Southern Reg. Alumnus Retires From Wrestling, Returns To Coaching

TEMPE, AZ — Not even the new coronavirus could keep Frank Molinaro out of wrestling for long.

The Southern Regional alumnus recently announced his retirement. He was preparing for a chance to return to the Olympics before the games were postponed to 2021.

Arizona State announced last week that Molinaro would join their coaching staff. He previously worked as an assistant coach with Rutgers and Virginia Tech, but much of Molinaro's success came from directly on the mat.

He also served as a volunteer assistant for Penn State, helping the Nittany Lions to their sixth NCAA team title in 2016.

Molinaro, a Barnegat native, was a four-time All-American with Penn State and claimed a national title in 2012 at 149 pounds. His professional career includes an appearance in the 2016 Summer Olympics.

"Frank Molinaro is an outstanding addition to our staff and will now leave his mark by adding to the history and tradition of Sun Devil Wrestling," Arizona State head coach Zeke Jones said in a statement. "As an NCAA, Pan Am, and World Cup Champion, and one who also represented his country on the 2016 US Olympic team — he has competed at the highest level and will share those experiences."

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