Concordia University Hires Josh Watts

SEWARD, Neb. – Concordia University has announced that Josh Watts has been named the Head Coach of the Bulldog's Wrestling program.

"I want to thank Coach Watts for his service at Iowa Western," said Iowa Western President, Dr. Dan Kinney. "He started a team from the ground up to be a powerhouse in the NJCAA Wrestling. I wish him well on his next venture. Iowa Western will immediately begin a search, and this will be a desirable job for many coaches across the country who will be interested in continuing the strong tradition with Reiver Wrestling."

Coach Watts built the Iowa Western Wrestling program into a national contender since its inception in 2011.  Watts was promoted to Director of Wrestling in 2021, overseeing the implementation of the women's wrestling program into the athletic department.

"I want to thank Brenda Hampton for trusting me to build up the wrestling program at Iowa Western back in 2011," said Watts.  " I feel like we built a special program over the past 13 years and I look forward to seeing what new heights the new leadership can take the program to."

In 13 years at the helm, Coach Watts has produced eight NJCAA men's national champions, two women's NJCAA Invitational national champions, one JCNC national champion, 123 national qualifiers, and 69 men's and women's All-Americans.

"I want to thank Josh for all he has done, not only for Iowa Western Wrestling programs, but also for his leadership within the department," said Iowa Western Athletic Director, Shane Larson. " We are going to miss his knowledge and experience, but wish him well as he transitions to Concordia University. I know how difficult the decision was for him."

The 2020 NJCAA Coach of the Year and 2022 NJCAA Wrestling Coaches Association Man of the Year, Coach Watts was inducted into the IAHSAA Wrestling Hall of Fame for his storied career at Davenport Assumption High School.  In 2001, Watts graduated as one of Iowa's most prolific high school wrestlers.  His career mark of 190-4 represented the single most wins for any individual in the state's history, and his 114 career pins were also enough for the state's sixth-best all-time.