Matthew Paeth, who spent this year as assistant wrestling coach, takes the helm as the new head Wrestling coach for Otero Junior College. Paeth plans for a strong transition to his new role.
“I am very excited for this opportunity to lead the Otero Wrestling team. I would like to thank Administration for their continued support during this transition,” said Paeth.
“My vision for this program is to produce college graduates and national champions. I want to create a culture of bringing in the right student - athletes to Otero Junior College,” Paeth explained. “I expect these students to be prepared to succeed in the class room, the community and the wrestling mat. We will maintain a culture of success, Rattler success.”
Paeth began wrestling at the age of seven. He is a four-time New York State Champion in Greco Roman wrestling and a three-time USA Wrestling All-American. While training for USA wrestling and international events, Paeth was a member of the Buffalo Wrestling Club at the University at Buffalo. He placed fourth in the 2004 Eastern US Olympic team trials.
A USA Wrestling Bronze certified coach, he has experience coaching at the high school and college levels. While at Kansas Wesleyan University, Paeth helped start the first wrestling program in the school’s history and helped to recruit student athletes. While at Waldorf College in Forrest City, Iowa, he coached 9 NAIA national qualifiers and 2 NAIA All Americans. He owned and operated WNY Elite Wrestling Club, a wrestling club designed to bring elite wrestlers from all over Western New York together to train during the summer months.
Paeth is a graduate of the University of Buffalo with a degree in agricultural engineering. In his free time, Paeth enjoys hunting and fishing. He is also a die-hard Buffalo Bills fan.
According to OJC Athletic Director Gary Addington, “Matt is bringing a great deal of coaching experience to his new position as head coach. He understands the OJC philosophy and the importance of ‘student’ first and foremost in the term student athlete.”
Recruiting will be a strength for Paeth. “Matt has a national network he can utilize in the recruitment process,” explained Addington. “Also, Matt has already reached out to the area wrestling coaches in an attempt to give local wrestlers the opportunity to continue their education while wrestling for OJC. Matt will continue to do a great job for OJC.”
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