Wirnsberger Adds Assistant Coach Dan Neff to Wrestling Staff
7/2/2024 11:36:00 AM | Wrestling
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Dan Neff, a four-time NCAA qualifier and 2015 All-American, has joined Dan Wirnsberger's Bucknell wrestling staff as an assistant coach. It's Neff's second stint in Lewisburg, having previously been on staff during the highly-successful 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons. Neff spent the last six seasons as an assistant coach and director of operations at Navy.
During his time in Annapolis, Neff worked primarily with the Mids' wrestlers at 125, 133 and 141 pounds. Most recently, he helped coach three-time NCAA qualifier and 2024 EIWA Champion Josh Koderhandt (141 lbs.). Koderhandt posted a 3-2 record at nationals in March. Neff also worked closely with Navy's standout 133-pound starter and 2023 NCAA qualifier Brendan Ferretti.
In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Neff was a member of the Physical Education Department at the Naval Academy.
During Neff's first season with Bucknell in 2016-17, the Bison posted a 12-4 dual record and finished sixth at the EIWA Championships. Bucknell placed nine on the podium at the conference tournament and sent five to the NCAA Championships during Neff's first stint in Lewisburg. He also represented the Buffalo Valley Regional Training Center as a resident athlete.
A 2016 graduate of Lock Haven, Neff finished in eighth place in the 149-pound bracket at the 2015 NCAA Championships, becoming the school's 39th All-American and the first in nearly a decade. He finished his career with an impressive 109-46 record, placing him 11th on Lock Haven's all-time wins list.
Additionally, the Quarryville, Pa. native was the 2016 Eastern Wrestling League Champion at 149 pounds and earned PSAC Freshman of the Year honors in 2012. Neff also had a remarkable high school career, becoming Solanco High School's first PIAA State Champion after winning the 3A 135-pound crown in 2011. He amassed a 150-19 high school record, which stands as the fifth-best mark in Lancaster County history.