COLLEGE PARK, MD -- Head wrestling coach Alex Clemsen has announced staff promotions and changes ahead of the 2024-25 season.

First, Nick Brascetta has been promoted to associate head coach. Brascetta has been on staff as an assistant coach since Clemsen took over the program and has been a massive part of the most success the team has experienced in the past two seasons. Brascetta has made his name as an elite recruiter and was essential in bringing the eighth-ranked 2021 recruiting class to College Park, led by Braxton Brown, Jaxon Smith and Ethen Miller.

"Nick Brascetta has functioned as our associate head coach since he got to College Park," Clemsen said. "By now naming him so officially, it shows the world all the hard work and dedication he has put in since day one. I personally appreciate everything Nick and his wife Ashley have done since they've joined Clemsen and Company at the University of Maryland and am looking forward to more continued success and more bricks being laid together."

Elijah Oliver and Ethan Laird have both been promoted to full-time assistant coaches.

"I couldn't be happier for two really bright young guys, Elijah Oliver and Ethan Laird, having an opportunity to become full-time assistant coaches," Clemsen said. "I know our program benefits from both of those guys every day. I'm excited to see them continue to grow in their new roles as they continue to build with Coach Brascetta and myself to move our program forward."

Finally, former Pittsburgh Panther and All-American Cole Matthews has been hired as the Special Assistant to the Head Coach.

"Cole Matthews has been a household name in Division One wrestling for a long time," Clemsen said. "Now, he gets an opportunity to do so as part of a Big Ten coaching staff. I think he has a very bright future in our profession and I'm thankful that he wants to continue to help Clemsen and Company build Maryland wrestling back up brick by brick."

Additionally, assistant coach Devin Mellon, who has been with the Terps since Clemsen took over in April of 2019, has departed the program to pursue other interests.

"Devin and his family came to College Park five years ago when our program was in need of a lot in every area," Clemsen said. "Five years later they are leaving with every area in a much better place. I know all of Maryland Wrestling is thankful for his work and his family's sacrifices. I am going to miss Devin on so many levels and I wish him and his family all the success in the world as he transitions out of college athletics to pursue other interests."

The Terps are coming off back-to-back seasons with five NCAA Qualifiers and had their best-ever performance in points, finish and placers at the 2024 Big Ten Championships in College Park.