Greg Jones (wrestler)

Greg Jones is one of the most successful American collegiate wrestlers of all-time. At West Virginia University, Jones won three NCAA Division 1 wrestling titles - one of only 39 wrestlers to accomplish that feat in the tournament's 75-year history.

Shortly after his 5-3 decision of Cornell's Tyler Baier in the 184 pound finals, Jones was named the 2005 tournament's Most Outstanding Wrestler. In addition to his title in 2005, Jones won the 184 pound title in 2004 and the 174 pound title as a freshman in 2002. Jones is currently serving as the Head Wrestling Coach for SANFORD MMA in Deerfield Beach FL.

Background

Greg Jones was born on August 10, 1982, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. He was the third of 5 children. Greg's older brother Vertus was a 3-time All-American wrestler. Both brothers were inducted into the West Virginia Mountaineers Hall of Fame in 2019. In Greensburg-Salem School District Jones won the PIAA championship as a member of the Greensburg-Salem Golden Lions wrestling team and was a two-time state champion. Greg went on to win three national championships as a member of the West Virginia University Mountaineers. He set his high school's record for career wins. Despite not playing football in college, Jones worked out for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League prior to the 2005 NFL Draft.[1]

Coaching

Jones went on to coach for the Mountaineer wrestling team for 9 years until he was offered a head coach wrestling position. At Blackzilians since the summer of 2014, Jones has been one of the top wrestling coaches in MMA training top contenders the likes of Anthony Johnson, Rashad Evans, Michael Johnson, and Eddie Alvarez to name a few.[2]

Suspension

In late 2020, Jones and Henri Hooft were suspended for three months after they broke COVID-19 protocols by leaving their hotel rooms while quarantining preceding Bellator 253.[3]

Noteworthy statistics
  • One of 39 3-time NCAA champions
  • One of 20 wrestlers to win titles at two weights
  • One of 10 wrestlers to win a national title as a freshman
  • 126-4 career record
  • His only losses were to Otto Olson of Michigan (9-8), Ralph Everett (3-2 t.b.), and Rashad Evans of Michigan State (3-2). The fourth loss was a forfeit.
  • West Virginia's all-time wins leader
  • Undefeated his junior and senior years
  • Ended career with a 51-match win streak
  • 4-time Eastern Wrestling League (EWL) champion
  • First EWL wrestler to be named Most Outstanding Wrestler at the NCAA tournament
  • Was taken down just ten times in his career
  • Outscored opponents 298-82 his senior year
  • Voted 2004 West Virginia Amateur Athlete of the Year
  • 17-2 record in 4 NCAA tournaments
  • Member of the Eastern Wrestling League and NWCA All-Academic Teams
  • Inducted into the West Virginia Mountaineers Hall of Fame with the Class of 2019 along with his brother Vertus Jones

References
  1. Mihoces, Gary (April 20, 2005). "NFL seeks best players on the court or mat". USA Today. Archived from the original on October 28, 2013. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  2. "Blackzilians Trainer profile".
  3. Marc Raimondi (November 20, 2020). "Henri Hooft, Greg Jones suspended 3 months for violating COVID-19 protocols". ESPN.
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