UNITE
I N D I A N A H I G H S C H O O L W R E S T L I N G C O A C H I N G A S S O C I AT I O N
Magazine
Fall clinic edition 2012-2013
Olympian Tervel Dlagnev
IHSWCA Fall Clinician page 3
an official publication of the
Volume 2, Issue 1
IHSWCA Officers
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
2012-13 season almost upon us
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he 2012-13 wrestling season will be here in just a couple of months. I, and Coach Struck, would like to thank those IHSWCA board members and other coaches who have worked alongside us during our tenure as IHSWCA officers. Many great things have happened over the past few years within our organization. This is a result of a lot of hard work and manpower by people within our association. The IHSWCA officers and several board members met on a couple of occasions over the summer to map out various association projects and services for next season. I would like to share with you some of these events and our vision for this season. Our 2012 fall coaches’ clinic will again be hosted by Warren Central High School and will feature Trevel Dlagnev (US Olympian) as our guest clinician. We will have round table sessions on Thursday afternoon featuring Indiana high school coaches speaking on current Indiana wrestling topics. Coach Struck has scheduled all… yes all of the Indiana college wrestling coaches to speak at this year’s clinic. There are more vendors signed up to attend this year’s clinic than ever before. We will also have our standard IHSWCA business meeting on Thursday during lunch. Nominations for secretary and Vice-President positions will be taken at this year’s fall clinic as well. The IHSWCA officers and board members will be giving an update on the planning progress for this year’s 1st Annual IHSWCA Classed Team State Duals Tournament to be held at Westfield High School. Other “Programs and Services” that have been implemented over the past
year include the Coaches’ Mentoring committee, UNITE e-magazine and additional IHSWCA monthly board meetings added to our by-laws for increased business activity for our organization throughout the year. Next spring will also be a proposal year for “individual” sports to the IHSAA. The IHSWCA officers and board members will be seeking input for areas of change/addition that our membership may want to see proposed to the IHSAA. I would like to congratulate, and thank, Danny Struck who was invited to present at the 2012 NWCA National Convention in Florida last month. This is quite an honor as only a small handful of high school coaches are invited to present at this national event. Great job Coach Struck and thank you for all that you do for Indiana, and United States, wrestling! To the right is a list of our state regionals and who the representative is for each of these sites. These regional representatives and our officers comprise the IHSWCA Board of Directors. The following is a list of programs and events that the IHSWCA will sponsor and administer during the 2012-13 season. If you would like more information on one of these areas, or would like to sit on a committee to help out, please contact Trent McCormick or Danny Struck. Membership Planning Committee (Chairman – Tyson Skinner – Madison HS) Fall and Spring Clinic Planning Committee (Chairman – Danny Struck – Jeffersonville HS) Continued on page 3
President Trent McCormick (Yorktown HS) Vice-President Danny Struck (Jeffersonville HS) Secretary/Treasurer Tyson Skinner (Madison Cons. HS) Past President Cale Hoover (Center Grove HS)
REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES Jay County Brett Clark (Delta HS) bclark@delcomschools.org Perry Merridian Aaron Moss (Ben Davis HS) Aaron.Moss@wayne.k12.in.us Rochester Al Hartman (SB Clay HS) ahartman@sbcsc.k12.in.us Peru Andy Hobbs (Peru HS) ahobbs@peru.k12.in.us Bloomington South Greg Ratliff (Edgewood HS) gratliff@rbbcsc.k12.in.us Richmond Mike Day (Centerville HS) mday@centerville.k12.in.us Jeffersonville Zach Harper (Jeffersonville) harperzach@gmail.com North Montgomery Terry O’Neill (Westfield HS) ONeillt@wws.k12.in.us FW Carroll Reg. Rep. Sam Riesen (Churubusco HS) samriesen1@yahoo.com Goshen Joel Pippenger (Westview) PippengerJ@westview.k12.in.us Crown Point Joe Willmann (Lowell HS) jwillmann@tricreek.k12.in.us Castle Matt Thompson (Heritage Hills) mthompson@ms1.nspencer.k12.in.us Mooresville Steve Livingston (Cloverdale) slivingston@cloverdale.k12.in.us Logansport Scott Van Der Aa (Laf. Harrison HS) ssvanderaa@tsc.k12.in.us Pendleton Heights Jeff Commeville (Lapel HS) cjeff10514@yahoo.com Calumet Jim Wadkins (Calumet High School) jwadkins@lakeridge.k12.in.us
Contact us! If you have comments, questions or suggestions, including, but not limited to, articles and photos, please contact Sam Riesen at samriesen1@yahoo.com or 260-273-0043.
