May 4, 2006: Provo Daily Herald

UVSC Names Williams New Wrestling Coach

Greg Williams is the new head wrestling coach at UVSC, the school announced Thursday.

Willliams becomes the second coach in UVSC's short history -- the school will begin its fourth season of NCAA competition in the fall of 2006.

"We are very excited to have Greg Williams as part of our athletic program," said Utah Valley State Director of Athletics Mike Jacobsen. "We had an outstanding pool of applicants for our head wrestling position, which made for a very difficult decision.

"But Greg brings with him the total package. He has tremendous respect in the wrestling community and has the ability to take our program to the next level. Greg understands where we are at, while at the same time has a vision for what we will become."

Williams said he was excited to take over the Wolverine program.

"This is a great opportunity to help bring Utah Valley wrestling to a higher level. The potential for success here is huge," he said. "We have a great talent pool in Utah and we want to continue what Cody (Sanderson) has been building on the last three years."

The move to hire Williams comes just days after the announcement of the newly formed Western Wrestling Conference (WWC) and UVSC's inclusion in the conference along with seven other collegiate institutions.

Williams has more than 20 years of coaching experience, including the past 13 as the owner and coach of the Elite Wrestling Club.

He is a 14-time coach of the Utah National Wrestling Team and during his coaching career has tutored more than 70 high school All-Americans.

Williams' pupils include Justin Ruiz, the No. 1-ranked Greco wrestler at 211 pound. Ruiz is a two-time All-American at Nebraska and bronze medalist at the World Championships in 2005.

Williams began his coaching career at Sky View High in Smithfield, where he led the school to an 87-8 record. A native of San Diego, Calif., Williams graduated from University High School in 1979 where he was a California state champion. From there, he moved on to Utah State University in Logan and was an All-American and a three-time NCAA qualifier for the Aggies.

Williams graduated from USU in 1985 with a degree in Marketing Education. He and his wife Kristin have two children, Alexis (9) and Taylor (6).

"Eventually Utah Valley will be a top 20 program — and higher," Williams said. "I think the key is getting the best Utah kids to stay here — while also being able to recruit some of the best talent throughout the country."