Willie Miklus joins Iowa State wrestling's coaching staff

Willie Miklus' time with the Iowa State wrestling program isn't done just yet.

On Tuesday, head coach Kevin Dresser announced Miklus' addition to the Cyclones' coaching staff. Miklus will serve as a graduate assistant, where he'll coach the team and assist with some behind-the-scenes operations of the program.

"It goes without saying how excited we are to keep Willie in our program," Dresser said in a release. "He did great things here on the mat and off the mat for us this past season. He is a guy that you want in your wrestling room every day."

Miklus, an Altoona native and Southeast Polk product, transferred to Iowa State after spending his first three collegiate seasons at Missouri, where he became a three-time All-American. He came to Ames to be close with his father, Garry, who battled amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for years before dying March 4.

During the 2018-19 season, Miklus helped fortify the back of Iowa State's lineup. He went 27-6 and finished sixth at 197 pounds at the 2019 NCAA Championships in Pittsburgh, capping his career as a four-time All-American with 105 career victories.

► MORE WILLIE MIKLUS COVERAGE FROM THE DES MOINES REGISTER

• FOUR-TIME: ISU's Willie Miklus ends college career as a four-time All-American
• WHY HE TRANSFERRED: With dad in mind, Miklus gives his all for the Cyclones
• WATCH: Willie Miklus pens emotional letter to late father Garry
• WIN No. 100: Miklus notches 100th win on Day One of Big 12 Championships
• SENIOR NIGHT: ISU's Willie Miklus secures Senior Day win over his old team
• FROM THE ARCHIVES: Willie Miklus to transfer from Mizzou to Iowa State

Miklus' presence helped a young Cyclones team thrive this season. Iowa State went 10-4 in duals, finished second at the Big 12 Conference championships, qualified nine wrestlers for the national tournament and finished with two All-Americans (the other: Jarrett Degen, seventh at 149 pounds) and a 16th-place team finish.

"I don't want to be anywhere but Iowa State," Miklus said in a statement. "This opportunity allows me the chance to stay near home at a place I love. I'm looking forward to being around the team and helping them achieve their individual goals."

Iowa State returns eight of the nine NCAA qualifiers for the 2019-20 season, all of whom won at least one match at the NCAA Championships.

Tuesday's announcement ensures that Miklus will remain in the room, too, both as an assistant and a senior-level freestyle athlete. He plans on training with the Cyclone Regional Training Center alongside Kyven Gadson, a 2015 NCAA champion for Iowa State, and Ben Durbin, who is currently a volunteer assistant for the program.

Cody Goodwin covers wrestling and high school sports for the Des Moines Register. Follow him on Twitter at @codygoodwin.