Tony Cassioppi joins Wisconsin wrestling as assistant coach

Former Iowa wrestling star and four-time All-American heavyweight Tony Cassioppi was hired by Wisconsin as an assistant coach.

Cassioppi was a star for the Hawkeyes and a U23 World Champion at 125 KG. With him now in the Badgers’ corner, Wisconsin has one of the Big Ten’s best heavyweights over the last few years.

Cassioppi released a statement after making the decision to go to Madison.

“I am excited and proud to be joining the University of Wisconsin wrestling program,” Cassioppi said. “I look forward to working with a great group of athletes and helping them achieve their goal of winning NCAA championships both as individuals and as a team.

“Coach Bono and Coach Reader will be great mentors for me, and I look forward to growing as a coach and leader. Growing up only an hour south of Madison, I have a lot of fond memories of training with the Wisconsin RTC (Regional Training Center) and watching Badger football games as a high schooler. I am excited to start my coaching career in a place with so much passion and commitment! It’s a great day to be a Badger!”

Wisconsin head coach Chris Bono released a statement after hiring the former Iowa heavyweight.

“Tony is an outstanding young man and a proven competitor,” Bono said. “His success on the mat at the NCAA and on the world stage speaks for itself. Tony’s high character and relentless work ethic were very apparent in the interview process! I am extremely excited that he wants to start his coaching career here at UW!”

Cassioppi became the 25th four-time All-American in Iowa history, getting to the NCAA semifinals twice in his career. His highest finish was 3rd at the 2021 tournament, helping the Hawkeyes win the team title.

Cassioppi finished his career with a 90-17 record, including 58 bonus point victories and 40 pins. On the international scene, he won gold in 2021 at the U23 World Championships in freestyle.

Cassioppi also won gold at the USA U23 National Championships in 2022 and won a bronze medal at the 2022 U23 World Championships, all at 125 KG.

His tenure at Wisconsin will begin later this month, giving Wisconsin quite the boost going into the 2024-25 season.