Archie Randall, men’s and women’s longtime wrestling coach, was fired April 16.
Assistant Coach C.J. Campbell said he wasn’t able to give any information because it’s a personnel issue he’s unable to discuss. Athletic Director Jim Abbott also said he was unable to comment because it’s a personnel issue.
Freshman Wrestler Becka Leathers refused to comment on why Randall left, but said no one has told the team anything about who is taking over as interim head coach or when the position may be filled.
Rod Jones, associate director of public relations, said Campbell will lead the men’s team and Assistant Coach Matt Stevens will lead the women’s team on an interim basis.
Freshman Wrestler Rachael Butler, Junior Wrestler Miguel Tovar, and Senior Wrestlers Zach Skates and Cody Sivertsen were unavailable for comment April 26.
Other officials were also unavailable for comment April 26, including Leslie Berger, senior director of university communications; Rich Tortorelli, assistant athletic director of athletic communications, and President Robert Henry.
Randall was placed on paid administrative leave in April 2013, but the reason is unknown because officials were unable to comment since it was another personnel issue.
OCU began it’s wrestling program in January 2006, hiring Randall at the end of that month.
Prior to coming to OCU, Randall coached wrestling for El Reno High School, turning the team into a perennial state champion. He was also called an elite coach at the national level, according to ocusports.com.
During his time at OCU, Randall led the teams to multiple national titles, coached numerous all-Americans, was a member of the USA Wrestling board of directors, and was recently named south qualifier coach of the year.
Contributing: Miguel Rios, Editor-in-chief
Editor’s Note: This story was updated with information from Rod Jones, associate director of public relations, on April 27.
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