Andrew Alton Joins F&M Staff
LANCASTER – Franklin & Marshall’s head wrestling coach Mike Rogers this week announced former Penn State standout Andrew Alton as the Diplomats’ new assistant coach.
As a member of the staff, Alton’s duties will involve helping run all aspects of the program, including recruiting, scheduling practice plans and assisting with technique. His responsibilities will also contain a focus on developing the lighter/middle weights.
A 2015 graduate from Penn State, he wrestled under renowned head coach Cael Sanderson and was present for one of the most successful runs in collegiate wrestling history, as the Nittany Lions captured four consecutive NCAA National Championships from 2011-14.
“The coaching staff is excited to bring someone like Andrew Alton into the program,” said head coach Mike Rogers. “Andrew has trained under one of the best programs in the country at Penn State and his experience in competing in the Big Ten will be a valuable resource for us.”
Starting his collegiate career at 141, Alton received the Shalles Award as a freshman by accumulating 18 pins, placed fifth at the Big Ten Championships and was an NCAA Qualifier. He went 2-2 at the tournament with a pin and a major decision, finishing just one win shy of All-America status.
He moved up to the 149 weight class after his first year in State College and again qualified for the NCAAs as a sophomore, placing fourth in the Big Ten Tournament and assisting his team’s National Championship run with a key pin. Alton competed alongside his identical twin brother, Dylan, who was an All-American his freshman year after taking third at Nationals.
Rogers is personally familiar with the Alton family, as their father, Neil, served as a volunteer assistant coach at Lock Haven when Rogers wrestled for the school.
Rogers also coached at Central Mountain High school from 1999-2002, Alton’s alma mater.
“I’ve seen both Andrew and Dylan develop over the course of their career and I’ve gotten to know the Alton family very well over that time,” said Rogers. “I’m excited to be working with Andrew as he starts his collegiate coaching career here at F&M.”
Graduating from Central Mountain High School in 2010, Alton was a two-time Pennsylvania State Champion (2009-10) and a four-time Asics Junior Freestyle National Champion.
