Stratton Resigns As Head Wrestling Coach

UW-Oshkosh head wrestling coach Chris Stratton announced his resignation Friday (May 17) after three seasons with the Titans.

Stratton was named the 2012 WIAC Coach of the Year after guiding the Titans to a 14th-place finish at the NCAA Division III Championship. Stratton helped the Titans rank in the top 40 at three straight national tournaments, something the program hadn't accomplished since 1984. UW-Oshkosh placed 17th in the country this past winter.

UW-Oshkosh compiled a 23-18 record under Stratton's leadership. The Titans finished fourth in the WIAC in both 2011 and 2012 and fifth in 2013.

Stratton has had the luxury of coaching Nazar Kulchytskyy, who won a national title each of the past two seasons. Kulchytskyy was named the 2013 NCAA Division III Wrestler of the Year and the WIAC Wrestler of the Year in both 2012 and 2013.

Stratton, who will continue to instruct classes in UW-Oshkosh's Department of Human Kinetics & Health Education, coached three men to multiple national meets. Sam Engelland competed at the event in 2011 and 2012, while Kulchytskyy and Dan Schiferl participated in both 2012 and 2013.

"The biggest reason I am resigning is to spend more time with my growing family," Stratton said. "With the leadership we have on our team, I feel that whoever takes over will have the ability to continue paving the way for more national champions and a national championship someday."

In 2012, UW-Oshkosh earned a 25-14 victory over nationally ranked UW-Stevens Point. It was the Titans' first win over their rival in 27 years.

"My experience as the head wrestling coach has been nothing but pleasant," Stratton said. "Our team had its fair share of ups and downs, but in the end, while I was head coach we had nine Academic All-Americans, our 2011 team earned Academic All-America status, and we turned out our first NCAA Division III champion."

Stratton was an assistant coach for UW-Oshkosh from 2008-10. He also wrestled for the Titans during the 2004, 2005 and 2007 seasons. The Appleton native placed sixth in the 125-pound weight class at the WIAC Championship in both 2004 and 2005.

"I want to thank Chris for everything he has done for the wrestling program and the entire UW-Oshkosh Athletics Department," said UW-Oshkosh Director of Athletics Darryl Sims. "He did a very good job coaching his team in one of the nation's toughest conferences and some of his individuals were able to accomplish some really great things."

Stratton received his bachelor's degree from UW-Oshkosh in 2007 and his master's from UW-La Crosse in 2008.