Ben Nelson, an assistant with Schaack Van Deusen, has been named wrestling coach at Baylor.
Nelson succeeds veteran Jim Morgan, who announced his retirement immediately after the Red Raiders won the Division II traditional state championship.
A wrestler at Indiana, Nelson was a two-time All-Big 10 wrestler. He also has a Ph.D in bio-chemistry.
Baylor athletic director said Van Deusen will continue as an assistant.
Nelson coached at Apple Valley, Minn. and Kennesaw, Ga. prior to joining Baylor two years ago.
“It’s not every day that a high school has the opportunity to have an All-Big Ten wrestler with a Ph.D in bio-chemistry as the leader of its wrestling program. From Major Luke Worsham to Jim Morgan, Baylor has always been blessed to have great leadership in the wrestling program. With Ben Nelson’s leadership, unparalleled facilities, and first-class student-athletes, I expect the Baylor wrestling program to rise to an even higher level,” said Thad Lepcio, Baylor athletic director.
In addition to coaching, Ben teaches environmental science and biology at Baylor, and holds a B.S. degree from Indiana University, a M.Ed. from Georgia State University, and a Ph.D. from Northern Illinois University.
“It is a true honor to be asked to fill the head wrestling coach position for Baylor School. I have been fortunate to coach under Jim Morgan for the past two years, and I know what kind of void will be left by his decision to retire,” Nelson said.