Coach Petty, a former US Army aviation officer and Army wrestler became the Eagles third head wrestling coach in the school’s history as announced by Larry Stephan, Athletic Director.

Coach Petty has competed and wrestled at every level the sport has to offer, from Youth, High School, Collegiate, National, International to Veterans Division, in which he is currently the reigning three-time national champion at 69 kg (152 pounds).

"It’s exciting to be associated with such a prestigious institution as ERAU; I feel it is a perfect and unique match with my background as a pilot and wrestler. Our goal is to compete and perform as well off the mat as we expect to perform on the mat. Our number one priority as a coaching staff is to produce good citizens and graduate our wrestlers. The three corner stones of our coaching philosophy is character, academic and athletic excellence, in that order."

A native of Florida, Petty wrestled and competed in California during his high school and college years, where he met his long time wife, Sheila. Together they have three daughters, Janaya, Janessa and Jada.