Ted Banks named Head Coach at WNEU
Western New England University has named Ted Banks as their new head wrestling coach. Banks takes over for Anibal Nieves who had been head coach since 2007. Banks had been the assistant at WNEU since 2009 and is a 2009 graduate of the school. See the release below.
Banks Assumes Reins of Western New England Wrestling Program
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Top-assistant and alumnus Ted Banks has been elevated to head wrestling coach at Western New England University, effective immediately. That announcement was made today by Athletics Director Mike Theulen.
“I am excited to announce that Ted Banks has accepted this position. Always a leader by example as evidenced by his unwavering commitment to our student-athlete ideal during his playing days here, Ted has been a significantly positive presence for Golden Bear Wrestling,” Theulen stated. “Ted is highly respected by our entire coaching staff and by his wrestlers. He has the ability, the knowledge, and the energy necessary to be highly successful here. We look forward to his leadership as the wrestling program moves forward into a new generation.”
“I’d like to thank the athletic administration for this opportunity to coach at Western New England,” added Banks, who served as an assistant coach of the Golden Bears for the last three seasons. “I am thrilled to be in a position to give back to the university and community after I had such a profoundly positive experience as a student-athlete during my own time at WNE.”
From 2009-12, Banks assisted in all facets of the WNE wrestling program. He helped coach two New England Wrestling Association All-Stars.
His other coaching experience includes head coach of the Silverback Wrestling Club and Massachusetts National Freestyle Team, both during this year, and being an assistant with the Nieves Wrestling Club (2007-present) and Massachusetts National Greco-Roman Team (2012).
As a student-athlete for the Golden Bears, Banks was a three-year team captain and starter at the 157- and 165-lb. weight classes. He defeated numerous ranked opponents during his collegiate career.
Banks’ amateur wrestling accomplishments include a silver medal (74kg) at the Toronto and New Brunswick opens in 2010, a bronze medal (74kg) at both the Concordia Cup and Brock University Open in 2010 and ’11, respectively, and a sixth-place finish in the 74-kg weight class at the 2008 Canada Cup of International Wrestling. In addition, he earned three medals (two bronze, silver) in the same weight division at the Copa Sparta International Open from 2008-10.
A native of Griswold, Conn., Banks earned his bachelor of arts degree in history in 2009.
Banks concluded: “I feel fortunate to have been around so many amazing coaches, from getting my start at the youth level through college and beyond. I was mentored by a remarkable coach in Anibal Nieves, and I owe him my gratitude for what he taught me both on and off the mat. I am excited to begin applying what mentors have showed me and continue to learn as a head coach.”