Cover story
Interview with Olympian, fall clinician Tervel Dlagnev
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r. Dlagnev, you wrestled in the Olympics, what was it like qualifying, and what was the feelings you experienced of representing your country? Qualifying for the Olympics was very special because that is the first step to becoming an Olympic champion. The experience was amazing. Walking out in the opening ceremonies was very patriotic! When do you first remember setting the goal of being an Olympian? Explain: I set my goal on being an Olympic champion after my sophomore year in college when I got to train with Tolly Thompson who was the world team member at the time. He took me to training camp as one of his partners and I wrestled we’ll and remember thinking this is something I believe I can do and want to do! You moved to America at a very young age, can you tell us about that experience, and what the move has done for you? I really only know America. My parents have kept some traditional Bulgarian foods and traditions but other than that we are American. All my wrestling has been USA so it was special Continued from page 2
Scholastic Duals Planning Committee (Chairman – Tom Miller – Lafayette Jeff HS) IHSWCA Website Administrator(Rex Peckinpaugh – New Castle HS) Academic All-State Committee (Chairman – Nate Andrews – Western HS) Junior Academic All-State Committee (Chairman - Joe Willmann – Lowell HS)
to represent USA even if I wasn’t born here. How many times have you tried for the Olympic team, in between those times what did you do to reset the goals to make it happen? This was my second try at an Olympic team. The first was in 2008 and I was just out of college. Experience and overall improvement was the difference. In High school, I don’t believe you were a state champion, what inspired you to keep going to become one of the world’s elite? I fell in love with the sport of wrestling and wanted to be the best. It sounded funning coming from a kid who just started wrestling and got 3rd at state but I believed it and enjoyed the process!
and I would watch the wrestlers work really hard and thought it would be a good way to get in shape! What are your future goals in this sport? I want to win a world and Olympic title so I’m going to keep getting better and Lord willing win my first world championship next September. If/when you retire from wrestling, what will your role be in wrestling? When I’m done competing I’d like to be a coach probably college. I think I would enjoy going to work every day in that position!
Did you play any other sports growing up? How do you think they played a factor in your athletic development? Never played any other sports growing up really. That’s why I went out for wrestling was because I was overweight
Can you tell us a little about the coaches you had that helped bring you to the Olympic level? My high school coach Henry harmony, college coach Marc Bauer, and now my rtc coach Lou Rosselli all have one thing that makes them great. Above the technique and wrestling iq is a burning passion for the sport and you feel that flowing out of them. They also love their athletes and want to see them become great wrestlers and great people too!
Hall of Fame Banquet Committee (Chairman – Scott Schwarz) IHSWCA Middle School State Committe (Chairman – Rex Peckinpaugh – New Castle HS) IN/IL All-Star Duals Planning Committee (Trent McCormick and Al Hartman – SB Clay HS) IHSWCA Team State Duals Committee (IHSWCA officers/JD Minch – Tourn. Director) Regional “Coaches of the Year” Committee (Chairman – Trent
McCormick – Yorktown HS) New Coach Mentoring Committee (Steve Livingston – Cloverdale HS) Most all of the above committees need two to three people to assist the chairman in organizing and implementing that event/project. Please think about getting involved. It makes for a better committee and spreads the work load amongst more people. Trent McCormick IHSWCA President tmccormick@yorktown.k12.in.us
ref profile
Jim Littlejohn shares his journey in wrestling
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an you tell us a little bit about yourself (i.e. – career and interests) and your family? I live in Mitchell with my wife, Amber; stepson, Tanner and stepdaughter, Kayla. I also have a son, Nicholas, who wrestled here in Indiana and in Georgia; and a daughter, Jordan. I am employed by Lehigh Cement Company at the Mitchell Shipping Terminal. I am a disabled veteran of the US Navy. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management and a Master of Science in Management, both, from Oakland City University; where, I went on to teach as an adjunct instructor for five-years at the OCUBedford campus. I am currently campaigning for a position on the Mitchell Community Schools’ Board of Trustees. How long have you been officiating and where/how did you get your start in refereeing? I toyed with officiating from the time I was in high school beginning with Freestyle and Greco. I first became licensed by the IHSAA in 1986, though I only worked junior high and middle school events. Having been involved in a severe automobile accident in 1988, which; indirectly, resulted in my having to have brain surgery that led to a long period of recovery both physically and emotionally, I stepped away from the sport until 1992. From 1992-2001, I coached; first, as a volunteer, then as a paid assistant coach at Batchelor Middle School (Bloomington), Bloomington High School South, and Mitchell Junior and Senior High Schools as well as the ISWA clubs affiliated with those schools. I did officiate local ISWA events during that period, eventually, drifting into officiating full-time and beginning to work high school events in 2001.
