Kent State University assistant wrestling coach Matt Hill was one of 60 coaches representing all collegiate divisions who were selected to receive full scholarships to participate in the Third Annual NWCA (National Wrestling Coaches Association) Coaching Leadership Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Wednesday and Thursday.

Hill spent two seasons as a graduate assistant at Kent State (2007-09), before returning to the Golden Flashes as a full-time assistant in the summer of 2010. This past season, he worked closely with 197-pound national champion Dustin Kilgore (Berea, Ohio) and contributed to the success of Kent State’s upper weights.

"Matt has been instrumental in the development of our upper weights," Head Coach Jim Andrassy said. "Because of his relationship with a few of our upper weights as a graduate student, we knew going into last year’s hire process that Matt was a very realistic possibility. And with the results our guys had this past year, I believe we made the best decision hiring Matt."

The purpose of the Academy is to utilize peer group discussions among college coaches, athletic administrators, and CEOs to develop "best practices" for protecting and strengthening intercollegiate wrestling programs through this challenging economy. Further, the NWCA wants to help coaches better align their programs with educational values.

Nationally renowned coaching development expert, Dr. Dan Gould from Michigan State University along with his staff, facilitated the discussions.

The NWCA was able to cover the airfare, lodging, meals and convention registration fees for all participants due to the generosity of several wrestling benefactors.