Grand Valley State Director of Athletics Keri Becker announced the hiring of R.J. Boudro as the Laker head men's wrestling coach. Boudro most recently spent the last 11 years as the head coach of the Lowell (Mich.) High School wrestling program, one of the top high school programs in the Midwest.

"We are absolutely thrilled to hire R.J. Boudro to lead our men's wrestling program," said Becker. "He was a unique candidate that got more impressive throughout the entire interview process. He possesses exceptional character, has the organizational abilities of a polished CEO, has a proven record in developing talent, and wins championships. Our student-athletes are driven and hungry to be developed to their highest potential and coach Boudro will lead a culture of deep connection, growth, and create an environment that prepares them for life after wrestling."

Becker added, "The level of professionalism and character in our program will instantly elevate the day he takes over. He has an extensive network of coaches who shared their deep respect for his abilities that will serve him well as he shifts to recruiting college student-athletes. His success at the high school level is exceptional and will quickly translate into success at the collegiate level due to his ability to build relationships and a community around GVSU wrestling."

Lowell was dominant under the direction of Boudro, both in team and individual wrestling results. The Red Arrows continuingly squared off against the best competition in the Midwest. The gaudy team results the last 11 years are incredible and include:

11 consecutive O.K. Conference Regular Season titles
11 consecutive O.K. Conference Tournament titles
11 consecutive MHSAA Division 2 Team District titles
11 consecutive MHSAA Division 2 Team Regional titles
11 consecutive MHSAA Division 2 Team State Championships
223-34 Dual Meet record

Individually, 26 wrestlers won an individual state championship and 103 garnered MHSAA All-State plaudits. In addition, 50 student-athletes earned academic all-state honors, and the Red Arrow program earned 11 consecutive team academic all-state accolades. Thirty-six wrestlers moved on to wrestle collegiately.
"My family and I are truly excited about this new journey, and I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity to join Grand Valley State University as their new head coach," said Boudro. "My experience coaching in Michigan and the support from the Lowell community have shaped who I am today. I am committed to creating a culture that emphasizes excellence on the mat and in the classroom, helping our student-athletes become men of integrity and strong values. I believe this culture will have a lasting, positive impact on wrestling across the state," he added.

Boudro wrestled collegiately at the University of Michigan (2001-02) and Michigan State (2004-06), recording a career mark of 82-48. While competing at MSU, Boudro was 47-16, notching a 19-8 record in 2004-05 as a junior with a fourth-place finish at the Big 10 Tournament and a selection to the NCAA Division I Championship. As a senior in 2005-06, Boudro produced a 29-8 record and a third-place finish (5-1) at the Big 10 Tournament. Boudro was a #6 seed at the NCAA Championships and finished 1-2. Boudro prepped at Armada High School and tallied a 177-15 record.

R.J. and his wife, Kelli, are the proud parents of four daughters, Dani (13), Brynlee (11), Lexi (8) and Carlee (6).