At what level are you at in rank? (i.e. – are you at regional, semi-state, state level yet?) Currently, I am at the semi-state level, having advanced each level on schedule since first applying to officiate the IHSAA state tournament series. I hope to be selected for the IHSAA state finals once I become eligible based on their chronological criteria. Are there any special events/tournaments that you have officiated at and would like to tell us about? I have had the pleasure of leading the Indiana delegation of officials the past
four-years at the Asics/USA Wrestling Folkstyle National Championships in Cedar Falls, Iowa and this past April I officiated the NWCA/ Brute Scholastic Duals at Wabash College. Did you wrestle in high school? And if so, what high school did you attend and who was your high school coach? I was a problem child as an adolescent to put it mildly. I had attended 14 different schools before enrolling into Indianapolis Arsenal Technical (Tech) High School during my sophomore year (1982) as a 15 year-old “D/F” student; with a terrible home life, who couldn’t
wait to turn 16 so I could drop out of school, as was the family tradition. I quickly got into some trouble and upon a visit to the Dean of Boys’ office was introduced to John Hurrle, who was the assistant dean; but, more importantly the head wrestling coach and a founding father of the ISWA. My punishment was afterschool detention in the wrestling room/office. I found a home there as did many troubled young men. Due to my poor grades, I did not take up wrestling as a competitor but did become the student athletic trainer and manager. To make a long story short; I evolved into an “A/B” honor-roll student who went on to attend Indiana State University before withdrawing in order to join the US Navy, only, to later return to college and complete my higher education with honors. However, I did eventually drop out of school; at the age of 38, during the first year of a doctoral program, due to financial and time constraints related to work and family. I owe the deepest debt of gratitude to coaches John Hurrle, Francis Knue (coach Hurrle’s long time assistant and successor), and “Grandpa” John Sherrill (Christian Park Wrestling Club) for setting, in me, the foundation for my life’s successes. Do you have any fond wrestling memories from your youth and/or high school wrestling career? I have many fond memories of becoming involved in wrestling at Tech High School and through the ISWA that created life altering environments and opportunities during my youth and high school years that continue to impact my life to this day. I am able to maintain many of my relationships and friendships from that time through my continued involvement in the ISWA.
with a structured evaluation process; and, that has been extremely rewarding. Do you officiate any other styles of wrestling beyond folkstyle? Freestyle and Greco. Do you sit on any boards or committees for wrestling officials or other organizations? I serve on the ISWA Board of Directors as the Folkstyle Referees Developmental Director and am a John Hurrle Award committee member. The John Hurrle Award is presented annually by the ISWA at the IHSWCA Hall of Fame Banquet to honor a member of the Indiana wrestling community who has in some way distinguished themselves by making a significant impact. Also, I am a Board Moderator of the Officials segment on IndianaMat.com. What do you enjoy most about officiating? The ability to stay actively involved while giving back and continuing to strengthen and build new relationships and friendships along the way. What is your most memorable experience thus far in your officiating career? Being appointed as the Folkstyle Referees Developmental Director for the ISWA, I felt, was an honor and is a position that I take very seriously. During my time in that station I have helped to achieve a goal of having 100% IHSAA licensed referees work our folkstyle state final events. The position has allowed me the opportunity to develop a solid network among officials statewide and provide a platform for as many as 36 licensed officials of varying skill levels; to work together in one venue, mentoring and being mentored,
Is there anything else you would like to add or share with regard to your officiating experiences/career? I would like to encourage coaches across the state to promote officiating as an avenue for their current and former wrestlers to stay or become more involved in the sport. From a folkstyle standpoint, the number of experienced officials statewide has been on a steady decline over the past few years. It is common knowledge that the IHSAA has had difficulty in staffing the required number of officials to cover each of the sectionals. With the explosion of folkstyle opportunities in recent years, the number of freestyle and Greco competitors has been waning and so has the number of officials. Again, I’d like to encourage coaches to promote freestyle and Greco wrestling and officiating as an avenue for greater involvement and achievement in our great sport.
In Remembrance
Coach Corey Sparks remembers Nick Taylor
