DeKALB, Ill. -- Ryan Ludwig, the head coach of the Northern Illinois University Wrestling program, has announced the hiring of McGwire Midkiff to the coaching staff for the upcoming 2024-25 season.

"We are thrilled to add McGwire to our staff," said Ludwig. "We have been diligent in the process of finding the right fit in ability and character and he fits the bill on all fronts. He will be an amazing asset to our room and culture."

Midkiff competed at North Dakota State University (NDSU) from 2017-21 and 2022-23 and qualified for the NCAA tournament in 2023 at 133 pounds. Midkiff was a four-year starter at NDSU and took fifth place at the Big 12 Championships in 2023 and sixth place in 2020.

"I am ecstatic to be joining the NIU Wrestling staff," noted Midkiff. "Coach Ludwig and Coach Springer have had a lot of success in building a strong program and I'm honored to get to work with them and continue to help NIU Wrestling grow."

Midkiff has served as an assistant coach at Abraham Lincoln High School during the 2021-22 season. Midkiff has spent time with the Bison Wrestling Club, a regional training center located at NDSU.

Alongside his athletic accolades, Midkiff is a three-time Academic All-Big 12 First Team Member and earned spots on the NWCA Scholar All-America and CSC Academic All-District teams in 2023.

Midkiff will begin his duties on July 8.