SIUE’s David Ray Hires McMahill. Program has Bright Future, Talks to Takedown

Posted on | August 18, 2011 | No Comments

EDWARDSVILLE, ILL. – Donovan McMahill, a two-time national champion, has been named an assistant coach for the SIUE wrestling program.

McMahill was the 2011 NCAA Division II National Tournament Outstanding Wrestler and Wrestler of the Year for Western State (Colo.) College. He went undefeated at the 197-pound weight class his senior season and completed his career with a 51-match winning streak.

“He brings a renewed freshness to the upper weight classes,” said SIUE Head Coach David Ray. “His knowledge and experience will help those student-athletes be able to realize what it takes to compete at the Division I level.”

A three-time All-American, McMahill earned numerous awards at Western State including Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Wrestler of the Year in 2009. He also was the Freshman Wrestler of the Year in the RMAC in 2008. He completed his career with a record of 137-20 that included wins over several NCAA Division I competitors.

Ray said there will be an advantage to having a coach with the size, stature, and level of experience that McMahill offers. “He brings a lot of dynamics to our upper weight classes,” he added.

McMahill graduated from Western State in 2011 with a bachelor’s in psychology as well as exercise and sports science. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree from SIUE.

Also, Three Southern Illinois University Edwardsville wrestlers were among the first-time academic honorees by the National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA).

Eric Biehl (Waynesville), Michael Dace (Fox Lake), and Derrick Pousson (Round Lake) were selected to the NWCA-NCWA All-Academic Team for the 2010-2011 season. Dace was one of two individual national champions to be honored.

For the first time in its history, the NCWA honored the top student-athletes for the academic achievements. The NCWA provided certificates to its 126 nationwide honorees.

Scott Casber
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USA Wrestling Weekly
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