Shawn Contos most recently launched the men’s wrestling program at Hope International University (Calif.), where he laid the foundation for a new era in collegiate wrestling. His ability to build programs from the ground up adds a vital dynamic to York’s long-term vision for competitive success.
Previously, he led programs at Lyon College (Ark.), Iowa Wesleyan University (Iowa)—where he also started the women’s wrestling program—and St. John’s Jesuit High School and Academy (Ohio). At the collegiate level, he served as a coach at powerhouse programs such as Pennsylvania State University, where he was part of Cael Sanderson’s staff that captured four NCAA National Championships, and Iowa State University, where he helped lead the team to a Big 12 Championship and third-place NCAA finish.
An accomplished wrestler himself, Contos is a four-time USA Wrestling All-American, a Junior National Champion in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman, and qualified for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials, where he was ranked in the top 10 nationally.
His wide-ranging coaching resumé includes roles as camp coordinator for Legends of Gold, assistant coach at Neosho Community College and Eastwood High School, and director of the Mat Rat Wrestling Club. At Iowa Wesleyan, he managed recruiting, practice planning, strength programming, social media, scheduling, and athlete development. At St. John’s, he more than doubled the program’s roster in a single year while also managing strength and inventory operations.
