NW Arkansas News

Vinny Barber has been promoted to head men's wrestling coach, it was announced by athletic director Jimmy Clark Tuesday (August 16).

Barber, who just finished his fourth season as the assistant coach, will take over the program for LeRoy Garner. Gardner will turn his focus to the women's program and remain as the head women's coach and assistant athletic director.

"Vinny is the right guy to lead this program," said Clark. "I want to thank LeRoy for the way he built the program and for his tireless effort to serve our student-athletes. Under his leadership, this is a strong program that has seen significant success on the mat and in the classroom. Vinny has played an integral role with all of the achievement and success. He will continue our outstanding tradition. Vinny combines great recruiting skills and coaching knowledge. He loves the university and will give every ounce of effort to continue the success of our program."

During Barber's tenure at Ozarks, the Eagles have qualified two wrestlers to the NCAA III National Championships and the program has seen one National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) All-American and three NWCA Academic All-Americans.

"I'm very excited for the opportunity to lead the program," said Barber. "University of the Ozarks is a special place where our student-athletes have a tremendous opportunity to be great both academically and athletically. All the things required to have a highly successful program are in place. The faculty and staff are incredibly supportive and are instrumental to our student-athletes' success. I would like to thank President Dunsworth, Jimmy Clark, Amy Lloyd and LeRoy Gardner for this opportunity and their support for myself and our program."

The Eagles are coming off a runner-up finish at the Southeast Conference Championships. The Eagles had four wrestlers earn All-Conference honors and nine members of the team were on the Southeast Conference All-Academic Team following the 2021-22 season.

Prior to Ozarks, he coached with Team Texas as a national staff member and coached 11 state champions and three Fargo All-Americans. Barber attended the NWCA Leadership Academy in 2019.

"We have a very solid group of returners coming back who will be accompanied by one of the best recruiting classes we've had here," said Barber.

A native of Highland, New York, Barber wrestled collegiately at SUNY Oneonta and Centenary College (New Jersey).

He graduated from Ozarks in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in communication studies.

Original source can be found here.