ROCHELLE — The Rochelle Township High School wrestling program added former high school and collegiate standout Alphonso Vruno to its coaching staff earlier this week. Vruno was hired on as a volunteer during the Rochelle School District 212 Board of Education’s meeting Monday evening.

“It’s really exciting,” Vruno said. “I was invited to join the team when Rochelle started its winter break, and Rich [Harvey] wanted me to come in and meet him and the team. I saw where I might fit in, and he let me run practice when I came in. I knew right away that Rochelle was the place for me.”

Vruno was a four-time state qualifier at Sandwich High School. The 23-year-old advanced to the state finals three times, and he won two state championships before taking his academic and athletic careers to Minnesota State University, where he wrestled for four years and majored in history. He is substitute teaching at RTHS and he will be applying for a social studies position next year.

“I’m really excited moving forward and I think we’ve made a lot of progress over the past few weeks.” Vruno said. “I think the kids know that, since I had success in high school, they can put trust in what I’m saying. They know the things I say will help them get better, and I think my success puts more meaning behind the words I tell them.”

Vruno has quickly integrated himself into the RTHS wrestling program, and he said the team’s family atmosphere has helped him with the smooth transition. He also said one of his goals is to make the program both fun and competitive for the wrestlers and local supporters of the team.

“I just want to bring a great atmosphere to the team,” Vruno said. “I think Rochelle has done a great job and I want to make the program more fun for the community. I want the kids to go out there, get after it, and create an exciting atmosphere where we’re going and putting more points on the board.”