WILKES-BARRE, PA (October 13, 2023) -- Ahead of his first season as the head of the King's College wrestling program, Head Coach Christian Mazzocchi has announced the addition of Stephen Turner to the 2023-24 coaching staff.

Turner joins the Monarchs after a highly successful career at nearby Wilkes University where he posted a 53-42 overall record in his four seasons with the Colonels. A 2016 graduate, Turner earned his degree in earth and environmental science with a minor in environmental policy.

Since graduation, Turner has worked as a GIS Analyst for Precise Visual Technologies, an architectural engineering construction firm and is also a PIAA-sanctioned referee and a member of the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Program.

"I want to thank Christian Mazzocchi and other King's alumni for entrusting me with this opportunity," said Turner. "I am looking forward to delivering the knowledge and experiences this sport has taught me for the benefit and development of our Monarch student-athletes."

A native of Plains, Pa. and a graduate of the former James M. Coughlin High School, Turner is no stranger to the area and is excited to begin his duties with the Monarchs. A loving husband to wife, Kerryn, Turner spends his free time as a team member of the Wilkes-Barre Breakers Rugby Football Club.

"Steve Turner is a huge asset to our program in many facets," added Mazzocchi. "Steve is an all-around great individual, who brings years of experience from his Coughlin days and his time at Wilkes as a student-athlete. We are very grateful as program to have such a stand-up local guy on our coaching staff."

Turner will be very involved in the day-to-day operations of practices whether planning them, running them, or drilling with the student-athletes. Turner will be instrumental in the recruitment of local high school talent as well building on relationships with surrounding communities.