Ryan Birt joins the Loras College wrestling staff beginning in 2010-11 after a successful coaching career at the high school level and a successful college career of his own at Upper Iowa University.

Birt wrestled and played football for the Peacocks from 1997-2000 when they were members of the Iowa Conference. His career included a perfect 39-0 season and national championship in 1999 - a year he was also the Iowa Conference's Most Valuable Wrestler. He was a two-time IIAC champion and added a runner-up finish at the NCAA Championships in 2007.

Since graduating from Upper Iowa in 2000 with degrees in Physical Education and Secondary Special Education, Birt has been a teacher at Forest City High School (one year) and Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley High School (nine years). In his nine years as a head coach he compiled over 150 dual wins and showed regular success in tournaments. Birt qualified 20 individuals for the Illinois (IHSA) State Tournament, including 11 place-winners and two state champions.

Birt will handle the day-to-day duties alongside head coach Randy Steward as the top assistant coach.

He and his wife, Megan, have four children, Stephan 18, Tristan 13, Bradan 11, and Madisan 8.