ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Cliff Keen Wrestling Club announced Monday (Jan. 2) the addition of former Wolverine Andy Hrovat to its coaching staff. Hrovat, a three-time NCAA All-American and 2008 Olympian, will remain with the CKWC through the 2012 Olympic Trials.
Hrovat previously spent several seven seasons on the Michigan wrestling staff, serving one year as volunteer coach (2008-09) after filling a multitude of positions, including strength and conditioning coordinator and director of wrestling operations.
Hrovat retired from competition last summer after a successful nine-year freestyle career (2002-11), highlighted by his appearance in the 84 kg/185-pound division at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Hrovat also competed at the 2006 World Championships and has earned medals at the New York Athletic Club Holiday International Open (gold, 2005, ’06), Henri Deglane Challenge (gold, 2005, ’07), Ivan Yarygin International (bronze, 2007), Pan American Games (silver, 2007), Poland Open (silver, 2006) and Dave Schultz Memorial International (silver, 2005).
While in Wolverine wrestler (1999-2002), Hrovat was a two-time University Nationals champion (2001, ’02), earning outstanding freestyle wrestler honors in his second appearance, while also placing fourth at the 2000 University World Championships. As a Wolverine wrestler (1999-2002), Hrovat was a three-time NCAA All-American at 184 pounds, placing as high as fourth while becoming the first U-M true freshman to claim a top-eight finish at the national event in 14 years. He served as team captain during his senior campaign — the same year he carried the nation’s No. 1 ranking into the postseason — and contributed to Michigan’s back-to-back top-10 NCAA finishes in his final two seasons. Hrovat’s collegiate record of 132-39 still ranks among the best in Wolverine program history.
Originally from Gates Mills, Ohio, Hrovat was a two-time state champion and three-time finalist at St. Edward High school, where he was a teammate of fellow Wolverines Mike Kulczycki and Ryan Bertin. Hrovat earned his bachelor’s degree from Michigan in 2002. He currently lives in Ann Arbor.
