BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – Bridgewater State University Director of Athletics, Dr. Marybeth Lamb, announced today the promotion of Frank Cammisa to head coach of the BSU wrestling program.

Cammisa, who has served as an assistant coach for the previous four seasons, becomes the 12th head coach in team history.  He replaces Tim Ferreira who just recently resigned.

“I am excited that Frank is taking the helm of the men’s wrestling team,” said Lamb. “His expertise on the mat is evident, not only in his personal athletic achievements, but also as a coach.”

“I’m confident that Frank will build on the team’s most recent successes and lead them to great achievements, on the mat, in the classroom and in the community," Lamb added.

Frank joined the coaching staff back in 2010 after an outstanding four-year collegiate career with the Bears. He is the only wrestler in BSU history to compete in the NCAA Division III Championships in each of his four seasons with the team.

A native of Danbury, Connecticut, Cammisa is a January 2011 graduate of Bridgewater State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education with a concentration in Recreation.

Frank came to Bridgewater in 2006 and immediately made an impact on the Bears' wrestling program.  In his freshman season, he set school rookie marks for wins with 35 and pins with 21 on his way to capturing the New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) 149-pound title and advancing to the NCAA Tournament.

Cammisa repeated as the 149-pound champion and made a return trip to the NCAAs in 2008.  In 2009, he placed second at the NEWA Championships and was awarded a wild card to the NCAA Tournament.  In his senior season, Frank moved up a weight class and captured the 157-pound NEWA title as he made his fourth straight appearance in the NCAAs.

All told, Cammisa is tied for third all-time at BSU in career wins with 110, and ranks second in pins with 46.