Ziad Haddad returned to Kutztown University as an assistant wrestling coach in 2022-23. The two-time national champion and three-time All-American previously spent two seasons on Robert Fisher's staff from 2015-17.
Under the tutelage of Haddad, Matthew Weinberg has earned two All-America honors, including during the 2022-23 season when he finished fourth overall at 184 lbs. Dalton Gimbor was also a national qualifier.
Haddad concluded his three-year career at KU with nearly every possible award and honor to his name.
As a senior in 2014-15, he became KU wrestling's second two-time national champion, won his second consecutive regional championship, won his first PSAC championship, recorded his second straight undefeated season, became the program's second three-time All-American, went 55 straight bouts without being taken down and ranked No. 1 in the nation for 507 consecutive days.
Kutztown captured, at the time, its best-ever PSAC and national tournament team finishes in 2014-15, while also placing third at regionals. Haddad led the team with 12 pins and 10 major decisions during his senior season, culminating in Division II's Most Dominant Wrestler award.
As a junior, Haddad, originally from Orefield, Pa., was named the PSAC, Super Region I and NCAA Division II National Wrestler of the Year.
Haddad's 30 victories in 2014-15 are tied for the third most in a season all-time at KU and his 82 career wins rank fifth. He finished his Golden Bear career with an 82-5 record after transferring to KU from Division I North Carolina.
A 2018 Kutztown University graduate with a social studies degree, Haddad earned Dean's List honors, was named the 2015 KU Male Senior Athlete of the Year and a two-time KU Male Athlete of the Year.
Haddad is currently a teacher in the East Stroudsburg Area School District. He was inducted into the KU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021.
Updated 6/20/23
