July 9, 2014

OREM, Utah - Utah Valley University head wrestling coach Greg Williams announced on Wednesday the addition of Ethen Lofthouse to his coaching staff. The two-time All-American at the University of Iowa will join Williams' staff as a volunteer assistant next month.

"We're excited to have Ethen join our staff. He brings a lot of great experience and work ethic here to our program, as he competed for Iowa," said Williams. "We're looking forward to having him bring that experience with him here to Utah Valley."

Lofthouse is not only a two-time NCAA All-American but also a four-time Utah State Champion during his high school days at Mountain Crest High School in Hyrum, Utah. The Avon, Utah, native went an impressive 192-7 during his high school career, which included an unblemished 47-0 mark during his sophomore campaign.

Lofthouse will bring a wealth of mat experience with him to Orem, as he is also a four-time Junior National All-American and Cadet All-American. The former Hawkeye also won two Greco National Championships as well as one Junior Freestyle National Championship. He is also a two-time Junior FILA Freestyle National Champion as well as a sophomore and junior Folkstyle National Champion.

During the past five years at the University of Iowa (2009-2014), Lofthouse posted a 91-32 career record while competing at 174 and 184 pounds. This past season, the Hawkeye 184-pounder went an impressive 21-4 and 10-1 in duals. He also placed second at the Big Ten Tournament to qualify for his fourth consecutive trip to the NCAA Championships.

"I'm really excited to get back into wresting in the state of Utah and be on the coaching side of things," Lofthouse said. "I'm also looking forward to recruiting the kids here in Utah and being able to help get the max potential out of them. I can't wait to step into UVU's room and I'm looking forward to helping make the program move on up." 

Lofthouse comes from a wrestling family, as his uncle Luke Lofthouse also wrestled for Iowa (2005-11) and his little brother Raider Lofthouse will begin his freshman season at UVU this winter.

"It will be a little bit different to be one of Raider's coaches as we're only a year apart, but I think it will definitely be beneficial for both of us," added Lofthouse. "I'm excited to be able put my focus into his wrestling as well as all of the other members of the team."

Lofthouse will replace Cyler Sanderson's vacated spot on Williams' staff as Sanderson recently headed back to Pennsylvania to compete for the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club. While in State College, Pa., Sanderson will train for the 2016 Olympics.