Queens University of Charlotte adds Bradley to coaching staff

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Queens University of Charlotte Head Men's Wrestling Coach Rob Tate has announced the hiring of Paul Bradley as Assistant Men's Wrestling Coach for the upcoming 2019-2020 campaign, the Royals' second season in Division II and the program's third overall.

"Paul has competed at the highest level in everything he's done," said Tate. "He's got great passion for both the sport and for teaching kids. He will be an invaluable asset as the program continues to grow, especially in the upper-weight divisions. I'm thrilled to have Paul joining us and I can't wait to see him work."

Bradley comes to Queens after spending the last 13 years in California as a professional MMA fighter and the owner of USA Ultimate Warrior Wrestling Club. As a freelance fighter, Bradley competed in several MMA promotions such as UFC, Bellator MMA, Strikeforce, Shark Fights and King of the Cage. While simultaneously juggling his work as owner of his wrestling club, Bradley oversaw practices, techniques and drills, and brought in high-level clinicians for advanced training purposes.

A 2006 graduate of the University of Iowa, Bradley quickly began his coaching career as Assistant Wrestling Coach at Indiana University. He then became the Assistant Head Wrestling Coach at University of Buffalo in 2007 where he designed a variety of trainings for student-athletes and served as the head of team recruiting.

"First and foremost, I would like to thank Coach Tate for bringing me on, as well as all the staff involved in my hiring process," said Bradley. "I'm excited to begin building a rich athletic tradition with our current and future student-athletes. I appreciate everyone at Queens University of Charlotte for welcoming me with open arms, and I look forward to this new opportunity."

Competing in the hotbed of Division I collegiate wrestling, Bradley was a Big Ten runner-up, three-time NCAA qualifier and two-time All-American at 184 pounds while at Iowa. A four-year letterman and three-time team captain, he earned the Team Toughness and Most Improved Wrestler Awards in 2004 and then the Mike McGivern Most Courageous Wrestler Award in 2005. In 2006, he was selected as the recipient of the Coaches Appreciation Award following his senior season.

Bradley also earned four separate wrestling scholarships, including the Marv and Mary Cecak Memorial Scholarship in 2001, the William and Kay Pitlik Wrestling Scholarship in 2004, the Gary Kurdelmeier Wrestling Scholarship in 2005, and finally the Iowa Style Wrestling Scholarship in 2006.