Nick Brascetta had graduated and was looking for a niche where he could start a coaching career.
The three-time All-America wrestler from Virginia Tech had offers but was seeking something that would fit with girlfriend Ashley's plans.
The couple had visited Chattanooga - her brother lives here - and her plans to become a dental hygienist fit well at Chattanooga State. They also love the outdoors and found similarities between Blacksburg, Va., which had been their home the last several years, and Chattanooga.
"It's just the way the cards fell," Brascetta said. "She had applied to schools, one of which was in Chattanooga. That was good, but I didn't have a connection here, and then Dave Hoffman interviewed here and was hired. I was fortunate to be on the good side of things."
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestling coach Heath Eslinger had just hired Hoffman, one of Brascetta's coaches the last four seasons, as an assistant. One thing led to another and Brascetta has joined UTC's staff as coordinator of student-athletes development. He also is a member of the Mocs' regional training center, which is set up through and accredited by USA Wrestling.
"Those two guys hit the ground sprinting. It's about raising expectations, and they're coming from a program that competes at a high level," Eslinger said.
"From the beginning I liked the feel we had here. (The decision) was easy for me. There's a great opportunity for growth," Brascetta said.
Reunited with Hoffman, Brascetta joins a staff that includes assistant coach Niko Brown and volunteer assistant Levi Clemons.
"Niko and Levi are younger guys and we get along well. It's fun in the office and we enjoy each other's company. We also want to win," Brascetta said.
He and Hoffman bring another level of expectation to the program. They were part of a program that last year finished in the top five at the NCAA tournament. They've stood on the tournament podium on a Saturday.
"Hoffman and I come from a program where it's expected that you go out and win matches and tournaments," Brascetta said. "It's a process with these guys - all about getting to the next level, but it's a collective effort."
He added that the Mocs' talent level is "off the charts."
- The team began official workouts last Monday and will have the unofficial opening to their season with the Blue-Gold meet on Oct. 27 at Maclellan Gym.
Top home draw on the schedule should be Virginia, a consistent top-15 program, on Dec. 4.
The Mocs' home conference season begins with VMI on Nov. 10, and other home league matches are Campbell on Jan. 8, Davidson on Jan. 28 and The Citadel on Jan. 12. The Southern Scuffle is Jan. 1-2, the conference tournament is March 4 in Charleston, S.C., and the NCAA tournament is March 16-18 in St. Louis.
- The Mocs' current starting lineup is likely to be Alonzo Allen (125), Chris DeBien (133), Chase Zemenak (141), Mike Pongracz (149), Kamaal Shakur (157), Dylan Forzani (165), Sean Mappes (174), Bryce Carr (184), Scottie Boykin (197) and Jared Johnson (285).
Carr was with the Mocs last year but redshirted, so Forzani is the only real newcomer among the starters. He's from Sacramento City College, where he was 28-3 and an Academic All-American last season.
Contact Ward Gossett at wgossett@timesfreepress.com or 423-886-4765. Follow him at Twitter.com/wardgossett.