– South Dakota State wrestling has been named the Best of Brand Gold Standard award recipient by the National Wrestling Coaches Association, in coordination with Elite Level Sport Marketing.

 

The Gold Standard is the highest award given at the conclusion of the season to the program that most effectively builds their brand utilizing technology throughout the year and the award for @SDSUwrestling comes after being ranked No. 1 in ELSM’s social media power rankings for the majority of the year.

 

“I want to thank the NWCA, ELS Marketing and CEO Coyte Cooper,” head coach Chris Bono said. “We have worked hard getting our brand out there and it feels great to get recognized. Winning a national competition is something we are extremely proud of.”

 

SDSU wrestling continues to grow its #getjacked mantra on the national landscape through its bi-weekly video releases, along with a strong presence on all social mediums.

 

Jacked Up Mondays and Jackrabbit Wrestling: All Access provide a behind-the-scenes look at the Jackrabbits both on and off the mat.

 

“A special thanks goes to our video intern Susan Wallrich and our sports information department for all of the behind-the-scenes work they put in,” Bono added. “I also want to thank President Chicoine, who appeared in an All Access video and our AD Justin Sell for their support.”

 

UT-Chattanooga, Drexel, Iowa State, Johns Hopkins, NC State, Princeton, Stanford, North Carolina, Maryland, Missouri and Wayland Baptist were also finalists for the prestigious award.

 

This is the second consecutive year SDSU has was named a Best of Brand champion as Jackrabbit wrestling was named the Top Newcomer in 2012-13, while also being a Gold Standard finalist.