Joe Colon looks for an opening against Tyler Graff Photo Courtesy of Tony Rotundo/WrestlersAreWarriors.com
Northern Iowa’s Joe Colon has found a new landing spot in Des Moines with Nick Mitchell and the Grand View Vikings. Colon plans to train and help coach at Grand View along with former Panther Cody Caldwell, who is in his first year of coaching with the Vikings. This will be a big boost Mitchell’s staff, not only for development of his lower weights but also for recruiting. Colon has been a contender on the national stage at 57kg since graduating from UNI in 2014, winning the 2014 Bill Farrell International Tournament and finishing second at the 2015 World Team Trials.
“My plan is to do whatever I can to help Joe continue to develop as a wrestler and a coach. He already has some opportunities in the coaching world popping up so I’m going to help him pursue the best option for him.” Head Coach, Nick Mitchell said on the hire.
Joe was a two-time state champion for Clear Lake and will be reunited with his brother Jacob Colon. Jacob, a senior, picked up his first career national championships last season and was one of three individuals to win an individual title for the Vikings. Grand View has crowned 18 national champions in the program’s eight-year history and Joe wants to help his little brother and team add to the list.
“I feel like I will fit in really well at Grand View after talking with my brother Jacob. It’s my time to get into coaching and there are few that have done with Nick Mitchell has done at Grand View.” said Joe Colon.
Joe will be a paid member of the Grand View coaching staff as well as the Viking Wrestling Club. In the NAIA there is no limit on the number of paid coaches you can have, meaning with Grand View he can run practices, recruit, fundraise, be in the corner. Something other divisions do not have the ability to do.
“I plan to coach at the highest level someday but right now Grand View gives me the opportunity to train through the 2020 Olympic games. Right now my only plan is to be in Des Moines.” Joe Colon on his future plans as an athlete. Colon’s next competition will be at the Dave Schultz International on February 2nd in Colorado Springs.
“It’s a great situation for someone who wants to compete, but also has a vision of becoming a full-time coach down the road.” Mitchell commented on the position.
Nick Mitchell has always had big plans for Grand View University and the next part of that plan is to bring in more senior level athletes.
“This is the big vision for our program, but bringing in top senior level athletes fringes on finances. The top NCAA Division I programs all have a thriving club program with a thriving fundraising base. For us to continue to consistenly bring in guys like Joe colon we will have to focus on fundraising.”
Joe Colon has moved to Des Moines and will begin his coaching duties immediately. Grand View’s next competition date is December 6th in Indianola at the Simpson Invitational.
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