Two-time NCAA champion and 2008 Olympian Ben Askren has been named the new head coach of the Badger Regional Training Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Askren recently retired from an undefeated professional MMA career that saw him win welterweight championships in both the Bellator and ONE FC promotions. Askren is also the co-founder of the Askren Wrestling Academy, the premier youth wrestling club in the state of Wisconsin. Askren started the club with his brother, Max, after they both graduated from Missouri, where Ben was a four-time NCAA finalist and two-time Hodge trophy winner. 

When reached for a comment by FloWrestling, Askren had this to say about the new gig:

I am pumped to be the head coach at the Badger RTC. I love the challenge of helping wrestlers achieve to the highest levels in the sport of wrestling.

Additionally, I think this is a great chance to help the entire state of Wisconsin by building an RTC which is consistently helping wrestlers achieve at the highest levels.

Tyler Turner, executive director at Badger RTC, is also pumped to have Askren on board, stating the following:

I would to like welcome Ben Askren as our head coach of the Badger Regional Training Center. Ben brings a wealth of experience at the international level and his connections throughout the state of Wisconsin are unmatched!

Chris Bono, the University of Wisconsin's new head coach, has to also be pleased with the hire, as few names are as synonymous with Wisconsin wrestling as Askren's. The dual hiring of Bono and Askren are instant game changers for the state, as big things continue to develop in Madison.