Erik Akin

Erik Akin was a volunteer assistant coach for the Nebraska wrestling team for four seasons from 2000-04. He guided the Huskers to a 54-25 dual record during his tenure, including a standout 2003-04 season. Nebraska finished 19-3 in duals before placing second at the Big 12 Championships and fifth at the NCAA Championships in 2003-04. Akin coached 13 Huskers to All-America status.

Akin also excelled on the international wrestling scene, finishing second at the 2003 U.S. Senior Nationals and 2000 World Cup after taking third at the 1999 Pan American Games. He was the 1999 Dave Schultz Memorial International champion. He also took second place at the 1997 Sunkist Kids International Open, third at the 1996 Pan American Championships and first at the 1994 Pan American Championships.

Competing for Bobby Douglas and Jim Gibbons at Iowa State, Akin compiled a 126-27-4 career record for the Cyclones from 1991 to 1994. He became just the sixth wrestler in Iowa State history to earn four All-America honors, after he finished second at the 1994 NCAA Championships. Akin also posted fourth-, third- and eighth-place finishes in 1993, 1992 and 1991, respectively. He was named the 1994 Iowa State University Athlete of the Year. Akin also earned Outstanding Wrestler honors at the 1994 Cliff Keen National Duals held in Lincoln.

Akin is a 1994 graduate of Iowa State. He and his wife, Stephanie, have two sons, Jake and Chase, and one daughter, Chloe.