Ex-Pitt hvy wt Ryan Tomei to coach at Northern Illinois, He Talks to Takedown

Ryan Tomei, former University of Pittsburgh heavyweight wrestler, is joining the coaching staff at Northern Illinois University, Huskies head coach Ryan Ludwig announced Thursday.

A 2011 graduate, Tomei has been the starter at 285-pounds for the Pitt Panthers the past five seasons, where he compiled an impressive 110-34 overall record… with 40 of those wins by pin. The Irwin, Pa. native was a two-time Eastern Wrestling League heavyweight champ during his junior and senior seasons, earning EWL’s Most Outstanding Wrestler honors both years.

Tomei also excelled off the mat as a two-time Academic All-American and a four-time EWL All-Academic Team selection.

For his accomplishments at Pitt, Tomei was named the male recipient of Pittsburgh’s Blue-Gold Award, which is annually given to a senior who excels in athletics, academics and community service. With this honor, Tomei joined fellow honorees Mike Ditka and Dan Marino. 

“I am really pleased to announce the addition of Ryan to the Northern Illinois staff,” Ludwig said. “Along with a wealth of wrestling knowledge, he brings a passion for the sport that we thrive on here at Northern. He is still competing on the international level and brings great intensity into our wrestling room.”

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