Hunter's role changes as Illinois assistant coach

Hunter, a 2000 graduate of Penn State, is a first-year assistant coach for the fighting Illini and is taking to his new job well.

"I love it out here," Hunter said. "I just got so used to everything in State College, I needed a change. We've got a great staff out here. They're all great guys that I get along well with."

Hunter, who spent his entire Lion career at 118 and 125, primarily works with the Illinois lightweights. His knowledge in the area has proven to be invaluable.

"He's been a huge addition for us," said fellow assistant Steve Marianetti, who won an NCAA championship while wrestling for Illinois. "He's the first coach of the lighter wrestlers we've ever had. He knows the sport so well, he can watch our guys in practice and pick out the things they need to improve on."

His move to Illinois has brought out a new side of Hunter. During his days at Penn State he earned the reputation of a reserved, lead-by-example type of wrestler. Now at Illinois, through the urging of head coach Mark Johnson, Hunter has become more vocal.

"I think I've changed," Hunter said. "When I got here, they told me to be more vocal and to have more of a presence, so I just did what was asked of me."

Hunter's new persona has been a hit with the team.

"Our guys love his personality. We've given him a lot of responsibility and he's responded well," Johnson said.

Coaching is not the only thing Hunter is up to at Illinois. He is currently training hard for the 2004 Olympics.

"It's a great place to train," Hunter said. "Me and (former Illinois national champion) Adam Tirapelle are both training for the Olympics so there are a lot of good workout partners here."

Although he has settled into his new job well, part of Hunter still resides at Penn State.His best friend is former teammate and current Lion assistant Ross Thatcher. The two talk frequently, with Thatcher keeping Hunter up-to-date on their alma mater.

"Ross Thatcher and I are always calling each other, and I follow the results on the Internet," Hunter said. "Coach Sunderland is doing a good job. They've had their problems like everyone else, especially with injuries."

Hunter came to Penn State during the fall of 1996 already a legend in Pennsylvania wrestling. A native of West Alexander and graduate of McGuffey H.S., Hunter won four PIAA championships and became known as one of the most dominant wrestlers in state history, winning in the PIAA finals his senior year by technical fall.

Hunter could have gone anywhere, but he chose Penn State.

"He had a lot of options," said Penn State head coach Troy Sunderland, who helped recruit and coach Hunter.

"Having him sign here made my decision to leave for Navy a lot more difficult."

Hunter made an immediate impact at Penn State, going 28-7 his freshman year. He went onto win a Big Ten championship and earned All-American status three times in addition to his national championship during his Lion career.

At Penn State, Hunter was known for his legendary training and commitment to the sport.

"He was the best teammate you could ask for," Thatcher said.

"He led by action. He was always the best in shape, always winning the team runs. He was a machine, he sacrificed everything for wrestling. All he cared about was school and winning the NCAA championship."

Now, Hunter has taken that work ethic and intensity to a team he once regarded as a rival.

"It's definitely going to be weird to be against Penn State," Hunter said. "But I'm still doing everything I can to get our guys ready for this weekend."

Despite the competitive nature of their encounter, Sunderland is looking forward to seeing Hunter.

"It will be great to see him again, I haven't seen him in a long time.

He was just a great role model for Penn State. He continued the great tradition of All-Americans and national champions we've had here," Sunderland said.

On Sunday though, it will be Hunter's job to put a slight dent in the tradition he worked so hard to help build.