Scott Shipman Named Head Wrestling Coach At Gardner-Webb
July 10, 2007 | Wrestling
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Gardner-Webb University announced
Tuesday afternoon that assistant wrestling coach Scott Shipman has
been promoted to head coach.
"It's been a dream of mine for a long time to be a head coach,"
Shipman said. "I owe Coach Wince everything; he took a chance on me
after being out of the sport for a couple of years.
"It has been a blessing to come to Gardner-Webb. I earned my
graduate degree here and fell in love with the institution. I don't
ever see myself leaving GWU."
Shipman, who is beginning his sixth year with the Bulldogs, will
assume the role of head coach immediately. Since arriving in
Boiling Springs in 2002, he has been an integral part of the
coaching staff and has dealt with every aspect of the program
– from team travel to recruiting.
Shipman will take over for Richard Wince, who was at the helm of
the Bulldogs' program for 17 years. Wince will take over as
Director of Wrestling Operations at GWU.
"Scott has been a major part of the success of the program since he
arrived, and I am very confident he will continue the tradition of
excellence" Wince said. "It will be a smooth transition. This is a
good thing, and Scott understands the importance of making sure the
program continues its Christian mission.
"He has my full support. This is a move that allows me to remain
involved with the program, and I am looking forward to this new
role."
During his time as an assistant at Gardner-Webb, Shipman was a
driving force in the program sending a school-record four
student-athletes to the NCAA National Championships in 2005-2006.
Last season, he helped guide a pair of redshirt freshmen –
Dustin Porter and Rob Tate – to the NCAA Championships.
Shipman has a wealth of experience at the collegiate level, having
won the NCAA Division II national championship in 1996 while
competing in the 177-lb. weight class at West Liberty State (WVa.)
University. During his junior season, Shipman went a perfect
30-0.
Upon graduation, Shipman finished eighth at the U.S. National
Championships in the 97kg class. Prior to his arrival at GWU,
Shipman competed on the professional fighting circuit and recorded
an impressive 11-1-0 record. Most recently, he won the USA
Wrestling Northeast Regional at the 185 lb. class, qualifying him
for the world team trials in Las Vegas, Nev.
"Having watched Scott's development as a coach over the past few
years, I have been impressed with his approach, professionalism and
dedication to our wrestling program," said GWU Vice President for
Athletics Chuck Burch. "Coach Wince built this program from the
ground up, and has been a valuable member of our coaching staff
during his 17 years here at GWU.
"We are confident that the wrestling program remains in good
hands."
