Bismarck, ND - The University of Mary has selected Ben Berogan as the Marauders head wrestling coach, announced Marauders athletic director Al Bortke. The appointment makes permanent the position Berogan assumed on an interim basis last year.

"We are pleased that Ben has accepted the challenge to lead the Marauders wrestling program," said Bortke. "He’s been with our program as a graduate assistant and an assistant coach and he did a good job when we asked him to step in as the interim coach. Ben’s earned this opportunity and we know he can be successful."

During the 2007-08 season, the Marauders experienced several firsts under Berogan’s direction. Jesse Laber became U-Mary’s first NCAA All-American when he finished fifth in the heavyweight division. The Marauders finished 23rd nationally at the NCAA Division II tournament, the first year U-Mary was eligible to compete at the national tournament. U-Mary also won its first Northern Sun dual match as a member of the NSIC.

"I’m excited to be named head coach of the Marauders wrestling program," said Berogan. "This is a step in the right direction for our wrestling team to become strong and competitive in the Northern Sun. We’ll plan to have a full lineup in place for next season.

"Now that we are eligible to compete in the postseason, we should be able to qualify four to five wrestlers a year for the NCAA national championships. We have some guys who are close right now. It’s not an easy goal to reach but one I believe we can accomplish at the University of Mary."

Berogan began his coaching tenure at the University of Mary as the assistant coach at U-Mary for three years beginning with the 2003-04 season. He was the graduate assistant coach in 2006-07 before becoming the Marauders interim head coach in January 2007.

A native of Bismarck, Berogan wrestled for Bismarck High School (1989-1992), earning a record of 123-17. He placed 1st in the North Dakota State High School Wrestling Tournament as a junior and senior and earned a 2nd and 3rd place finish his sophomore and freshman years, respectively. The Bismarck High School Wrestling Team was rated the No. 1 high school team in the nation by USA Today Berogan’s freshman and senior year. Berogan also was valedictorian of Bismarck High School’s class of 1992.

Berogan attended the University of North Dakota and wrestled under Brad Kerr, Jeff Schumacher and Bruce Moe. He gained All-American status in 1995, placing 7th at the national tournament. He earned further honors as an Academic All-American. Ben graduated cum laude from UND in 1997 with a double major in natural science and Latin.

Berogan previously coached high school wrestling in Virginia for three years under Thad Kiesnowski, who retired from coaching with 463 dual wins, and coach of the year honors. During Berogan’s tenure, he coached eight individual state champions, and coached the team to two state championships.

Berogan is married and has two children.