Isaiah Cox

Less than four months after qualifying its first wrestler for the girls state tournament, the Marshalltown High School wrestling department named its first dedicated girls wrestling coach.

MHS announced the appointment of Isaiah Cox to the new position on Friday via social media, adding to the hype that has surrounded the state’s newly sanctioned sport. Genevieve “Gigi” Lantigua became the first Bobcat girls wrestler to reach state back in February.

Cox comes to Marshalltown after serving as the head girls wrestling coach at Ottumwa High School for two years. Five Ottumwa girls advanced to the state wrestling tournament last winter under Cox, who also worked as a security officer for the school district.

“We are thrilled to welcome Isaiah as our first-ever dedicated new girls wrestling coach,” MHS athletic director Ryan Isgrig wrote in the release. “His impressive wrestling credentials speak for themselves, but what truly sets him apart is his dedication to building a new program and fostering meaningful relationships with our athletes.

“Isaiah’s passion for the sport and his commitment to mentoring our girls both on and off the mat will undoubtedly continue to elevate our wrestling program to new heights.”

Cox was a standout wrestler at Ottumwa High School, where he holds the record for career wins with 149. He was a two-time National Junior College Athletic Association All-American at Iowa Lakes Community College before wrestling his final two seasons at Wartburg College.

“I am incredibly excited for this opportunity and can’t wait to begin working with the girls,” Cox said. “I want to keep building the program up and help grow girls wrestling!”

Cox will also be a member of the Marshalltown High School football coaching staff as well as a grounds worker at the athletic complex.