ODU adds Rodrigues as assistant coach

NORFOLK, Va. -- Monarch wrestling head coach Steve Martin announced the addition of Steven Rodrigues to the coaching staff on Friday afternoon. Rodrigues replaces Daryl Thomas, who was promoted to assistant head coach on the ODU staff, Rodrigues will work closely with the middle and upper weights.

�"We are pleased to announce the addition of Steven Rodrigues to our staff as an assistant coach. Steven is a perfect fit for our program as he knows how to develop young men on and off the mat,” Martin said. �"He brings a wealth of knowledge and coaching experience to the table already having experience at the collegiate level. It will be exciting to watch his recruiting presence in the talent rich states of Illinois and New York.”

Rodrigues recently coached at Stanford University as an assistant coach. In the 2016-2017 season, Rodrigues helped the Cardinal bring nine wrestlers to the NCAA Tournament, a record amount of qualifiers for the institution. Stanford's 157-pound starter, Paul Fox made All-American to become the 20th All-American for the program.

�"I am thrilled to join the ODU coaching staff. I would like to thank Steve Martin and the Athletic Department for the opportunity,” Rodrigues explained. �"I am looking forward for the opportunity to guide and mentor outstanding young men who will earn All-American honors and individual national championships.”

Prior to joining the Stanford staff in 2016, Rodrigues had a decorated career at the University of Illinois. The New York native was a four-year starter and a three-time NCAA qualifier, finishing in fifth-place at the NCAA Championships in 2016 to earn All-American status. That same season, the middleweight took a third-place finish at the Big Ten Championships at 165 pounds. Rodrigues finished his career with an 88-42 record.

Rodrigues earned his degree in sports management, being named to the Big Ten Academic Team four times and gaining NWCA Academic All-American honors in 2016.