Zadick assuming more responsibility in new post

Mike Zadick is no stranger to the University of Iowa's wrestling coaching staff. The three-time Hawkeye All-American has served seven seasons on the staff, including four years as volunteer assistant and as the strength and conditioning coach from 2006 to 2008.

Zadick was named interim assistant coach when Doug Schwab left the program to take the head coaching job at the University of Northern Iowa. His responsibilities have grown and he can have a more hands-on approach in the new position.

“It's exciting,” Zadick said. “There's a lot more involvement from me from the work aspect. That's what I like.”

Zadick, a 2008 Olympian and two-time U.S. World Team member, who won a silver medal at the 2006 World Championships, maintains the same approach helping the Hawkeye program and aiding the wrestlers development. He is more involved in recruiting.

“The angle I look at it also is more responsibility getting the athletes moved into the program and convincing them to come to the University of Iowa,” Zadick said. “Developing them once they get here and selling them on the program. Really that's not hard for me to say and do because the results will speak for themselves. The way we do things here the results speak for themselves.”

Hawkeye head coach Tom Brands said Zadick has wanted this post for a long time and he's been satisfied with the effort.

"I'm not going to gush on my staff. But I'll tell you, a guy like Zadick who's wanted this job, he's proven himself. And this guy right here had questions on him," Brands said pointing to himself. "This guy had questions on him as a coach, and he's answering them."

Former Iowa State two-time All-American Kurt Backes was named to Zadick's old position. Backes was a volunteer assistant at Virginia Tech last year and the University of Missouri strength and conditioning coach the season before that. Zadick said Backes is doing well, bring a different perspective while working with upper weight wrestlers.

“I like Kurt Backes a lot,” Zadick said. “He fit right in. He's a great guy. I really enjoy him.”

Zadick also enjoys a little good-natured ribbing at Backes' expense given that he is a former Cyclone in Hawkeye colors.

"The only thing that's good for is so I can make fun of him a little bit,” Zadick said. “That's all for fun and to give him crap and I like to do that.”