ALAMOSA, Colo. – One of the most recognized names in Colorado wrestling history, Kyle Sand has made a return to the Grizzly coaching staff. Sand, who was a two-time NCAA Champion and three-time All-American, will be mat side for Grizzly wrestlers as Adams State University Athletic Director Katelyn Smith announced and welcomed Sand as the First Head Women's Wrestling Coach in program history.
"Adding women's wrestling has already brought a lot of excitement to our department and the community. Kyle is the perfect fit to get this program up and running," noted Smith. "His passion for the sport, experience and energy were exactly what we were looking for and we are excited to see where he takes this program."
"On behalf of my wife, Gretchen, and I, I would like to thank the Athletic Director Katelyn Smith, the search committee, and the University for trusting me with this amazing opportunity to lead the Grizzlies Women's wrestling team," said Sand. "There is a lot of excitement around campus and athletics here, and I love Katelyn's vision for the future of our team. Women's wrestling is growing rapidly throughout the nation and I our program Is going to A great place to help expand the sport. It is a great honor to be back in this great environment Adam State University and I look forward to long career coaching for the Grizzlies!"
During his time as a Grizzly grappler, Sand posted a 44-20 combined record while winning the 184-pound title at the 2009 NCAA Division II National Championship in Houston, Texas. He was also named as the state's Collegiate Wrestler of the Year by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame-Colorado Chapter for that season that saw him go 23-10 while also winning the RMAC/NCAA West Region title.
He also went 23-10 last year while qualifying for the NCAA Division II National Championships at 197 pounds and was 19-3 in dual meets during his two seasons as a Grizzly.
Before joining the Grizzly program for the 2008-09 season, Sand trained at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs during portions of the 2007-08 season and was the 2007 National Junior College Athletic Association National Champion for North Idaho College in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. He had also placed fourth at the NJCAA National Championships as a freshman in 2006.
Sand is also well known for his high school accomplishments and became the first and so far only 4-time undefeated state champion in Colorado High School history going a perfect 125-0 while winning 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 crowns while wrestling for the Arvada West High School Wildcats. His 125-match consecutive winning streak is still the second longest in state history.
After departing Adams State, Sand was in Grand Junction working as a Youth Staff Supervisor Grand Mesa Youth Services Center and at Ecogen Laboratories while also serving as the Head Wrestling coach at Grand Junction High School from 2019-22.
