Jones, Jr. named head assistant wrestling coach at Olivet College

OLIVET, Mich. – Anthony Jones, Jr. has been named the head assistant wrestling coach at Olivet College, according to an announcement by Head Wrestling Coach Brandon Brissette.

"First and foremost, I want to thank Athletic Directory Ryan Shockey and Head Coach Brandon Brissette for this opportunity," said Jones, Jr. "I am beyond excited to step into this role and help Olivet wrestling grow to the next level.

"Coach Brissette, the staff and the administration have laid a solid foundation for this program with endless opportunities for the athletes to grow and accomplish their goals. I am most excited to engrain myself into the Olivet College community and share my knowledge of the sport and doing my due diligence with ensuring the growth and success of each student-athlete."

Most recently, Jones served as an assistant coach and assistant director of wrestling operations at Michigan State University (MSU). In his time at MSU, he helped the Spartans go from scoring negative points at the NCAA Championships to being preseason ranked No. 11. Jones also coached multiple NCAA All-Americans.

Prior to that, Jones was the head assistant wrestling coach at Adrian College during the 2015-16 season. While there, he mentored the Bulldogs' first NCAA All-American.

Jones is also an international freestyle wrestling coach. He currently serves as the Jamaican National World Team Coach. In 2019, Jones was the Jamaican National U23 World Team Coach and Jamaican National Pan American Games Coach.

Jones earned a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies in social science, and concentration in human resources and society from Michigan State in May 2012. He was a four-year wrestling letterwinner for the Spartans. Jones qualified for the NCAA Championships three times. He placed third, fourth and seventh at the Big Ten Championships.

"We are so very proud to be adding Anthony to the Olivet wrestling family as our new head assistant coach," said Brissette. "Coach Jones and I worked together at Boudro Camps and some of our athletes worked with him in the international styles of wrestling though the Michigan Wrestling Club, so we knew about his phenomenal teaching abilities and character.

"Even so, during the interview Anthony impressed us with how much he respected our team, the Division III student-athlete in general and most importantly, his drive to better the individual through relationship and mentoring. There is no doubt his experience with Michigan State coaching in the Big Ten for several years, along with a year of NCAA DIII coaching and recruiting, and world level coaching with the Jamaican team will have an immediate impact for our guys in the room.

"Additionally, I am excited for Anthony's fervor to improve upon all areas of our program from fundraising to freestyle, and academic support to team activities. His experience and will to develop the whole individual and the whole program make him the perfect choice for Olivet College and our wrestling program."