Head coach Tom Ryan says 2008-09 national champion Jaggers and 2008 national champion Pucillo will join him and associate head coach Lou Rosselli.
“We are proud to add one of the great wrestling Buckeyes to the Ohio State coaching staff,” Ryan said. “Mike has been a standout in every aspect of his life for many years. We are all anxious to see Mike pass his knowledge on to the next generation.
“J Jaggers brings a long successful resume to the Buckeye program. He has accomplished many great things as a competitor and student. His deep-rooted passion for the Buckeyes makes him a great addition to the staff.”
Jaggers, the NCAA champion in 2008 and 2009 at 141 pounds and Ohio State's male Athlete of the Year in 2009, will also assist the athletic department’s Fan Experience and Promotions staff in marketing this season's home matches. Jaggers also will work in fund-raising for the wrestling program and serve as the team liaison, providing up-to-date team information to the squad during summer and holiday breaks.
As a volunteer assistant coach last season, Jaggers helped mentor former teammate Reece Humphrey, who took over Jaggers' starting spot at 141 pounds. Humphrey went on to finish third at the NCAA championships, earning his second All-American recognition.
Jaggers was the third wrestler in OSU history to win two national titles. A three-time All-American and four-time NCAA qualifier, he compiled 107 wins with the Buckeyes. After winning his first national title in 2008, he was honored by the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission as its college Athlete of the Year.
Jaggers was a three-time NWCA All-Academic Team member, two-time Academic All-Big Ten and Ohio State Scholar-Athlete recipient. He earned his bachelor's degree in communication in March, 2009.
Pucillo, the 2008 Big Ten and NCAA Champion at 184 pounds, will, besides his coaching, create the team’s community service plan. The Buckeyes have worked closely in the past with the 2nd and 7 Foundation, a program that strives to eliminate illiteracy, and they have volunteered at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Last season, the wrestling program generated 244 hours of community service under former assistant Joe Heskett.
Pucillo will oversee the team managers and work on postseason travel information. He also will work with Jaggers in the fund-raising department.
Pucillo was a three-time All-American with Ohio State. The 2009 NCAA runner-up at 184 pounds, Pucillo once won 43 consecutive matches for the Buckeyes. He finished the 2008 and 2009 Big Ten seasons undefeated and was the 2006 Cliff Keen Las Vegas Collegiate Wrestling Invitational champion. Pucillo was 5-0 at the 2009 NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals in Cedar Falls, Iowa, defeating three Top 20-ranked opponents.
Pucillo earned a bachelor’s degree in communication in March, 2010, and was a two-time NWCA All-Academic selection, Academic All-Big Ten and Ohio State Scholar-Athlete.