Lakeland University Head Wrestling coach Mike DeRoehn, who is uniquely entering his second first season leading the Muskies after previously guiding the program from 2010-2014, has assembled what he describes as a "dynamic" coaching staff entering the 2022-23 wrestling season.

"One of the first steps I felt would be critical in rebuilding a nationally competitive program was to create a rock solid foundation with our coaching staff," said DeRoehn. "The most important thing in assembling this group of people is that they align with the newly established core principles of the program, which are Fight, Integrity, Success Minded/Solution Driven, Hard Working (F.I.S.H.). They're all good people who care about doing things the right way, coaching student-athletes in all three dimensions (body, mind & spirit) and are successful men in their lives outside of wrestling, so they will also serve as positive role models to the young men in our program."

With over a decade of service to Muskie Wrestling, Hall of Fame Coach Fred Brown returns again this year and will play a key role in practices, meets, program logistics and much more.

"I asked Coach Brown to come join my staff when I coached here the first time because I knew what a terrific coach and person he was," said DeRoehn. "He has been the one constant in this program over the past ten years which says a lot about who he is. Coach Brown is a dedicated, passionate, servant leader with a wealth of wrestling knowledge and I'm grateful he chose to stay on."

With the philosophy of using three-dimensional coaching strategies to maximize the potential and enhance the student-athlete experience, DeRoehn sought the help of another former Muskie Head Wrestling Coach, Peter Rogers.

"Peter Rogers is one of the absolute best people I know, who is also a terrific coach and motivator," said DeRoehn. "He will be serving specifically as our Mindset Coach working with the team regularly on the mental side of the sport which is absolutely crucial to succeed in NCAA wrestling and I couldn't be more excited for our current and future wrestlers to learn from him."

After a stand-out athletic career as a three-time Wisconsin state champion and representing Ohio State University at the NCAA Championships, Rogers spent nine seasons building Lakeland wrestling into a nationally ranked, top-25 program. Under Rogers, the Muskies won three conference championships and finished as high as 21st at the NCAA Championships. Following his time at Lakeland, Rogers served as an assistant coach at Purdue University from 2010-2014.

Three of DeRoehn's former student-athletes will play key roles primarily working hands-on with the team in the wrestling room. Lakeland graduates Rainger Rossway ('17) and Mitchell Fucile ('17) will be in the room along with Jon Goetz, who represented UW-Platteville at the NCAA tournament three times, including the 2018 NCAA Championship Finals. Goetz was also a three-time Academic All-American.

Rossway represented the Muskies as the team's starting heavyweight during DeRoehn's previous tenure.  Fucile is one of Lakeland's all-time greats, finishing his career as a two-time NCAA National Qualifier and four-time Academic All-American.

"I was fortunate to recruit and coach all three of these guys and am so proud of the men they've developed into," DeRoehn stated. "They will provide plenty of hands-on, deliberate practice that can only be done in the wrestling room and I can't wait to see the positive impact they make with the guys!"

When asked why they chose to get back involved with the program, Rossway shared: "Coach DeRoehn helped mold me into a better wrestler and a better man. When I saw that he was hired back at Lakeland, I immediately picked up the phone and reached out to offer any help I could." 

Fucile added, "I wanted to give back to the sport of wrestling and help these student-athletes reach their goals. Whether it's advice about their academics or on the mat, I just hope to relay my knowledge anyway I can."

Goetz will be providing individual/small group sessions with the Muskies on a consistent basis and shared, "Coach DeRoehn has been such a huge part of my life on and off the wrestling mat throughout high school and college. I was very excited to hear of him becoming the head coach at Lakeland. With my added free time in my new career path, I was very excited to have the opportunity to help out with the Lakeland wrestling program and continue to help it build into the powerhouse it has the potential to be."

Rounding out the coaching staff will be Jim Cowdy, another local, passionate coach with years of experience and prior connection to the program.

"Coach Cowdy volunteered to help us the first time I coached here and along with Coach Brown, he was one of the first people I reached out to," said DeRoehn. "He's passionate about the sport and deeply studies technique. But more importantly, he has a heart to serve and wants to make a positive difference in the lives of our wrestlers long term."

Cowdy will be assisting in the wrestling room while also offering opportunities to grow spiritually for members of the team who wish to pursue it, such as bible studies and Fellowship of Christian Athlete activities.

Official practices began Oct. 10 and the Muskies will have a month of training prior to their first dual meet at Concordia University Wisconsin Thursday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m.