Seton Hill University didn’t have to search far to find its next wrestling coach, as the school announced the hiring of former Hempfield Area coach Vince DeAugustine on Tuesday.

“I’m excited for the opportunity, and I’m looking forward to what’s going to be a great challenge,” DeAugustine stated.

He replaces Brian Tucker, who stepped down from his position at Seton Hill in June. Tucker, who opted to pursue opportunities outside of wrestling, served at the helm of the Griffins for 11 years, amassing 81 dual meet victories.

“It’s the only collegiate coaching position that I would apply for if it was open,” DeAugustine revealed of Seton Hill. “Not having to move my family and be able to coach and continue to oversee my business at the (Manor Valley) golf course – that’s definitely a plus.”

A 1997 graduate of Hempfield Area, DeAugustine had guided the Spartans for 16 total years over two stints, including the past three seasons. Between his tenures at Hempfield Area, DeAugustine served at the helm of the Norwin wrestling program for two years.

Leaving his alma mater was a tough decision, and he struggled in bidding farewell to the Spartans wrestlers.

“It was tough to get through the email to be able to write to them and tell them exactly what was going on, just for the simple fact that there’s so many memories and so many important things that happened in the last 18 years in the sport of wrestling,” he revealed.

Under his watch, Hempfield Area produced seven state champions, while Norwin’s Kurtis Phipps also claimed PIAA gold while working with DeAugustine. This past season, he helped lead the Spartans to the PIAA team tournament.

“I think I’ve built a pretty good resume over the years as a high school coach,” DeAugustine noted. “I have really good relationships with most of my wrestlers.”

He hopes some of those relationships will yield results when he begins recruiting for Seton Hill. Among his priorities will be keeping some of the top grapplers close to home.

“Because I’ve been a high school coach for so long in this area, I think that’s something that we need to make sure that we focus on – recruiting Westmoreland County,” he stated.

DeAugustine, who officially begins his role on Aug. 8, inherits a squad that went 5-10 this past campaign, including 1-6 in the PSAC. While his goals include wins and championships, DeAugustine also will focus on success off the mat.

“First and foremost, we’re going to put some leaders into the world after we’re done with the sport of wrestling. We’re looking to become better people each and every day,” he said.

“We may have to take a little bit of a step backwards before we take a step forward and get these guys to buy into a different philosophy,” he continued. “Once the team buys in, the community will buy in as well, and I think we’re in a really, really good spot.”