Walter steps down after 17 years as UW-Platteville Head Wrestling Coach
The UW-Platteville head wrestling coach Chris Walter announced his resignation after 17 years with the Pioneers.
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. -- The University of Wisconsin-Platteville head wrestling coach Chris Walter announced his resignation after 17 years with the Pioneers.
Under his tutelage, the Pioneers garnered 31 national qualifiers and nine all-Americans. Walter coached 16 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champions and 15 WIAC runner-up finishers.
Walter finished his great career with 117 dual victories and 48 dual WIAC wins.
The Pioneers finished second in the WIAC twice, tying the best finishes in school history, and have been in the top three five times.
Pioneer wrestling was 9-5 overall in 2009-10 and advanced Jesse Milks and Vinny Alber to the NCAA III national tournament. Milks earned his third straight all-American award, placing fourth at 157 pounds.
In 2006-07, Walter guided three Pioneers to national qualifying status and two all-Americans, finishing 13th as a team.
As a first-year head coach in 1997-98, Walter led the Pioneers to a 7-2 overall record and third-place finish in the WIAC meet. The Pioneers advanced six wrestlers to nationals, believed to be a school record. Walter was named the NCAA Rookie Coach of the Year, and led his team to a 10th-place finish in the NCAA Division III tournament. He was also selected as the WIAC Coach of the Year.
"I want to thank Chris for everything he has done for the Pioneer wrestling program, the Athletic Department and the University," said UW-Platteville Athletic Director Mark Molesworth. "Chris always had a great ability to get the best out of his guys, and it showed with several national qualifiers and WIAC champions."
Walter was four-year letter winner at the University of Wisconsin, where he served as team captain in 1995. He was a two-time NCAA Division I national tournament participant. Walter was an assistant coach for one year at UW-Platteville before being named the head coach.
He also served on the National Wrestling Coaches Association ranking committee for 16 years.