BELMONT, N.C. --  Interim Head Wrestling Coach Randy DeAngelo has been elevated to the position on a permanent basis, Vice President and Director of Athletics Stephen Miss announced today. DeAngelo, an assistant coach with the program since 2018, had been directing the program on an interim basis since March. DeAngelo mentored ten student-athletes who advanced to the NCAA Division II National Wrestling Championship during his time with the Crusaders.

"Since his arrival to campus in 2018, Randy DeAngelo has demonstrated a propensity for recruiting talented young men of character and integrity," Miss said. "As he is well aligned with Belmont Abbey College's mission and identity, we are very excited to elevate Coach DeAngelo to lead our Wrestling Program and anticipate achieving great success under his direction.  Our students will benefit from Randy's guidance even more in his new role as Head Coach, for his conviction in our holistic approach - body, mind, and soul - to their formation and development is as unwavering as is his passion for the sport of Wrestling."

DeAngelo came to The Abbey following an 11-year stint (2007-18) as the head coach at Southern Alamance High School in Graham, N.C. He led the Hurricanes Wrestling Club from 2000 to 2007 after beginning his coaching career as an assistant at a high school in Orlando from 1993-97.

"I am extremely grateful to Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B., President Dr. Bill Thierfelder and Stephen Miss for the opportunity to lead the wrestling program," DeAngelo said. "I am equally excited to share my Catholic faith as part of the ongoing development of these young men on and off the mat."

A 1988 graduate of Lycoming College with a bachelor's degree in history and education, DeAngelo wrestled for two seasons with the Warriors. He and Mary, his wife of 35 years, have six children -- Elizabeth, Joseph, Tony, Jake, Julia and Rocco.