have transformed it into a nationally-competitive team."

Grant said he looks forward to his 15th season at Northern Illinois as the Huskies will play host to the Mid-American Conference Wrestling Championships at the Convocation Center.

"We have a strong group of seniors and letterwinners returning next season," Grant said. "We plan to have a great year and make a run for the title. With the completion of the world-class wrestling room [in 2009], a top-notch staff and the student-athletes we have in our program, everything is in place to take Northern Illinois wrestling to the next level."

Grant has coached 20 Northern Illinois wrestlers in 38 NCAA Championships appearances and led the Huskies to a top three placing in the Mid-American Conference seven times in the last 10 years.

"We wish Dave all the best in his future endeavors," NIU Director of Athletics Jeff Compher said. "He has enriched our program and built a legacy of success at Northern Illinois. We plan on continuing that legacy going forward with our wrestling program. I appreciate the determination and loyalty Dave has shown while elevating NIU Wrestling."