Virginia Names Jim Stanec Assistant Wrestling Coach

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July 1, 2002

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – University of Virginia head wrestling coach Lenny Bernstein has announced the addition of Jim Stanec to the Virginia wrestling coaching staff. Stanec, a 2002 graduate of Cornell University, was hired as an assistant wrestling coach and will serve as Bernstein’s first assistant. He joins current assistant wrestling coach Chuckie Connor on the UVa staff. Stanec was added to Bernstein’s coaching staff after former Cavalier assistant Jim Harshaw left the Virginia program to accept the head wrestling coach position at Slippery Rock University.

Bernstein recognizes the knowledge and experience that Stanec brings to the UVa wrestling program and is excited to have such a quality member joining him on his staff.

“Rob Koll (head wrestling coach at Cornell) sometimes has a hard time giving out compliments. In Stanec’s case, Rob could not say enough about the ability, dedication, and commitment that Jim will bring to the UVa program,” said Bernstein. “Being an All-American, Stanec has already earned credibility. During his interview, I became convinced that Jim had all of the tools to become a great coach. His learning curve will be very high because of his intellect and his tremendous work ethic. Our upper weight classes will benefit directly by working out with him. I am excited about his appointment here and look forward to him joining our staff.”

Stanec joins the Virginia coaching staff with a wealth of collegiate wrestling experience. He was a member of the Cornell wrestling program and competed for the Big Red from 1997-2002. Last season (2001-2002), Stanec gathered All-American honors and finished the season with an overall record of 34-12 at 174 pounds. He was an NCAA qualifier and finished 2-2 in the 2002 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in Albany, N.Y. A senior co-captain for Cornell, Stanec finished first at the 33rd annual New York State Championships, took third at the EIWA Championships, placed fifth at the Las Vegas Invitational and finished seventh at the Midlands Championships in Chicago, Ill.

Stanec was the recipient of the Peter J. Floros Award as the team’s most valuable wrestler at Cornell. In 2000-2001, he led all Big Red wrestlers in victories and made a brilliant run to All-America honors at the NCAA Championships. Stanec won six consecutive matches at the Las Vegas Invitational and eventually placed seventh in the nation. Stanec was 10-1 in dual meets that season, including a perfect record against Ivy League opponents. He was named to the All-Ivy League First Team. After placing second at the EIWA championships, he won five of seven matches to also earn All-America honors. In doing so, Stanec became Cornell’s first All-American since 1997. He also earned the Carl W.E. Almquist Trophy for the most improved wrestler as a sophomore.

In high school (St. Louis Country Day School), Stanec placed third in the state wrestling meet (Missouri) and was an Academic All-State selection as a wrestler, as well as an All-State selection in football. Stanec was also the State Freestyle Champion and a Junior National Team member in wrestling in 1997.

— UVa —