Fergola takes the reins of NIACC wrestling program
By SCOTT HOLLAND / Of The Globe Gazette
MASON CITY — North Iowa Area Community College took its final step towards returning its wrestling program by naming a head coach on Tuesday.
NIACC named Richard Fergola, previously the head coach of Dana College in Blair, Nebraska, as the man to lead the Trojans’ return to the mat.
“The hiring of coach Fergola represents a significant step in returning a rich athletic tradition to NIACC and the region,’’ Dr. Michael Morrison, NIACC president said. “We are exceptionally pleased to have attracted Coach Fergola with his standing and reputation in wrestling.’’
Fergola led Dana College to a fourth-place finish at the NAIA Championships this season as a first-year head coach.
Fergola also was named Great Plains Athletic Conference Coach of the Year this season.
“I noticed the 70s championship banner, and I hope to bring one back to join it soon,’’ Fergola said. “I expect to win, and win quickly.’’
Fergola served as an assistant coach at Dana when the Vikings won the 2006 NAIA wrestling title.
Coach Fergola also coached at Neosho County Community College in Kansas, before moving on to Dana.
“We’re starting to see a lot of growth in collegiate wrestling, and the chance to be a part of a program just starting out is something I couldn’t pass up,’’ Fergola said.
Fergola has also won a championship as well, competing, and leading Garden City Community College to an NJCAA wrestling title in 1992.
“Having wrestled and coached at the junior college level in the past, I believe I have a good understanding of what it takes,’’ he said.
Fergola is ready to get things rolling at NIACC, hitting the recruiting trail vigorously.
“I have my eyes open nationally,’’ the coach said. “I have connections in Kansas and Nebraska as well as Iowa. Also, this is an area with a great tradition, so hopefully we can get some local kids as well.’’
Fergola had a chance to spread his NIACC word before an official announcement was even made to several wrestlers.
“We had a border battle between Nebraska and Iowa, and I talked to a couple of kids, one from Forest City that went 52-0 this season about their interest in wrestling,’’ Fergola said. “Of course, this was before an announcement was made, so I didn’t tell them I would be the new NIACC coach.’’
Fergola also is already planning big things for his fledgling program.
“Schedule-wise, we want to wrestle the best,’’ he said. “When kids go to nationals, I want them to think that that isn’t the toughest meet they’ve been in. We obviously want to wrestle Iowa Central, since they’re the defending champions, as well as Ellsworth. We know schools want us in their open tournaments, so now it’s all about getting a dual schedule set up.’’
Coach Fergola also has his sights set on NIACC hosting a tournament.
“I helped plan and coordinate an open at Dana, so I would like to do that here,’’ he said. “I’m already looking at the first week in November. There isn’t a lot of open tournaments scheduled then, so I think it would be a good opportunity to get some teams in here.’’
Fergola will be joined in Mason City be wife Marcy, who will graduate from Dana wih a degree in seconday education, sons Anthony (10) and Rocco (2) and daughter, Taylor (6).
