Hirsch Named Wrestling Coach

Alfred State Director of Athletics Jason Doviak has removed the interim title and has named Rob Hirsch the head wrestling coach. Hirsch served as the interim head coach last year and has been with the program the past three years.

Hirsch has been the wrestling community as a coach since 2001. He served for over a decade as the varsity wrestling coach at Warsaw Central School where he managed the coaching staff, created practice plans, coordinated events, and coached athletes all levels from modified to varsity. He also served as an assistant football coach during his time there.

Hirsch has also spent time serving as the coach and the coordinator for NYS Women's Wrestling. In 2014, he was named the USA Wrestling Coach of the Year by Asics.

Last year as the interim head coach, Hirsch led the Pioneers to a 7-8 dual meet record and a 11th place finish at the NCWA National Championships. Ian Van Valen became the program's first NCWA National Champion and was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler at the NCWA National Championships while Ryan Mattison wrestled to a 5th place finish and All-American honors.

Hirsch has a master's degree in education from Buffalo State, a bachelor's degree in History with a minor in education from Brockport, and a associate's degree in history and education from Genesee CC. He has worked as a social studies teacher since 2001.

Doviak is excited to have Hirsch take over. "His knowledge, experience, and passion for the sport of wrestling are exceptional. Rob has had tremendous success in building programs in Western NY and his local ties will enhance our ability to recruit top caliber student-athletes. He has been around our program and has helped with the development of our program. The relationships he has formed along with his leadership ability will provide our student-athletes with the guidance necessary to compete at a high level."

Hirsch will lead the Pioneers into the start of the NCAA era. The Pioneers will compete in the ECWC and will look to advance their first wrestlers to the NCAA Division III National Championships.