Mike Poeta Position: Assistant Coach Experience: 1st Season

A two-time NCAA finalist at 157 in 2008 and 2009, Mike Poeta begins his first season as an assistant coach in 2009-10. Poeta brings a wealth of experience and success to the Illinois staff, having also won Big Ten championships at 157 in 2008 and 2009.

A three-time All-American, Poeta finished third at the 2007 NCAA Championships and won the 157-pound title at Midlands in 2007 and 2008. He ranks second in career winning percentage at .882 and his 2008 campaign is the eighth-best single-season winning percentage in school history.

His 105 career victories rank 17th and his 35 wins in 2008 are ninth-best. He is only the 10th three-time All-American in school history.

Poeta completed his bachelor's degree in community health in May 2009.