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eing from a small town, news of a tragedy spreads like wild fire. When that tragedy is the news of someone very close to you or a family member, it shatters a small town. Everything just stops. You are in disbelief, frustrated, and angry. Growing up with friends like Andrew Wulliman who was killed right after graduation in a motorcycle accident, along with Mark Smith, I remember our community being torn apart. I have never had any ambition to ride a motorcycle ever again, and just like that, two great kids with their whole lives ahead of them, now gone. I still slow down every time I drive past the crash site, and I remember everything I was doing at the time we all heard of the accident. I was only seventeen and just about to leave for the United States Army. Over time, we are able to move on with our lives and remember the good times we have shared with those close friends or family members. You never forget about all the laughs, or even the hardships, you shared with one another. As you get older you learn to cope with things a little easier, but there will always be that question deep down inside of you of “Why?”. I have had many different roles in my life: pain in the butt student, athlete, coach, police officer, father, son, and Soldier just to name a few. Over this time I have met many people, from all over, that I have become very close to and love. I would not be where I am today if it was not for those individuals. I can’t ever thank them enough. As Coach Sparks, of the South Adams Wrestling Team, I had around 20 or so boys every year that became my own. As any Coach will tell you, there is a unique bond between athletes and coach. When you see these boys for the first time, you kind of hold your head and ask yourself is it worth it? After just
one practice you see the potential, you become motivated as that connection starts to grow bigger and stronger. As these kids start coming back year after year, you realize how much you mean to them and how much they really mean to you. When Spencer Haworth was killed shortly after his graduation, it ripped me apart; I loved that kid as my own son. We had a bond, as all Coaches and Athletes can only really know. Watching Spencer grow from a young boy to a man, from one of my wrestlers to a true friend is a feeling like no other, words cannot express the pain I felt when I got the phone call about his untimely death. Many of the kids that I have coached over the years have asked me about my life experiences. The military was always one of the biggest questions. My first response would always be: I loved it! I explained to many of them the bond that I still have with my battle buddies from all the units I was assigned to over the years. The sense of pride you have being a part of something so great is a feeling like no other. We incorporated the same values and principals in the wrestling room. All of those kids walked taller, took care
of each other, and the work ethic and leadership some of the boys had was by far a cut above the rest. Nick Taylor, a captain of our Wrestling team, was well respected not only by our team, but by the coaches as well. Some people don’t know this, but Nick was actually a swimmer. He just happened to come to wrestling practice one day. From that day on Nick fell in Love with it, and the Taylor’s became a part of the South Adams Wrestling family. Nick learned fast, worked hard, starved, puked, bled, suffered injury, and still pushed through every day, every practice. Nick just didn’t fill a weight class; Nick became one of our “Guarantee Matches” as we liked to call them and a Semi-State qualifier in his senior year. When Nick came to me and started asking questions about the military, knowing the type of person he is, I knew he’d love it as I do. As I tell every young man about the military, I told him to get all the information, check out all of his options, for this could be the biggest decision he would ever make. He approached his decision like he approached everything in his life, with determination, focus, and intelligence. I was in Ft. Benning, GA when I
heard that Nick joined the National Guard. I was very proud to hear that he had decided to make such a huge commitment. I was able to come home for a short time last year, during which I sat with Tim Taylor at a Volleyball game. As we watched our daughters’ game, we spoke of Nick and his choice to join the Army. Tim was a very proud father, and just I saw Tim proud of Nick when he won his first wrestling match, I saw that same pride then. While back in Indiana this past March, I was with Tim, Nick, and Drew Taylor spending time doing some target shooting and just hanging out. Nick was on Mid-Tour leave, and just had a few days left before going back to Afghanistan. As I listened to his stories, and spoke to him about some of the things he had experienced, it was with a sense of satisfaction and pride that l knew that just like his having become a great wrestler, Nick had also became
a great Soldier. You could see Nick was proud of what he had accomplished and was a part of. “Battle Buddies”, it is a feeling like no other; which only some firemen, police officers, or public service personnel can understand what I am talking about. The feelings of trust, safety, belonging, family, and love that are developed by serving in harm’s way with each other is special and sacred. Nick spoke very highly of his “Battle Buddies” and the bond of knowing that at a moment’s notice they would lay down their lives for him, as he would for them. It’s one of the strongest feelings in the world, and one that only about 1% of the United States population gets to feel. Those few who choose to decide to serve this Great Country of ours. Nick Taylor without a doubt is a Hero, a Warrior and a member of the Greatest Organization in the World, The United States Army. You will not be forgotten
“Nicky T”. Your spirit will live on in all of those who fight for the freedoms we enjoy and cherish. Your love for life and your dedication to help others will help mold the minds of many young men and women thru your sacrifice. Yes, this tragedy has stunned our small town. It’s hard to swallow and it will continue to be on all of our minds for a long time. That question of “Why?” will burn deep in us all. Like the young men I spoke about, you will never be forgotten. Nick Taylor will live on in us all. I know his death wasn’t in vain. Just like the other fallen Hero’s who have given their all for their Country, sacrificing their lives so that others wouldn’t have to, I will remember Nick every time I put on this uniform, and thank them all because I am an American Soldier, sworn to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. –Drill Sergeant Corey Sparks
