Seton Hill names Hempfield's Vince DeAugustine as new wrestling coach

Vince DeAugustine is leaving the Hempfield wrestling program for a second time.

But unlike his move which took him to Norwin in 2019 and lasted two seasons before returning back to Hempfield in 2021, this time DeAugustine is headed to the collegiate level.

Seton Hill University named DeAugustine on Tuesday to replace Brian Tucker, who resigned in June to pursue to opportunities outside of wrestling.

Tucker spent 11 years as coach of the Griffins and compiled 81 victories.

DeAugustine inherits a team that went 5-10 last season, including 1-6 mark in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. The Griffins recently lost their top two wrestlers to the NCAA transfer portal. Heavyweight John Meyers (Greensburg Salem) transferred to Clarion and Brandon Matthews (Peters Township) is now at Lander University in Greenwood, S.C.

DeAugustine jumped at the chance to fulfill his dream of coaching in college.

“There was a lot about Vince that brought my attention to him,” Seton Hill executive director of athletics Chris Snyder said. “His success on the high school level and his network for recruiting is outstanding.

“He’s an outstanding coach. He’s a very outgoing individual, and I feel he’ll do very well.”

DeAugustine coached at Hempfield for 16 years and Norwin two seasons. He was 35-9 at Norwin and 218-52 at Hempfield with a combined record of 278-79.

“It’s tough to leave the Hempfield program, but this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” DeAugustine said. “There was no other collegiate program I would have pursued.

“It’s going to be a challenge. I talked it over with my family, and we felt it was the right move. I don’t have to uproot my family, and (it’s) an opportunity to stay home and still run my business (Manor Valley Golf Course).”

DeAugustine is looking forward to hitting the recruiting trail trying to find wrestlers to help build a new culture at Seton Hill.

“Looking at the program, 75% of their All-Americas are from Westmoreland County,” DeAugustine said. “We won’t have to go far to find talented kids. We have to build commitment, integrity and respect.”

DeAugustine said he sees a lot of talent on the roster, but is unsure who Tucker got commitments from before resigning.

“I have some work to do, and I can’t wait to get started,” DeAugustine said.

A 1997 Hempfield graduate, DeAugustine was a two-time PIAA champion and a three-time WPIAL Class AAA champion with a 135-18 career record. He won state titles in 1996 and ‘97 and placed second in 1994.

He coached eight PIAA champions — seven at Hempfield and one at Norwin.

“I’m excited for the opportunity,” he said. “I’m looking forward a great challenge.”