Tony Cipollone's coaching career has come to an end; he's moving on to bigger things at Mercyhurst College.

Cipollone, a graduate of Plum High School, has been named associate director of athletics and director of compliance at Mercyhurst.

"It's a pretty exciting time at Mercyhurst," said Cipollone, who started the school's wrestling program in 2001. "I am extremely excited to be a part of the new athletic administration here at the college."

Cipollone's promotion came about when longtime athletic director Pete Russo announced his retirement in June. Craig Barnett, an associate director of athletics since 2005, was hired as Russo's replacement.

"I've always wanted to be an athletic director," said Cipollone, who actually began his new career in 2006. "I had become a little more involved in administration over the last few years and was named assistant athletic director for student services last summer. I worked mostly with students on various academic issues."

Cipollone dove right into his new responsibilities, but retained his coaching job. He started Mercyhurst's wrestling program in 2001 and posted a .500 or better record in six consecutive seasons.

"I had planned to continue coaching until Pete Russo surprised everybody with his retirement announcement," Cipollone said. "That changed my plans."

With Russo retiring and Barnett replacing him, Cippolone was the logical choice to move up in the athletic department. But the promotion also would force Cipollone to end his coaching career.

"I would not have given up the wrestling position without knowing that my replacement would carry on the tradition I helped to start," said Cipollone, who had a 66-41-1 record in six seasons.

His replacement is Michael Wehler, who had spent the past three years as head coach at West Liberty State.

"Mike is a great coach and our wrestlers have great respect for him," Cipollone said. "He wins with class, and the Mercyhurst community will see that from the moment he steps foot on campus."

Mercyhurst will end its association with the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference after this season and begin play in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference next year.

"We're very excited about the move to the PSAC," said Cipollone, who will play a big role in the transition. "My job will be to make sure we comply with the various rules and regulations the PSAC has."

Cipollone came to Mercyhurst from Division III Muskingum College, where, in five-plus seasons, he developed a wrestling program that became recognized regionally and nationally. Muskingum won two consecutive Ohio Athletic Conference titles during his tenure, which ended with Cipollone being voted conference coach of the year.

He graduated from Baldwin-Wallace College, where he also received a master's degree. As a wrestler there, he held the school record for most wins in a season (110) and was a two-time NCAA national qualifier.

Cipollone was an assistant wrestling coach and a football coach there.

"I am excited to continue my working relationship with Tony," Barnett said. "It is a big move for a coach to leave the profession, but he has opened up new challenges for himself that he will receive a lot of satisfaction from."

Cipollone began his wrestling career at Plum. He was a two-time section champion for the Mustangs who placed third in the WPIAL and qualified for the PIAA championships as a 167-pound senior.