Wilson returns to Ohio State as assistant coach

credits: Jeff Mills

A Buckeye through and through, Blaine Wilson joins the Ohio State coaching staff as an assistant

Wilson, a three-time Olympian, had previously worked with the Buckeyes as a volunteer assistant coach for a combined five seasons, in two different stints, most recently during the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons.

“You can never have too much love for the Buckeyes on your staff,” Avery said about his former athlete. “But put that into the form of a homegrown, three-time USA/Buckeye Olympian and we could not be happier or more proud with the choice of our new assistant than we are with Blaine.

“He brings a lifetime of gymnastics knowledge and instantly raises the level of respect for the Buckeyes.The entire gymnastics community is excited for this hire and are looking for many more great things from the Buckeyes.”

A Columbus native, Wilson helped establish Ohio State as one of the premiere collegiate programs in both the Big Ten and the NCAA, competing from 1994-97.

“It is a great honor to be a coach at The Ohio State University,” Wilson said. “It is the place where I made my first Olympic team and really started making strides in my career. I will be great to work with coaches like Miles and Doug Stibel who were instrumental in my training for the 2004 Olympics.”

As a coach, Wilson brings a wealth of knowledge and lighthearted demeanor to the gym. The most decorated Buckeye to date, Wilson recorded giant landmarks on each level of competition.

While competing for the Buckeyes, he captured six NCAA individual titles and helped Ohio State to its second of three National Championships in 1996, in addition to three Big Ten crowns (1994, ’96 and ’97).

Owner of 11 Big Ten individual titles, including three all-around crowns, Wilson became the first Buckeye to receive the conference’s rookie of the year distinction in 1994.

The standout went on to garner the Big Ten Gymnast of the Year honor in 1995, ’96 and ’97. Twice in his college career, Wilson was recognized as the OSU Male Athlete of the Year.

Nationally, Wilson secured five-consecutive U.S. all-around titles (1996-2000). Competing in front of the world, he earned a silver medal in the team competition at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and was a member of the U.S. Men’s Gymnastics Olympic team for the 1996 Atlanta Games and 2000 Sydney Games.

Wilson and his wife, former rhythmic gymnast Aliane Baquerot, reside in Columbus with his daughter Wakaya. The couple is expecting its first child together in August. Outside of gymnastics, Wilson enjoys playing golf.

OhioStateBuckeyes.com

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