In a surprise move, Penn wrestling coach Zeke Jones announced his resignation on Saturday in order to become head coach of the United States freestyle national team.
Assistant coach Rob Eiter has been appointed as the interim head coach.
The announcement comes less than two months before the wrestling team begins its 2008-09 season on Nov. 22.
Jones was set to enter his fourth season at the helm of the Penn program. His first two years were marked by the success of 133-pounder Matt Valenti, who won back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007.
At the 2008 National Championships in St. Louis, though, Penn's 11-year streak of having at least one All-American was broken.
The position with the United States national team is one with which Jones is already acquainted. In 2004, he served as U.S. Olympic freestyle head coach, guiding his wrestlers to one gold and two silver medals.
Jones began his collegiate coaching career as an assistant at his alma mater, Arizona State, where he worked from 1993-98. He also wrestled for the United States national team between 1989 and 1997, the highlight of which was an Olympic silver medal.
Prior to Penn, Jones spent seven years as an assistant coach at West Virginia.
- Brandon Moyse
