ITHACA, N.Y. -- Kellen Russell has been promoted to associate head coach of the Cornell wrestling team, Mike Grey, the David Dunlop '59 Head Coach of Wrestling, announced on Wednesday. Russell, who joined the Cornell coaching staff in 2021, spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach.

"I'm extremely excited to announce the promotion of Kellen Russell to associate head coach," Grey said. "Kellen has been the backbone of the staff since we started together in 2021 and I'm excited to see his excellent leadership skills come to the forefront for everyone to see. His ability to teach and mentor our student-athletes is second to none!"

Russell has helped the Big Red win three Ivy League and EIWA titles. The Big Red has finished in the top 10 at the NCAA Championships each year with Russell on staff, including second place this past season and third place last season. He has assisted in the development of four national champions, 10 All-Americans and 12 EIWA champions.

Before joining the Big Red, Russell spent seven seasons (2014-21) at the University of Michigan. The Wolverines had 27 All-Americans and earned top-10 team finishes in five consecutive NCAA Championships during Russell's time on staff.

A four-time NCAA All-American, Russell wrestled at Michigan from 2009-12, going 134-12 with four Big Ten Tournament championships. He won national titles at 141 pounds in 2011 and 2012, becoming the sixth multi-time NCAA champion in Michigan history.

"I am very honored to be promoted to associate head coach at Cornell," Russell said. "I am excited to build on the success we've had the last three years and ready to embrace any new challenges that come our way. Go Big Red!"