CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – J.P. O’Connor, a NCAA wrestling champion for Harvard in 2010, is returning to Cambridge.

Jay Weiss, head coach of Harvard’s wrestling team, announced this week that he is adding O’Connor to his coaching staff. O’Connor, currently training for a spot on the 2012 U.S. Olympic wrestling team, rejoins the Crimson after enjoying one of the most decorated careers in program history.

“I am extremely delighted and fortunate to have J.P. joining our coaching staff, he has meant so much to our program," Weiss said. "Not only has he won on the biggest stage, he’s also a tremendous leader. Our student-athletes will be able to learn more than just wrestling from J.P. He brings a passion for the sport but also for the Harvard program.

“Last year, I wanted to focus strictly on training, and I didn’t know how time consuming it would be,” O’Connor said in a phone interview Wednesday. “I didn’t think I could coach and train at the same time, but I realized there is only so many hours in a day you can physically train without your body breaking down. I had some extra time, and I didn’t think I was utilizing that extra time in the way I wanted.”