Hayden Hidlay, a former NC State standout, was hired by Stanford wrestling as an assistant coach, according to a release from the program.
Former Northwestern national champion Ryan Deakin was previously in the role under head coach Chris Ayres. But, Deakin stepped down to pursue other opportunities outside of coaching, paving way for Hidlay.
Hidlay released a statement after accepting the job.
“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to join the Stanford wrestling staff,” Hidlay said. “Coach Ayres is one of the most respected leaders in our sport and getting to work alongside him and the rest of the staff is an exciting endeavor.
“Stanford University has a world class pedigree and championship culture that is evident as soon as you step foot on campus. I am ecstatic to get started developing student-athletes, and for my wife and I to be involved in this community.”
Ayres welcomed Hidlay, a five-time All-American for the Wolfpack, with open arms.
“I could not be more excited to welcome Hayden Hidlay to the staff,” Ayres said. “Hayden had an amazing career at NC State and helped his team’s meteoric rise in the NCAA ranks. He is a young coach, but through the interview process as well as speaking to those who know him well, it became crystal clear that he was wise beyond his years and was going to become one of the best coaches in the nation.”
By bringing in Hidlay, Stanford bolstered its staff in the new era under Ayres, who took over the program last year. However, Deakin stepped down from his post and Ayres sent him a farewell.
“I would like to thank Ryan for his work with the program this year,” Ayres said. “Personally, I faced a huge challenge travelling across the country to take over as head coach alone. Ryan was a huge help in my transition and we would not have had the success we did without his work. He will be incredibly missed by not only the Stanford wrestling program, but also the college wrestling community as he moves into a career outside of coaching.”
Hidlay is tied for third in all-time wins in NC State history with 110. He was the first five-time All-American in school history and an NCAA finalist in 2018.
Hidlay also finished third, fourth and fifth place finishes in his career while becoming a First-Team All-American, per the NWCA, amid the canceled tournament. Hidlay also won four individual ACC tiles.
He comes over from North Dakota State, where he served an assistant coach this past year.
“Hayden had quite a few options this spring as it relates to coaching opportunities,” Ayres said. “I’m thrilled he landed here at Stanford. I’m certain that his impact on the Stanford wrestling program will be huge, and we are lucky to have him.”
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