Josh Churella enters his first season as an assistant coach for the University of Michigan wrestling program. A three-time NCAA All-American at U-M (2005-08), Churella will serve as the Wolverines' volunteer coach for 2012-13. He previously spent two years on the Michigan staff, working as an administrative assistant (2008-09) and director of operations (2009-10).
As a Wolverine wrestler, Churella wrapped up his collegiate career with a 124-21 record -- ranking 16th among Michigan's all-time wins leaders -- and three All-America citations. He boasted a career-best 31-5 record during his junior season; the same year he advanced to the 149-pound final at the NCAA Championships. Churella began his career at 141 pounds, where he won a Big Ten title and earned All-America honors as a freshman.
Since his graduation, Churella has enjoyed a successful freestyle career. He is a three-year freestyle national team member at 66kg/145.5 pounds after twice placing third at the World Team Trials (2010, '11) and, most recently, at the 2012 Olympic Team Trials. He was the runner-up at the 2010 U.S. Open and captured a medal at several international tournaments, including the NYAC International Open (gold, 2009) and Cuba's Cerro Pelado Tournament (bronze, 2010).
Crossing two generations, the Churella family combined for 10 All-America citations during illustrious careers at Michigan. Josh's father, Mark Sr. (1976-79), was a three-time NCAA champion and four-time All-American, while his brother, Ryan (2003-06), garnered three All-America distinctions, reaching the 165-pound final as a senior (2006). Eldest brother, Mark Jr., earned a varsity letter at Michigan in 2001.
Originally from Northville, Mich., Churella earned his bachelor's degree in sport management from Michigan in 2008. He currently lives in Ann Arbor with his wife, Carlee.
