CCC names Mitch Houghton to lead wrestling
Louisiana native becomes the third CCC wrestling coach in 43 years
Colby Community College announced the hiring of Mitch Houghton to serve as the next Trojans head wrestling coach. He fills the vacancy left by David Nordhues, who resigned in June.
Houghton arrives in Colby after spending the previous four seasons as an assistant wrestling coach at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa. In addition to coaching, he was responsible for coordinating recruiting and the strength and conditioning programs. While he was on the staff, IWCC consistently ranked in the top five nationally. They produced 20 All-Americans, including three national finalists and a national champion.
A native of Bossier City, La., Houghton was a two-time state placer for Bossier High School. He began his collegiate wrestling career in 2010 at Minot State University in North Dakota. He transferred to Bacone College in Muskogee, Okla., to wrestle his final three years of eligibility. During that time he served as a student assistant coach under head coach Brett Oleson. Houghton graduated on the President's List with a bachelor's degree in exercise science in 2014.
Houghton begins his new role in Colby July 23.
"I would like to thank Mike Saddler and President Carter for this incredible opportunity at Colby Community College," he said.
Houghton is just the third head wrestling coach at CCC in the last 43 years. Preceding Nordhues (2010) was NJCAA Hall of Fame coach Steve Lampe.
However, the celebrated trail of success is not lost on Houghton.
"Colby wrestling has a long and prestigious history," he said. "I am excited for the opportunity to restore the program back to its former glory."