University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Ron Tarquinio Named Assistant Coach for Pitt Wrestling
7/14/2006 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
July 14, 2006
PITTSBURGH - Ron Tarquinio has been named an assistant coach for the University of Pittsburgh's wrestling program. He completed his final season with the Panthers in March after a successful career that included a conference title and four NCAA tournament appearances.
"He's one of our own. He's a western Pennsylvania guy and a Pittsburgh guy," said head coach Rande Stottlemyer. "He's a quality individual, and we're happy to have him on board. He's a great fit for our program. Because of his size, he'll be able to train some of our lightweights. Not only was he a competent collegiate wrestler, but he's also a great freestyle wrestler who has had a lot of success. He's decided this is something he wants to do, and I know he'll do a great job for us."
In his freshman campaign with the Panthers, Tarquinio posted a 25-9 record in tournament competition including six major decisions, two falls and one technical fall. He opened his first dual meet season in 2001-02, qualifying for the NCAA Championships after a fourth-place finish at the Eastern Wrestling League (EWL) Championships. Tarquinio finished 21-13 overall with a 9-4 record in dual competition. In that season, he finished second at the Michigan State Open and won his first nationals match against Frank Edgar of Clarion.
As a redshirt sophomore, Tarquinio brought home the EWL Championship title at 141 pounds, joining teammate Josh Birt as the first league titleists for Pittsburgh in three seasons. Tarquinio finished 10-4 in dual meets for the season, bringing his total win count to 72.
In 2004-05, he not only secured another NCAA bid, but Tarquinio also won the prestigious Las Vegas Invitational with a 6-3 decision over Richard LaForge of Hofstra. Tarquinio finished 2-2 in the NCAA tournament, registering wins over Josh Wooton of Northern Illinois and Charlie Pinto of Maryland. He also finished second at the EWL Championships and was the champion of the Mat Town Invitational.
Last season, Tarquinio advanced to the top 12 of the NCAA tournament, just one win away from All-America honors. He battled to a second-place finish in the Southern Scuffle with an overtime match against Lehigh's Cory Cooperman. Tarquinio also placed second at the EWL tournament and seventh at the Las Vegas Invitational. He finished with a 22-11 record including two falls and nine major decisions. Tarquinio ranks fifth among Pitt's all-time win leaders with 120 career victories and was named co-MVP of the team last season.
