Former Hawkeye All-American wrestler Luke Lofthouse has rejoined the team as an interim strength and conditioning coach, announced head coach Tom Brands on Thursday. Lofthouse is replacing Danny Song, who recently held the position.

Lofthouse’s history reaches far back with the Hawkeyes when he first joined the team in 2004 and wrestled to a 12-17 record. Lofthouse then took two seasons off to serve in a Mormon mission to Africa before returning to the team and redshirting during the 2007-08 season.

Upon his return to the team, Lofthouse jumped from the 174-pound weight class to the 197-pound class. The Avon, Utah, native wrestled only in six matches in 2008-09, then he joined the starting lineup in 2009 and posting a 20-13 record. Lofthouse earned All-American honors when he earned his first NCAA championships berth and took fifth place.

Lofthouse earned three team awards during his Hawkeye tenure, including the coaches’ appreciation award in 2005 and 2009 and the most dedicated wrestler award in 2011.

Lofthouse joins his nephew, redshirt sophomore Ethen Lofthouse, on the team once again. Ethen Lofthouse competes at 174 pounds; he placed seventh and earned all-American status at the NCAA Tournament in March.

“I committed to this program a long time ago, and I’m thrilled to be able to continue that commitment in this new role,” Luke Lofthouse said in a release. “Iowa has a great history of wrestlers and coaches, and to say I’ve been on both sides is pretty exciting.”

He has been training with the Hawkeye Wrestling Club and has had frequent contact with many members of the Iowa squad who have been practicing with the club during the off-season.