Aberdeen, S.D. – Northern State University head wrestling coach,
Rocky Burkett announced this morning the completion of his 2019-20 coaching staff with the additions of
Zeke Andrade as an assistant coach and
Griffin Osing as a graduate assistant coach.
Andrade joins the Wolves after one season as the graduate assistant coach at Dakota Wesleyan University, where he worked primarily with the 125-pound weight class.
"I am extremely excited and honored to take on this new role as assistant coach of the wrestling program here at Northern State University," explained Andrade. "Northern is a place where winning is expected, and I'm excited to be able to contribute as much as possible to that winning culture. I feel extremely confident in the direction that this wrestling program is headed, and I'm excited to get to work with the guys, the coaching staff, and the athletic department as a whole."
He competed collegiately for South Dakota State University at 125, 141, and 149-pounds from 2013-18. A 3-year starter for the Jacks, Andrade earned Western Wrestling Conference wrestler of the week honors in 2014. Andrade was a member of the 2018 squad that finished the year ranked 12
th in the nation, and was named to the Big 12 All-Academic first team.
Andrade added, "Rocky has built this program, and the culture around it, and I'm honored to be a part of this journey with him leading the way. I can't wait to meet everyone in the community and see firsthand the tremendous support that flows through Northern State Wrestling. I have to give a huge thank you to President Downs, Director of Athletics
Josh Moon, Deputy Director of Athletics
Zach Flakus, Head Coach
Rocky Burkett, and the rest of the department staff for the amazing opportunity to be here! Wrestling season can't get here soon enough!"
The Sacramento, California native is a 2018 graduate of South Dakota State University with a bachelor's degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences. He is in the process of pursuing a master's degree from Dakota Wesleyan University.
Osing joins the Wolves after a 4-year career at Southwest Minnesota State. With the Mustangs, Osing was a 3-time NSIC All-Academic selection, 3-time NWCA All-Academic pick, and a 2019 NCAA National qualifier at 184-pounds.
"I'm really excited to be here at NSU," noted Osing. "Every year Rocky brings in guys that can build on the Northern State legacy. I'm glad I have the opportunity to work with a great team and help produce a national powerhouse. This is an exciting time to be Wolf."
Osing received his bachelors of science in Physical Education and Teaching from Southwest Minnesota State with a minor in Coaching. He is pursuing a master's degree in Sport Performance and Leadership at Northern State.
