Richie Manning has been tabbed as the first head women's wrestling coach at Upper Iowa University.
"I am very excited about the passion and energy that Richie brings to our athletic department and the new women's wrestling program," said UIU Vice President for Athletics Rick Hartzell. "He has the zeal and expertise to build a great program and I am looking forward to helping him do that."
Manning spent the last couple of months in Iowa Falls, Iowa as an assistant wrestling coach at Ellsworth Community College. Prior to his short time with the Panthers, he was an assistant coach at Montreat College with the men's program and was named the school's first head women's wrestling coach when the college announced plans to start the program in September of 2021. He coached the women's program through the 2022-23 season.
"I feel pure joy taking this position because this is something I've worked very hard for, and I feel as though I have earned it," said Manning. "I'm thankful to Upper Iowa University, the other wrestling coaches on staff and Rick Hartzell for taking a chance on me to hopefully do something special here. I'm very proud to be a Peacock."
The Binghamton, New York product went to Montreat after several years with the wrestling program at Limestone University, a NCAA Division II school in Gaffney, South Carolina. After beginning his collegiate wrestling career at Tompkins Cortland Community College, he wrestled for the Saints at Limestone to close out his eligible competitive years. In 2015 and 2016, Manning served as a student assistant coach while completing his Bachelor's degree in physical education. From 2016-19, Manning volunteered as an assistant coach helping to guide the team to a 29-17 record in duals.
"I believe everyone wants to develop a culture that is like a family," noted Manning. "Here at UIU, my goal is to help these young ladies see the potential in themselves and realize how remarkable the overall program can be. I think we are going to create one heck of a culture."
On the mat, Manning earned second place in freestyle and third place in Greco-Roman at the 2017 Masters World Championships after claiming first place in Greco-Roman and third place in freestyle at the 2017 Masters National Wrestling Tournament.
Manning currently carries a USA Bronze certification and has spent time coaching athletes at the prestigious Bill Farrell Open and U.S. Open. He also spent time in Lima, Peru working out with athletes at the Olympic training center. Manning's coaching career began as the lead of the Shamrock Wrestling Club in central New York.
"I have the utmost confidence that Coach Manning can recruit, mentor, guide, and help young women grow their skills in the wrestling room and their qualities necessary to be successful in life after college," said Hartzell. "First and foremost, he is passionate about helping young athletes grow. Winning follows right behind that, fitting with how I view intercollegiate athletics. We appreciate him getting started with us and are excited to see the direction he takes the program."
