EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Two-time NCAA Division I qualifier Austin Murphy has been added to the SIUE wrestling coaching staff as a graduate assistant for the upcoming season.

Murphy completed his collegiate career at Campbell, where he was a two-time Southern Conference champion and a top 12 finisher at the 2021 NCAA Division I Championships.

"We are very excited about adding Austin to the staff," said SIUE Head Coach Jeremy Spates. "He did a great job as a competitor and is ready to bring what he has leaned as a coach. He is the type of person we want leading our student-athletes."

Murphy is the older brother of incoming recruit P.J. Murphy, who was the 2023 D2 Cincinnati Wrestler of the Year. With Austin joining the staff, Spates and Associate Head Coach Daryl Thomas said the addition only adds to the family atmosphere for the Cougars.

"We're very fortunate to have Austin join our staff," said Thomas. "He has the potential to be a star in the profession. His ability to connect with people, his love for the sport, work ethic and willingness to serve our student-athletes on their journey towards their goals really set him apart. Having the opportunity to coach him and watch his dedication to his craft as an athlete in 2021 at Campbell University was a direct indicator of what he can do in this next phase of his life as a coach."

He earned multiple awards for the Academic Honor Roll for the Southern Conference.

A three-time Ohio high school state qualifier, Murphy was a FloNationals All-American in 2018.

"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to join the SIUE wrestling program," said Murphy. "This felt like the right fit throughout the entire process, and I already feel comfortable with the rest of the staff. I am very excited to be joining a community that supports and cares about wrestling and the growth of the program, and I'm ready to get to work on helping these athletes accomplish their goals and grow as men."