mat side with Brian Seltzer
Seltzer talks move to Lawrence North You made quite a career switch in the last months, could you share with us how this came to be? It was time for my wife to make a major career move with the Kroger Co. She had been employed there since she was 16 and has passed up numerous opportunities to move up the ladder because of my career as a teacher and coach. It was a difficult decision to leave our families and friends, but an awesome opportunity for us as a family to grow. Coach Seltzer, you had a great career before moving to Lawrence North, can you tell us about your prior experiences, and what you are expecting in your first year as head coach at LN? Coaching at Elkhart Memorial was awesome experience. I was fortunate to work as an assistant at Mishawaka with
Al Smith and an assistant at Memorial with Jim Nicholson and learn so much from both of them before going off on my own. I had great success with the program at EM both as a team and individually. Starting here at LN will be similar to my start at EM. We are building a TEAM concept and working a program that is successful in the room, classroom, and home. Kids are similar to the kids I had at EM and we are diving into our elementary and middle schools to develop continuity throughout the program. You are taking over a tradition rich program, moving your family across the state, and teaching all new subjects, what challenges to you see coming in this new life? The challenge as a coach is to WIN NOW! As a teacher, the challenge is to
adapt to high school kids. I have taught middle school for 14 years. Adjusting to the needs and attitudes of high school kids in the classroom has been the challenge thus far. As a family, we are pretty much settled in, have a routine with work and school with our son Zeke. Our son Zeke is wrestling with CIA and progressing well there and at school. What are some of your favorite coaching experiences from your past program? Watching kids develop and succeed from a young age through high school has been the best experiences. Coaching kids to a state championship is awesome. Winning a team semi state and going to state as a team after failing to do so 5 years in a row was pretty rewarding. Continued on page 10
Clinic information
I.H.S.W.C.A. INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING COACHES ASSOCIATION STATE CLINIC WARREN CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
Please take a moment to thank our sponsors
Featuring: Trevel Dlagnev – 2012 USA OLYMPIAN Clinic Schedule: Thursday - Oct. 11, 2012 8:00 – 9:00 9:00 - 11:00 11:00 -12:30 12:30 – 1:00 1:00 – 2:50 3:00 – 4:00 4:00 – 6:30 6:30 – 7:00 7:00 – 7:30 7:30 – 9:00 9:00 – 11:00
Registration – Warren Cen. HS Enter Door 14 – Park in lot across from door 14 Session 1 - Technique, Clinician – Tervel Dlagnev Lunch provided by IHSWCA & Business Meeting NWCA & NFHS Session 2 –Drills Clinician – Tervel Dlagnev Purdue University - Technique Break - Hotel check-in or dinner Coaches Round table session 1, Jason Warthan – Univ of Indy Coaches Round table session 2, Dan Callahan – Trine University IHSAA Rules Interpretation Warren Central HS IHSWCA Social – Damon’s - sponsored by Pro Power
Friday - Oct. 12, 2012 9:00 – 9:30 9:30 - 10:00 10:00 – 10:30 10:30 – 11:00 11:00 – 11:30 11:30 – 12:00 12:00 – 12:30 12:30 - ?????
Registration Danny Irwin – Wabash College Joe LaBlanc – 4X NCAA AA WY Nick Simmons – 4X AA MSU 3X Big 10 Champ Ryan Lablanc – IU assistant coach Mike Ester – Indiana Tech Matt Burlingame – Manchester Joe Gilbert – Calumet Clinic Raffle and adjourn
Don’t be a tightwad – buy some 50/50 tickets!! 50/50 tickets will be used for the door prizes!
Pro Power Strenth training equipment
E.I. Sports Apparel
NWCA Convention
Struck shares lessons learned A
t the fall clinic of 2011 I met Pat Tocci of the National Wrestling Coaches Association. I didn’t really know what the NWCA did, but I knew I bought a membership each year. I was a wrestling coach and that is what I did, I became a member of the correct organizations. Pat is the director of administration and public relations for the NWCA. He came and asked me if I would come down to the NWCA convention in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and present some topics to them. I agreed. Little did I know what kind of fantastic learning experience I was going to have! The NWCA puts on a fantastic national convention each year that most of us don’t even know about! I normally go to about 5 or 6 coaching clinics a year. I like the learning, I like the motivation it gives me, I like the new ideas, and I especially like the camaraderie of coaching clinics. Aside from the 4 presentations I made at the NWCA clinic, I got the chance to sit in on all of the other presentations. On the first day I was already having a great time before I presented as I saw that I would get to listen to presentations by Dr. Coyote Cooper and Jessica Smith on “Innovative Marketing.” Dr. Cooper was an All-American at IU and is now a professor at Duke. Jessica Smith is the NCAA social media strategist. Then I watched went to a meeting titled “Z-Fanatical Fitness and Wrestling Psychology” presented by Gene Zannetti who wrestled for the University of Pennsylvania and has a degree in Sport Psychology. From there I was honored to present “Getting Your Athletes Recruited to College” with Jim Miller of the multi time NCAA Division 3 champions Wartburg College. Then I went to one of my favorite ones of the day which was “I married a Coach. Now what?”, presented by the
