NCAA champion and four-time All-American Zane Mulder has joined Simpson College as the men’s and women’s assistant wrestling coach. He is eager to use his knowledge and experience to build the wrestling program.
His success began in high school, where he went 165-19 and held the most wins in Dallas Center-Grimes High School history. He placed at the state championship all four years, before going to Iowa State University for two years. He then transferred to Wartburg College after the COVID-19 Pandemic.
“When Covid hit, my love for the sport was fading, and a change of scenery was needed”, he said.
Mulder continued his success at Wartburg, where he was a three-time NCAA finalist, NCAA national champion, and a National College Wrestling Association Scholar All-American. Additionally, he coached the women’s team at Wartburg for a year before coming to Simpson.
Mulder will add experience and knowledge to the Simpson wrestling teams. He is working alongside men’s coaches Dylan Peters and Jeff McGinness, and women’s associate head coach Emma Cochran.
Cochran, Mulder’s fiancée, is excited to work with him and see the impact of his coaching.
Cochran comes with experience herself. She wrestled for Grand View University, where she was a two-time NAIA All-American. She was also named the Heart Conference Tournament Outstanding Wrestler after winning the championship in 2022.
Last year, Cochran was a crucial part of leading the women’s team to victory.
“I’ve been able to help grow this program from the ground up to a top nationally ranked team,” she said.
Last year, the women’s team went 8-3 on the season and was ranked fourth in Division III.
Cochran reflected on what she believed Mulder will bring to the coaching staff at Simpson. She noted his experience will help him connect to the athletes and help them accomplish their goals.
“Anyone who doesn’t know Zane personally but has seen him compete knows that Simpson wrestling just won the lottery!” she said.
Working alongside each other, the two plan to continue the growth of both the men’s and women’s wrestling teams. Cochran said working together will not only make the athletes better, but will make her better.
The coaching staff is focused on team culture. Mulder said it’s not about winning or losing, but about the effort and attitude the athletes are bringing every day. He said wrestling is a stepping stone in their journey and is teaching them lessons to prepare them for life.
Mulder has already stepped into the coaching role, and said he is excited for the upcoming season.
“In just my first couple practices, I noticed that this is one tough and durable group of guys who can bring the fight”, he said.
Last year, the men’s team was 11-1, but Mulder is ready to make a change. Being a recent graduate and having strong ties to Simpson, he can relate to the athletes and is ready to build the program.
“I can see myself in these guys, hungry and eager to prove a point,” Mudler said.
