DeKALB | For the past 15 seasons, NIU wrestling has been led by head coach Dave Grant. Grant has compiled an overall record of 127-111-6 and has brought 31 wrestlers to NCAA Championships for NIU.

With his coaching career coming to a close in just a few weeks, Grant is proud of what he has accomplished for the program.

“We did some things that they’ve never done here before,” Grant said. “We never had a two-time All-American until my time here, and we also had a national finalist which hadn’t happened in 30 years. On the aspect of looking back over 15 years, I’m proud of what our wrestlers have done.”

Senior Vince Castillo is impressed with the advancements Grant was able to make for the team.

“He’s really improved the program over the past couple years,” Castillo said. “Just taking a step forward from where it was to where it is now.”

Castillo described Grant as a very straight-forward, dedicated coach, while fellow senior Bryan Deutsch added his own opinion.

“He’s one part Colonel Sanders, one part Mike Ditka and one part Andy Griffith,” Deutsch said.

Deutsch and Castillo praised Grant’s work ethic and the ability to bond with his team.

“He makes us work hard, gets on us, but he’s just doing it for the well-being of us,” Castillo said. “But then after practice or on bus rides we have a good time with him.”

Grant has plenty of memories with this current roster and is satisfied with the amount of effort that his squad has put forth both on and off the mats.

“If you put in 100 percent to what you’re doing, I’ve always been proud of a guy for that,” Grant said. “Not only are they great wrestlers, but they’re great people and great students. As a coach, if you’re putting guys out into the work force and they’re graduating, you’ve got to feel as great as I do.”

Although he will miss coaching, Grant will be pleased to be away from the mats.

“With coaching, there’s a lot of work to it,” Grant said. “It’s 24/7 and I’ve been doing it for 25 years. I look forward to a different aspect of things.”

Grant may be leaving NIU, but he will still be a part of the local community. His post-coaching plans include entering real estate.

“You’ll see my name around town,” Grant said. “I’ve got a different thing I’ll be working on. I’m sure I’ll be working hard. It will just be a little different.”

Grant will potentially be coaching for the last time of his career at the Convocation Center on March 5-6 when the Huskies host the MAC Championships.