Tennessee Chattanooga coaching staff of Heath Eslinger and Steve Garland. This was a fantastic presentation on little tips they have learned on balancing coaching and the family. The highlight of the presentation was watching the “Wedding Game” where they brought up IU’s Coach Goldman and had he and his wife compete against other couples in a who-know’smore about their spouse contest. It was hilarious. Lunch was provided by the Wrestling Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s (WFCA) and the speaker at lunch was Dr. Peter Likins a former wrestler who has held the positions of president of Leigh University and Arizona State University. But the best part was what a family friendly atmosphere this clinic was as most coaches had their entire family there as they packed the morning and left mid day open each day for family time. The host hotel was a resort positioned right on the beach. So between sessions you would walk out the door, jump in the ocean and be able to run back in for some more wrestling talk. That night I got to spend an hour watching Kellen Russell show technique that grabbed him his NCAA Title. The next day we woke up and went to a fantastic breakfast with the NWCA president Mike Moyer talking to us, along with the NWCA presenting awards to programs for a number of items. On the second day I presented alongside Walt Fisk, and Paul Morina on a topic we called “Assault on the Forfeit.” Walt is the head wrestling coach at Wyalusing High School PA, and Paul Morina is the principal and head wrestling coach at Paulsboro High School PA where he has won more
than 20 dual state titles. Next I spoke with Paul Morina once again with the topic asked of us “Engaging your Local Community.” Paul had tons of energy and lots of great original ideas including their “wine socials”, and “Italian dinners” that they host in their Italian neighborhoods. Within those two presentations I got to listen to some other fantastic presenters like Bob Hartman, a fantastic Athletic Director in Pennsylvania that talked on “Key tips to Strong Relationships with the Football coach”, and a fantastic technique session put on by Tom Ryan of Ohio State University. On the last day we got to listen to another fundraising session by Brian Smith, the head wrestling coach at the University of Missouri, and another presentation by Dr. Coyte Cooper on hands-on social media. What a presentation this was! It complete transformed and catapulted my program promotions in Jeffersonville to a new level. This guy knows his stuff! If you get a chance to work with him or seek him out, do so! In my last presentation of the day I spoke with Athletic Director Bob Hartman, and a personal favorite coach of mine Dave Crowell – head wrestling coach of Nazareth High School. His 386-92 record speaks for its self. What an honor it was to talk to a crowd about fundraising and program promotions with these guys. While I have told you a little bit about the conference, or the meetings I attended, I couldn’t even begin to tell you them all! There were 3-4 breakout sessions for coaches going on at a time! Whatever your interest, you could find Continued on page 10
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it. There were over 240 college coaches there from D-1, D-2, D-3, NAIA, and NCWA. It was great to get to network with them all, eat lunch with them, and pick their brains. It was interesting to sit in voting meetings about the NCAA Dual meet format and hear different respected coach’s points of views. It was truly amazing how much of our wrestling organization and future takes Continued from page 7
Most of my favorite experiences are kids pulling off matches that they shouldn’t have or should have that included to sticking to the program/philosophy that we preach day in and day out. What are some of the new positive aspects of moving to LN? Bigger school, better resources! Our facility is very nice, top notch weight room and program. Very supportive administration. You’re a die hard Bears fan, don’t you think that will be a challenge living in Colts country? That’s easy right now.. The Colts are rebuilding and are not very good. Colts fans don’t have a whole lot to say right now. I’m a Cardinals fan too. Being much closer to St. Louis makes it a easier/nicer trip. How does your own prior wrestling experience as an athlete play a role in the name you coach? I grew up in a program with Al Smith when Mishawaka wrestling was “Mishawaka” wrestling. Do it right, make it tight, out work your opponent. Simple program of standard 10
place right in this clinic. While more than 240 college coaches attended this clinic, there was only about 30 high school coaches. If the college coaches came to learn more, I would like to challenge high school coaches to do so too. To make a change in our sport, we need to be present. Many meetings take place here, friendships made, allies made, that could help you, your kids, and your program move to the next level. Not just the next level in wrestling, in your face wrestling and winning with good fundamentals while living the right way and making good choices. Commitment to the program! What do you have to say to the kids you are missing from back home, and a message you would like to tell your new kids? I left Elkhart Memorial in good hands. My longtime assistant Brian Pfeil and I had a great system in place and our kids will continue that system under him. Our kids/coaches here at LN have started to make the adjustment and are responding well. We have added to our schedule and I believe we wrestle the toughest schedule in the state of Indiana. I love a good challenge of bringing LN back to the top. It’s a road, how well the kids respond will determine how long that road is.
but the next level of sport altogether. In the next few UNITE magazines, I will be sharing 3 of my presentations. “Assault on the forfeit”, “Involving your community,” and “Getting your athlete recruited to college.” I love sharing what we do, I loved listening to others. It is my hope that you will join the NWCA, and consider going to this clinic. I hope you will take the time to look at my next articles to come, I believe we all have something to share each other.
