Just a mere three months ago, the greatest wrestler in SF State history waited tables to help support his fianceé and two little girls. But as soon as a paid assistant coaching position opened on SF State's wrestling team, Mauricio Wright went back to his roots.

Words such as "excited" were some that the newly appointed assistant coach used to describe the feeling of sharing a crammed office with head coach Lars Jensen. To see how he really felt, all one had to do was look at Wright's smile as he sat next to his former wrestling tutor. "He is a perfect mentor," Wright said. "I think he was excited to finally share that knowledge with someone."

There are few who can add to an already successful wrestling program. Wrestling remains the only national title-winning program in the school's history. And with at least three returning All-Americans from last season -- Naveed Bagheri, Ben Lockett and Steve Franklin -- here's a look at how Mr. Wright's presence will benefit the Gators this upcoming season.

Athletic Background -- It often helps to have experience in the field one is trying to teach. The experience Wright brings to Jensen's already established program are two Division II national championships including four All-American accolades from 2000-03. But perhaps more importantly, Wright knows what it's like for a wrestler to push himself when he has nothing left. "I know what I wanted to hear from my coaches when I wrestled," Wright said. "I think most of these guys already trust me." If there is anything that a group of rugged wrestlers can respect, it's that the guy barking orders at them once went through the same routine of getting slammed, only to get up off the mat and do it again.

Coaching Experience -- Though Wright has the insight of being a wrestler, he too is familiar with the role of coach. All together, the 28-year-old part-time assistant brings a total of five years coaching experience. He last coached at Concord High School, where last year, he guided then senior Nick Pica to the 215-pound State championship. Though he never had a chance to fully connect with his former wrestlers due to time constraints, Wright said he feels his time with this crop of athletes will help him teach one of wrestling's basics -- consistency. "I don't want these guys to beat a great guy one day and lose to a lesser guy the next."

Psychic Factor -- When I asked coach Jensen just days ago if he remembered what he had told me a semester ago about Mauricio's future, the man could not muster the slightest recollection. But I cannot blame Lars, because after 27 years of coaching, I'm sure I wouldn't remember everything I said either. So let us dig into the archives. "I'd love to have him as a full-time assistant coach," Jensen told the [X]press this past February. I'm not trying to label him "Nostrajensen" just yet, but even a skeptic may find ol' Lars' prediction pretty fascinating.

So, to keep with the predictions, I say Mauricio will have a hell of an impact that will conclude with a better overall season and a higher number of All-American athletes. Now, it's time to see what the "Champ" can do from the sidelines.