COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Today, the University of Maryland Athletic Department officially launched a national search for their next head wrestling coach. 

"We will identify the strongest candidates and hire a dynamic leader who will build our program to be nationally competitive," said Assistant Athletic Director Mark Sherburne, who serves as the sport supervisor for the team and will be leading the search committee. "I'm confident we will find an outstanding coach and educator who will help our student-athletes excel both on and off the mat.

Maryland will be returning seven primary starters from its 2018-19 roster, including three who have participated in multiple Big Ten Championships. Maryland's incoming recruiting class also features two-time Ohio state champion Lucas Byrd, two-time Ohio state place winner Michael North, and National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) champion Jack Parr.

The 2018-19 wrestling season will conclude at the NCAA Championships, which take place March 21-23 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Senior heavyweight Youssif Hemida will be vying for his second consecutive All-American finish. The three-time Big Ten place winner recently posted a 5-1 record at the conference championships en route to a third-place finish.