Brian Seltzer’s STATS Family names and kids ages: Brian, Jennifer, and Zeke Seltzer (9) Years coaching: 15 years Career Record: 195-30 All at Elkhart Memorial HS from 1999-Present Coaching Accomplishments • 11 Time NLC Coach of the Year • 2007 IHSWCA Coach of the Year • 2012 IHSWCA Regional Coach of the Year • 2012 IHSWCA Coach of the year • Northern Lakes Conference (NLC) Champions 2001-2012 • IHSAA Team Sectional Champions 2002-2009, 2012 • IHSAA Team Regional Champions 2002-2008 • IHSAA Team Semi-State Champions 2007 & 2008 • IHSAA Team State Finalists 2007 & 2008 Qualifiers, Medalists, and Champions 31 State Qualifiers, 18 State Medalists, 3 IHSAA State Champions, 3 IHSAA State Runner-ups, 6 Indiana All Stars, 58 Conference Champions
IHSWCA Sept Meeting – 2012 Minutes Members present: Trent McCormick, Danny Struck, JD Minch, Tyson Skinner, Rex Peckinpaugh, Sam Reisen, Nick Strub, Brian Seltzer, Brett Clark, Greg Ratliff, Scott Schwartz, and Mark Durham Location: The meeting was held after the annual ISWA bid meeting at Lawrence North High School. Financial Report: • Currently have a $150 surplus in account total from this same time last year. • Discussed how to implement a PayPal account to be used for coaches to pay their annual membership • Idea to offset cost of PayPal was to raise membership cost slightly. • A motion was made by Riesen to begin the transition of using paypal for membership after this year’s Fall Clinic. Strub 2nd the motion. All present approved. Fall Clinic • This year’s Fall Clinic will take place on Oct 11-12 at Warren Central High School • This years featured Clinician will be Trevel Dlagnev, a 2 time pan American Champion and placed 5th at this year’s Olympics • Struck discussed his plan for this year’s breakout sessions and has been contacting local college coaches. • LaQuinta Inn has been secured once again for Coaches to reserve rooms for Clinic. Committee Reports Hall of Fame • Schwartz discussed issues now presented with the additional Academic All-State wrestlers and it was decided that the Academic All-State Wrestlers will no longer be invited to Hall of Fame Dinner. Coaches Mentoring • McCormick and Struck will look into two different sites that will host a new coach’s orientation and look into a possible You Tube tutorial. By-Law Changes Executive Director • A long Discussion ensued covering how the position would be funded, what the person appointed to this position would be in charge of. • This position would help with the overall fluid continuity between different vice president and presidents. This position would be appointed by the President, Vice-President, and Secretary. • McCormick proposed a stipend of $3000 annually and a credit card for gas for meetings. • Peckinpaugh proposed a $2500 base stipend with a bonus of $3 from each membership and 10% per major sponsorship the Executive Director can lock in plus a credit card for Gas for meeting and Business. • Look to vote on creating this position at the upcoming Fall Clinic • Riesen motioned for the Executive Director of the IHSWCA be put in place with a expense account to be approved by the IHSWCA. Struck 2nd this motion. Everyone Present approved. JD Minch abstained from voting At Large Positions on Board of Directors • With realignment several volunteers have now been moved out of spots and to keep these individuals who are willing to donate their time to help the IHSWCA involved 3 at large positions are being proposed. Struck made motion. Skinner 2nd the motion. All present approved. ISWA State Team Tourney • Mark Durham discussed a proposed ISWA team state tourney they will be running after the Individual State Finals outside of the IHSAA Season. Sectional Team Champions will be invited but all team members competing must have USA wrestling cards.
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IHSWCA offerings & Forms
Milestones in Coaching a list of Coaches whom we have information on, and the level they have attained in terms of Dual Meet Victories. BelowWeisknow that there are many names that should be on this list that are not here. That is meant as a slight to no one. It is just that we only had information for about the last 5-6 years to go on in building this list. We would like to add to this list and make it as accurate as possible. If you are a retired Coach and your name is not here please contact one of the Officer so they can put your name on this page. If you are a current or former coach please contact Sam Riesen at samriesen1@yahoo.com. 100 + DUAL VICTORIES JOHN BENNETT BOB BRENNAN ROBERT FREIJE JIM MAGLIS DUSTY MARCHAND MURRAY MILLER TERRY O’NEILL BRIAN SELTZER DUSTIN WILKE BOB WILLHITE ROB WILLMAN 150 + DUAL VICTORIES DR. JOHN BARNETT SCOTT FERGUSON LOUIS KUZDAS DAVE MAYSE ERIC MYERS PAUL NICODEMUS RON STATELER 200 + DUAL VICTORIES STEVE BALASH DAVE CAPLE TOM COOK RUSS HESLER J.D. MINCH JIM PICKARD SCOTT ROUCH RUSS SCHENK CRAIG STANDISH TRAVIS WALLS Tyson Skinner
