Former Des Moines Lincoln wrestling coach Dustin Roland has been named the head coach for the new girls’ wrestling program at Ankeny and Ankeny Centennial.
Here is a press release from the Ankeny School District announcing the hiring of Roland:
Dustin Roland has been named as the head girls wrestling coach for the new girls wrestling program at Ankeny High School and Centennial High School. Dustin previously served as the head wrestling coach at Lincoln High School in the Des Moines Community School District.
Coach Roland has a rich background in wrestling and coaching. In addition to wrestling, he has served as an assistant coach for many sports in the Des Moines, Southeast Polk, and Bondurant-Farrar school districts. Additionally, Dustin is the 16U USA-Iowa Wrestling Division Director and has experience working within several levels of the USA-Iowa Wrestling Program.
Selection committee members were able to ask questions and give feedback on finalists. Committee members noted that Coach Roland’s wealth of background knowledge in how to lead a program makes him an excellent fit for starting a new program. They also indicated that he showed commitment to building a state-contending team and to increasing the interest in girls wrestling in Ankeny and across the state of Iowa.
Southview Middle School activities director Mike Bakker and Northview Middle School activities director Holly Anderson collaborated to lead the interview and selection process since both high schools are transitioning to new activities directors that will start on July 1.
“Dustin Roland was selected from a pool of highly qualified candidates to lead the process of starting the Ankeny Girls Wrestling program,” said Mike Bakker, Activities Director at Southview Middle School. “His experience as a head wrestling coach at DM Lincoln, his role with the USA Iowa Wrestling program, and his background in coaching multiple girls’ sports in his coaching career make him a natural fit. Dustin is highly respected in the wrestling community by his peers and will work closely with the boys’ programs and coaches at Centennial & Ankeny High Schools.”
The Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union sanctioned girls’ wrestling for the 2022-23 school year, and there is much excitement surrounding the program. Ankeny High School and Centennial High School are partnering together through a co-op agreement to pioneer the Ankeny girls wrestling program. More information about the program will be available soon.