Regina High School has announced the appointment of Nelson Brands as its new head wrestling coach. The declaration, made in a press release Monday afternoon, marks a return to Iowa City for Brands, who previously achieved meaningful success as a wrestler at West High and the University of Iowa.

A Homecoming for a Wrestling Star

Brands’s journey brings him back to the city where he first made his name in wrestling. His high school career at West high was nothing short of legendary, setting the stage for his collegiate achievements.

• Four-time Mississippi Valley Conference champion
• Three-time Class 3A state champion
• 163-5 record in his final three high school seasons
• One of only three three-time state champions in West High history

Collegiate Success and Academic Honors

From 2018 to 2024, Brands was a key member of the University of Iowa wrestling program. His accomplishments include:

• Fifth-place finish at the NCAA national championship in 2023
• Two-time NCAA Academic All-American honors

Enthusiasm from regina’s Leadership

Regina Activities Director Taylor Hotek expressed excitement about Brands joining the school community. we are thrilled to welcome Nelson to the regina community. Hotek emphasized Brands’s ability to connect with student-athletes and his passion for the sport.

His experience as an athlete speaks for itself, but what impressed me most during the hiring process was how positive and personable he is. He has a natural ability to connect with student-athletes and has a genuine passion for growing the sport. Both of which are high priorities in our programs. I know he will be a tremendous addition to our coaching staff and school community.
Taylor Hotek, Regina Activities Director

Brands’s Vision for Regina Wrestling

Brands is eager to begin his coaching career and has set enterprising goals for the Regina wrestling program. He shared his enthusiasm in a statement:

I’m so excited to join the Regina community and coach my athletes to accomplish whatever goals they set for themselves.Wrestling has always been my passion and coaching Regina Wrestling to individual and team state championships is the goal to chase. Let’s build something special and successful. Go Regals!
Nelson Brands