Clarksville, Ark.-University of the Ozarks Head Women's and Men's Wrestling Coach Vinny Barber has announced the promotion of Parker Howell and the addition of Nathan Rankin '23 to the coaching staffs.
     
Howell was promoted to head assistant coach for the women's program and will also serve as an assistant men's coach. Rankin was named the head assistant coach for the men's program and an assistant coach for the women's program. 
     
"It is really a testament to our program that all of our coaches have been students at the University and it shows all the great things we have going on here," said Barber. "We are excited for both our women's and men's programs as we look to continue to build on our progressive success."
     
Howell, a native of Wichita, Kansas, previously served as a student assistant within the men's program during the 2022-23 season. Howell wrestled at Notre Dame College of Ohio. 
     
"Parker has proven to be an extremely valuable resource for our programs," said Barber. "For a young coach, he has a lot of natural ability and passion that he can share with our athletes. He has been a great help developing our lighter weights and his Midwest ties are helping us build our recruiting classes stronger and stronger."
     
Rankin had a prolific wrestling, cross country and track career as a student-athlete at Ozarks. A native of Plano, Texas, and a recent Ozarks' graduate, he owns the most wins in program history. He ended a highly decorated wrestling career earning All-America honors and Academic All-America honors. The 125-pound grappler was a two-time national qualifier.
     
"Bringing Nathan on was a no brainer," said Barber. "He is the most accomplished athlete at the University. His decorated career was bolstered by his work and commitment to excellence. I am thrilled to have him around our athletes every day. We are instantly better when he is around. Nathan is the hardest working athlete that has been through our program. His combined success in athletics and academics were second to none. His impact and influence for our athletes in those areas are priceless."
     
In just its second season, the women's program had three Academic All-Americans and one athlete qualified for the National Championships. The men's program had its best finish ever at the prestigious Pete Willson Invitational while three wrestlers were nationally-ranked during the season and three others earned a spot on the Academic All-District Team.