Hanke to restart Linfield wrestling
Chad Hanke has been named head men’s and women’s wrestling coach at Linfield University. The Oregon native and former Oregon State Beaver will begin the process of reviving a men’s team that has not competed since 1985 while also getting the first women’s wrestling team in school history up and running. Hanke most recently coached at nearby McMinnville High School and also has coaching stops at Call State-Bakersfield, American, and Oregon State. As a competitor, he won over 100 matches for Oregon State and competed in the 2012 Freestyle Olympic Trials. Linfield’s teams will begin competing in the 2022-2023 season.
Chad Hanke to lead men’s and women’s wrestling programs
Chad Hanke has been hired to lead the relaunch of collegiate wrestling at Linfield University.
Director of Athletics Dr. Garry Killgore announced the hiring of Hanke as new men’s and women’s wrestling coach on Wednesday, November 3. Linfield recently unveiled plans to revive its dormant men’s wrestling program while also adding a new women’s wrestling program.
“Chad is an excellent person to be our first head wrestling coach in years,” said Killgore. “He has great street credibility, both as a competitor and as a coach. He is very well-connected on the West Coast and has good connections back East. His work ethic, positive attitude and his ability to connect well with his athletes will all serve him well in getting this program ‘off to the races.'”