Wisconsin Wrestling announces staff updates
June 15, 2026 | Wrestling
Cassioppi, Model promoted and Zargo added to staff
MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin wrestling head coach Chris Bono has announced staffing changes within the program. Tony Cassioppi has been promoted to associate head coach, while Garrett Model has been elevated to assistant coach. The Badgers also added recent graduate Joe Zargo as a coaching assistant.
Formerly an assistant coach, Cassioppi started his coaching career with the Badgers in 2024. A four-time All-American heavyweight at Iowa and an Under-23 World Champion at 125 kilograms, the newly appointed associate head coach was a perennial starter for the Hawkeyes. Cassioppi is also an assistant coach with the Wisconsin Regional Training Center.
"Promoting Tony to associate head coach is absolutely the right move," said Bono. "He brings a wealth of knowledge to the team and how he connects with the student-athletes has been unbelievable. We are so grateful that Tony is with us, and his future is extremely bright."
Model previously joined the staff as a coaching assistant after spending his college career as a Badger. A multi-year team captain, Model ended his career on the mat as a two-time NCAA automatic qualifier and earned 70 career victories. Additionally, he coaches alongside Bono and Cassioppi at the Wisconsin Regional Training Center.
"Elevating Garrett into a full-time position is something that has been a long time coming," said Bono. Whether it was as a student-athlete or as a coach, Garrett has been selfless in everything he's done. He represents the state of Wisconsin, the student-athletes absolutely adore him, and there couldn't be a better guy for the job."
A 2026 graduate, Zargo has been added to the staff as a coaching assistant after five seasons with the Badgers. A four-time NCAA championship qualifier, wrapped up his career at Wisconsin with a 21-10 record in his final season, including a strong showing in duals (17-5).
"Bringing Joe on board has been something I've looked forward to since he stepped foot on campus as a student-athlete," said Bono. "The way he trains, competes, and lives his life is going to be a fantastic example to our team. To be able to start his coaching career where he went to school and give his all is something truly special."
Formerly an assistant coach, Cassioppi started his coaching career with the Badgers in 2024. A four-time All-American heavyweight at Iowa and an Under-23 World Champion at 125 kilograms, the newly appointed associate head coach was a perennial starter for the Hawkeyes. Cassioppi is also an assistant coach with the Wisconsin Regional Training Center.
"Promoting Tony to associate head coach is absolutely the right move," said Bono. "He brings a wealth of knowledge to the team and how he connects with the student-athletes has been unbelievable. We are so grateful that Tony is with us, and his future is extremely bright."
Model previously joined the staff as a coaching assistant after spending his college career as a Badger. A multi-year team captain, Model ended his career on the mat as a two-time NCAA automatic qualifier and earned 70 career victories. Additionally, he coaches alongside Bono and Cassioppi at the Wisconsin Regional Training Center.
"Elevating Garrett into a full-time position is something that has been a long time coming," said Bono. Whether it was as a student-athlete or as a coach, Garrett has been selfless in everything he's done. He represents the state of Wisconsin, the student-athletes absolutely adore him, and there couldn't be a better guy for the job."
A 2026 graduate, Zargo has been added to the staff as a coaching assistant after five seasons with the Badgers. A four-time NCAA championship qualifier, wrapped up his career at Wisconsin with a 21-10 record in his final season, including a strong showing in duals (17-5).
"Bringing Joe on board has been something I've looked forward to since he stepped foot on campus as a student-athlete," said Bono. "The way he trains, competes, and lives his life is going to be a fantastic example to our team. To be able to start his coaching career where he went to school and give his all is something truly special."
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