|
Head Coach
Joe Pistone
Coach Pistone, a New York native, became the University's second wrestling
coach in August 2003. Pistone revitalized the
wrestling program by crowning 21 All-New England and 19 All-Pilgrim
League athletes through six seasons as USM Wrestling's head coach. In his six seasons, Pistone has reinvigorated the USM wrestling program, becoming the program's all-time winningest coach during the 2006-2007 season. During the 2007 and 2008 seasons, Pistone has guided the Huskies to a school record 11 wins. At the 2009 New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) Championship, the Huskies earned a fifth-place finish scoring 76 points, their highest point total in the history of the program. Over the last three consecutive seasons, Pistone has coached a USM student-athlete to the NCAA Division III National Championship tournament, crowning USM's first-ever NCAA Division III Wrestling All-American in 2009.
Under Pistone's guidance, USM's wrestling student-athletes have been recognized for their work in the classroom. Pistone has coach two NCAA Division III National Scholar-Athletes, 11 William B. Wise recipients and four Pilgrim League Scholar Athlete award winners.
Pistone came to USM from Rhode Island where he served as head wrestling
coach at Johnston High School. His 2003 team was the Division A1
state champion with a 16-0 team record. He was head coach for the Rhode
Island Junior National Freestyle and Greco Roman Wrestling Team and co-head coach
for the New England All-Star Wrestling team from 2000 to 2003. He was a nominee
for Rhode Island Coach of the Year in 2003.
Pistone is a graduate of American International College in Springfield,
Massachusetts, where he was an NCAA Division II All-American. Pistone was
an NCAA Division II national qualifier and two-time NCAA Eastern Regional
placewinner. Pistone compiled 120 college victories, including 40 by pin fall,
and held several school records at A.I.C. He was twice team captain and
received the Most Valuable Wrestler award in 1998.
Pistone, who now resides in South Portland, holds a degree in sociology and
criminal justice.
|
