ADRIAN, Mich. - Adrian women's wrestling head coach, Cliff Cushard, in his fifth year with the program, has announced the hiring of Brooke Richards as the team's new assistant coach.

Richards recently graduated from Tiffin University in the spring of 2021 with a bachelor's degree in Leadership in the Workplace.

She was also a member of the Dragons' women's wrestling squad from 2018 to 2021, garnering Academic All-American accolades her final season. The latest Adrian College hire was also a four-time North Carolina National Team member, and four-year varsity starter for Tiffin.

Outside of competing, Richards is a certified national level wrestling official, and was the recipient of the 16U Dual Outstanding Official Award from the USA Wrestling Officials Association in 2021.

"We're excited to have Brooke join our coaching staff," expressed Cushard. "She always caught our eye while competing against us the last four years. She has also established herself as one of the top young wrestling officials in the country. That combination of competition experience and officiating experience will be a great asset for the program."

The Bulldogs' women's wrestling team is scheduled to open its 2021-22 campaign with the Black and Gold Intersquad duals on October 31 in the Merillat Sport and Fitness Center.