Four-Year Griffin Wrestler Named First Head Coach of New Collegiate Wrestling Program

While many graduating seniors are wondering what their next step will be after graduation, Mark Paradine will be more than a month into his new role.

When the elementary and special education major walks across the stage, he will have already signed recruits for the new wrestling program he will be helping launch as WVU Potomac State College’s first head coach.

A four-year member of the Griffins wrestling team, Mark chose his major with the goal of becoming both a teacher and a junior high or high school wrestling coach. While he was intrigued by the opportunity to be a program’s first coach, he submitted his application earlier this spring with no expectations he would get the role.

Mark earned the head coaching position after a quick series of interviews and has hit the ground running, starting his job April 8 and talking with incoming college students while still being a college student himself. He is one of the youngest ever head coaches in collegiate wrestling.

“What drew me to this position was the opportunity to build something from the ground up and create a program with a strong foundation,” Mark said. “The support system from the Potomac State Athletic Department is amazing. Being the first head coach is a challenge I’m excited to take on because it allows me to shape the culture, values, and expectations from day one. Wrestling has given me so much in my life, and now I have the chance to give back by helping student-athletes grow both on and off the mat.”

While Mark had a quick road from applying to being named to his new position, his path through collegiate athletics was not a smooth one. He suffered season-ending injuries during his sophomore and junior years. While his ability to compete for the Griffins was limited, Mark sought out other ways to contribute to the team’s success. He worked with Seton Hill wrestling head coach Vince DeAugustine to give tours and talk with recruits for the program, experiences which helped set him apart when applying for a head coaching role.

“Mark has always had an elite wrestling mind and a gift for teaching the sport. Combine that with his character and energy, and I believe Potomac State has found the perfect person to launch its wrestling program,” DeAugustine said. “We are proud of Mark and everything that he has done for the program at SHU and he will always be a Griffin at heart!”

As the head coach of a new junior college wrestling program, Paradine understands that the wrestlers joining his program may have experienced their own adversity and looks forward to using his experience to relate to the players when his college career is only months behind him.

“My experiences as a student-athlete, especially overcoming injuries and setbacks, have prepared me for this role more than anything else,” Mark said. “I know adversity is part of sports and life, and I want to help our wrestlers learn how to respond to challenges the right way. In this first year, I’m looking forward to recruiting the right people, building relationships, and laying the foundation for a program that Potomac State College can be proud of for years to come.”