MONTREAT, N.C.— Jim Connaghan, who was named the associate head coach for the Montreat men's wrestling program in May, has been promoted to head coach as announced by the athletic department this month.
 
Connaghan captained the Cavaliers to a 4-10 overall record and a 4-6 record in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) in his first year at the helm. Montreat won three straight duals in January of 2024, and a pair of athletes captured AAC Wrestler of the Week honors under his guidance.
 
During the 2022-23 school year, Connaghan assisted with the wrestling programs at Montreat. While obtaining his degree in exercise science from the college, the Englewood, Fla. native held a student assistant position with men's wrestling and acted as a strength and conditioning coach for both wrestling programs.
 
Connaghan wrestled for the Cavaliers for two seasons following time spent at Graceland University and Iowa Lakes Community College. He amassed several honors over his career, including placing at the 2018 Armed Forces Wrestling Tournament, qualifying for NJCAA nationals in 2014 and placing at the Florida high school state tournament in 2013.
 
The Cavaliers will look toward continued success as a program under Connaghan during the 2024-25 school year.