Voelker leaving ISU for ministry

AMES – Eric Voelker's time as an Iowa State assistant wrestling coach was short lived. Iowa State announced Tuesday that Voelker has stepped down from the position after only one season to pursue ministry work. Voelker is joining the staff atLutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines.

Voelker was a two-time 190-pound NCAA champion and three-time All-American for the Cyclones from 1987-89. Voelker had replaced former Cyclone wrestler and UT-Chattanooga head coach Chris Bono, who resigned after one season as Cyclones head coach Kevin Jackson's assistant.

The Cyclones staff currently includes Yero Washington, who is listed as assistant head coach, and Travis Paulson, who is a volunteer assistant. The search for a new assistant wrestling coach will begin immediately, according to the news release.

Below is the news release from Iowa State:

VOELKER STEPPING DOWN from ISU WRESTLING to PURSUE MINISTRY

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State assistant wrestling coach and former two-time NCAA 190-pound champion Eric Voelker is resigning to pursue a call to the ministry. Voelker, a three-time NCAA All-American as a Cyclone from 1987-89, had joined the staff of Iowa State head coach Kevin Jackson last fall.

“Eric has been a valuable asset to our wrestling program,” Jackson said. “He is respected by our wrestlers, alumni and prep coaches in Iowa and across the country. He is a great leader, which will serve him well in the ministry.”

Voelker will be joining the staff of his church, Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines.

“This past year has given me cause to refocus,” Voelker said. “For many years I have been moving been toward full-time ministry and believe that now is the time to go ‘all in,' to use our Cyclone language.”

Voelker had high praise for Jackson.

“Kevin is a great leader and working with him and the Iowa State wrestling program has been a special time in my life,” Voelker said. “The Iowa State wrestling program has a top-notch staff, a very supportive athletics department and a committed booster community. I am confident great achievements lie ahead.”

Jackson knows that Voelker will continue to be a part of the Cyclone wrestling family.

“More than anything, Eric made an impact on our wrestlers by example,” Jackson said. “They see him as an individual who wouldn't ask for any effort from another that he would not ask of himself. His place in Iowa State history is assured.”Jackson says a search for Voelker's replacement is underway.