Former Missouri wrestler and Olympian Ben Askren announced on his Web site August 18 that he would be joining the Arizona State wrestling program’s coaching staff. Askren as well as Raymond Jordan, another former Missouri wrestler, will be volunteer assistant coaches under head coach Shawn Charles. Charles served as assistant coach at Missouri for two years until he accepted the head coach position at Arizona State this past May. Askren cites Charles as one of the reasons for his decision.
“Shawn and I got along really well and I wanted to stick with him,” Askren said. “I just realized Shawn had put together a really good coaching staff.”
Askren continues to participate in Mixed Martial Arts, but said he is unsure as to whether he will train for the next Olympics.