Song gets strength coach job with Iowa wrestling

Danny Song chose to stay in Iowa City around the University of Iowa wrestling program.

So Hawkeyes Coach Tom Brands chose him to be a part of the program. Brands and Song confirmed this week that Song will be the program's strength and conditioning coach beginning Tuesday.

Song replaces Jared Frayer, who left after one season to become an assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin.

Song arrived at Iowa in 2006 to complete a psychology degree and train with the Hawkeye Wrestling Club after earning NCAA Division III All-America honors for Merchant Marine Academy.

“It wasn't long after that Tom made me feel like an extension of the program,” said Song, whose college coach, Tim Alger, helped connect him with the Hawkeyes. “I ran out of eligibility. I'm just a guy who has a real passion for Iowa wrestling.”

Song turned down a position as a prep coach with the Naval Academy to remain in Iowa City.

“It didn't take me long to see if it was something I wanted to pursue or just check a box off in my life,” Song said about originally joining the Hawkeyes. “It was a choice.”

Many expected a former Hawkeye to fill the role, but Song bleeds black and gold.

“He could have gone anywhere,” Brands said. “He is a Hawkeye. He is a product of our system even though he didn't wrestle here in college.”

Song said his goal is to make the team strongest in March when it seeks another national title.

Brands said he likes Song's eagerness and urgency to succeed, adding his biggest impact will be with younger wrestlers.

“He knows what our priorities are,” Brands said. “He knows what we expect.”