The Muskingum University Athletic Department has announced the hiring of Robert Watson-Powell '14 as head coach of the wrestling program.
Watson-Powell, a former member of the Muskingum wrestling team during his time as a student, returns to his alma mater after most recently serving as head coach for New England College's wrestling program. During his time at New England, Watson-Powell was responsible for the overall operations of the men's wrestling program and leading a staff of four assistant coaches. Along with his duties within the men's wrestling team, he also proposed and ultimately helped implement the start of women's wrestling at New England College.
"There is not a doubt in my mind that Coach Powell will do great things leading our wrestling program," said Muskingum Interim Athletic Director Kari Winters. "His excitement and passion around coaching at Muskingum was evident to all during the interview process, and I am excited to welcome Robert back home!"
Before his time at New England, Watson-Powell served as the first-ever head coach for the men's and women's wrestling programs at Iowa Wesleyan University. He helped grow the Iowa Wesleyan wrestling programs from the ground up, actively recruiting and holding prospect camps and assisting in securing over $250,000 in donations to help build a wrestling facility.
"I am extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to return to Muskingum University as the head wrestling coach," said Watson-Powell. "I want to thank Interim Athletic Director Kari Winters and all the members of the search committee, who believed in me and my vision for this program. Muskingum and its wrestling program have a great history, and I am honored to be a part of its bright future. I cannot wait to get back to New Concord to start working with all the great people on campus and in the community."
Along with his head coaching experience, Watson-Powell served as a graduate assistant for New England College. He helped coach two Scholar All-Americans, two NCAA Regional Placers, one NCAA Regional Champion, and one NCAA National Qualifier over two years. He also served as a volunteer assistant with Muskingum during the 2014 campaign.
Watson-Powell also has coaching experience at the high school level. He previously served as the head coach for Willard High School from 2014-2016, as an assistant coach for Kenston High School during the 2016-17 season, and as an assistant coach for Maysville High School in 2014.
Watson-Powell graduated from Muskingum in 2014 with a B.A. in health and physical education. He completed his Master of Business Administration with a focus on sports and recreational management at New England College in 2019.
