Binghamton University has hired Clarion head coach Matt Dernlan as the new leader of the Bearcat program.

Dernlan takes the reins of the CAA squad following the departure of Pat Popolizio, who took over a winless program and in six years, built Binghamton into a nationally-ranked team.

An Ohio native, Dernlan held the top position at Clarion for one season, leading the Golden Eagles to an 18^th place finish at the NCAA tournament with two All-Americans.

Prior to his stint at Clarion, Dernlan spent six years at Penn State, first as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator and then as the director of operations for the Nittany Lions.  In addition, he has held positions at Ohio Northern University, Jeff Jordan Champ Camps and St. Paris Graham High School.

On the mat, Dernlan was a three-time Ohio State Champion who amassed a 154-4 record.  He wrestled for Liberty University and was an NCAA qualifier.

2011-12 was a banner year for the Bearcats, who went 15-4 in dual meets and finished 14^th at the NCAA tournament with a pair of All-Americans (true freshman Nick Gwiazdowski at 285 and 149-pounder Donnie Vinson).  The squad also swept the major CAA awards with Popolizio capturing Coach of the Year honors, Vinson nabbing Wrestler of the Year and Gwiazdowski earning the conference’s top rookie award.

–Betsy Veysman