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FW DWENGER ZIONSVILLE MACONAQUAH PRINCETON BOONVILLE S.B. WASHINGTON WESTFIELD ELKHART MEMORIAL BOONVILLE LEBANON FLOYD CENTRAL
GIBSON SOUTHERN EVANSVILLE REITZ LAPORTE EVANSVILLE HARRISON SOUTH ADAMS PLAINFIELD SOUTH VERMILLION
HOBART FLOYD CENTRAL SEEGER GREENCASTLE NORTH MONTGOMERY GOSHEN LEWIS CASS CULVER EASTERN GRIFFITH Madison
250 + DUAL VICTORIES ANDY HOBBS RICK ROOT Danny Struck 300 + DUAL VICTORIES TONY BOLEY BILL CAMPBELL BOB HARMON KEN HOUSTO TOM KNOTTS LARRY MATTINGLY WALT PROCHNO SCOTT SCHWARZ RICK STENFTENAGEL SCOTT VLINK 350 + DUAL VICTORIES AL HARTMAN TRENT MCCORMICK ANDY SIMON JIM TONTE 400 + DUAL VICTORIES STEVE VANDERAA HENRY WILK 450 + DUAL VICTORIES TOM MILLER 500 + DUAL VICTORIES MIKE GOEBEL BOB HASSEMAN BARRY HUMBLE PHIL THRASHER 800 + DUAL VICTORIES REX PECKINPAUGH
PERU UNION CITY Jeffersonville
WARSAW NORTHFIELD CASTLE TWIN LAKES TIPTON EVANSVILLE MEM. KANKAKEE VALLEY EAST CENTRAL JASPER CROWN POINT
SB CLAY YORKTOWN CARMEL PERRY MERIDIAN
WINAMAC PENN
LAFAYETTE JEFF
EVANSVILLE MATER DEI FRANKLIN COMMUNITY NEW HAVEN NEW ALBANY
NEW CASTLE
I.H.S.W.C.A. JOIN NOW! MEMBERSHIP (ONLY) FORM YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SEND THIS FORM WITH CLINIC REGISTRATION NAME ________________________________________________________________________________ SCHOOL NAME ________________________________________________________________________ HOME ADDRESS _____________________________________________________________________________ CITY___________________________________________STATE_________ZIP______________________ E-MAIL ADDRESS ______________________________________________________________________________________ PHONE(______)_________________________________CELL(_______)___________________________ FAX (______)________________________ Coaching Level Head Coach ________Assist _______ Jr. High _______ Official ______ Other ________ CHECK THE MEMBERSHIPS THAT YOU WISH TO PURCHASE IHSWCA - $30.00________ Associate/Retired - $20.00_________ NWCA - $30.00 ________ TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED FOR THIS COACH $_____________ Make all checks payable to I.H.S.W.C.A.
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IHSWCA STANDING COMMITTEES AND CHAIRMEN Open committee positions are available for any IHSWCA member. Contact information is on page 2. Membership Committee Chairman - Tyson Skinner (Madison Cons.) Committee rep #1 - IHSWCA Executive Director (proposed) Committee rep #2 - Mike Day (Centerville) Committee rep #3 - Nick Strub (East Central)
Regional “Coaches of the Year” Planning Committee Chairman - Trent McCormick (Yorktown) Committee rep #1 - Joel Pippenger (Westview) IHSWCA Middle School State Planning Committee Chairman - Rex Peckinpaugh (New Castle) Committee rep #1 - Nick Hull
IHSWCA Hall of Fame Banquet Committee Chairman - Scott Schwarz Committee rep #1 - Ed Fox
IN/IL All-Star Duals Planning Committee
Fall and Spring Clinic Planning Committee Chairman -Danny Struck (Jeffersonville) Committee rep #1 - Danny Williams (Warren Central – host school) Committee rep #2 - Open Committee rep #3 - Tyson Skinner (IHSWCA Secretary) Scholastic Duals Planning Committee Chairman - Tom Miller (Lafayette Jeff) Committee rep #1 - Aaron Moss (Ben Davis) Committee rep #2 - Maurice Swain (North Montgomery) Contact - Jeff Schaefer (Castle Regional) Contact - John Cook (NWCA) Marketing and Promotions Committee (includes Newsletter) Chairman - Tyson Skinner (Madison Cons.) Committee rep #1 (UNITE) - Sam Riesen (Churubusco) Committee rep #2 - Executive Director (proposed) Committee rep #3 (website) - Rex Peckinpaugh (New Castle) Academic All-State Planning Committee Chairman - Joe Willmann (Lowell) Committee rep #1 - Nate Andrews (Western)
Chairman - Trent McCormick (Yorktown) Committee rep #1 - Al Hartman (SB Clay)
Junior Academic All-State Planning Committee Chairman: Joe Willmann (Lowell) Committee rep #1: Al Hartman (SB Clay) Coaches Mentoring Committee Chairman - Steve Livingston (Cloverdale) Committee rep #1 - Danny Struck (Jeffersonville) Committee rep #2 - Tyson Skinner (Madison)
IHSWCA Classed Team State Duals Event Planning Committee Chairman - Trent McCormick (Yorktown) Committee rep #1 - JD Minch (tournament director) Committee rep #2 - Terry O’Neill (host site coach) Committee rep #3 Committee rep #4 -
IHSWCA Classed Team State Duals Selection Committee Chairman - Tyson Skinner (Madison HS) Committee rep - Sam Riesen (Churubusco HS) Committee rep - Zach Harper (Jeffersonville HS) Committee rep - Mike Day (Centerville HS) Committee rep - Jim Tonte (Perry Meridian HS) Committee consultant - Nick Strub (East Central HS) Committee consultant - Adrian Troyer
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Editors
Contributors
Sam Riesen, Trent McCormick, Danny Struck
Sam Riesen, Trent McCormick, Danny Struck, Lawrence, Darrick Snyder, