Kokesh, Berger Join Husker Wrestling Staff

Former Huskers Robert Kokesh and Tyler Berger will return to the Nebraska wrestling program in coaching capacities, Nebraska head coach Mark Manning announced Monday. Kokesh will rejoin the wrestling program as an assistant coach, while Berger will be a volunteer assistant.

“Robert Kokesh and Tyler Berger are both Huskers through and through,” Manning said. "Both had tremendous success as competitors and were successful in the classroom. When I was looking to fill these positions, I sought after guys that were not only natural teachers, but young men that commanded respect and have pride in our Husker program. These guys are part of our culture and will make such a smooth transition for our program to grow and develop." 

"Robert (Kokesh) will bring his loyalty and work ethic to our program that will have such a positive impact on our athletes," said Manning. "His relentless pursuit of excellence and passion for our Husker program will flow into our team."

Most recently, Kokesh spent time as an administrative assistant for the Nebraska wrestling program in 2016. From 2011 to 2015, Kokesh racked up 144 individual wins, which currently ranks second in school history. He earned All-America accolades on three occasions, finishing third at the NCAA Championships in 2013 and 2015, while taking fourth in 2014. Kokesh also won a pair of Big Ten titles in 2014 and 2015.

Kokesh was a member of the NWCA All-Academic Team, and he was a two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection. He also spent five semesters on the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll.

A Wagner, South Dakota, native, Kokesh was a three-time South Dakota Class B State Champion (2008-10) and led Wagner High School to team state titles both seasons. He graduated from Nebraska in August of 2015 with a degree in agronomy.

"Tyler Berger is a natural coach and will continue to compete on the international level," Manning said. "We're extremely fortunate to have both of these guys joining a strong coaching staff that will seek new heights."

Recent graduate and three-time NCAA All-American Tyler Berger will also be rejoining the Husker wrestling program as a volunteer assistant. Berger garnered All-America honors on three occasions, finishing second at the NCAA Championships in 2019, third in 2018 and fifth in 2019.

Last season, Berger was a runner-up at both the NCAA Championships and Big Ten Championships. He was voted Nebraska’s Best Male Athlete for all sports. Berger wrapped up his collegiate career last season with an overall record of 28-4, bringing his career total to 116-32.

Berger earned NWCA All-Academic honors in 2017 and 2018 and was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection. He also earned a place on the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll on three occasions.

The Prineville, Oregon, native was a four-time State Champion at Crook County High School and amassed a career record of 198-3. Berger was the Oregon Athlete of the Year in 2013. He graduated from Nebraska with a degree in psychology last May.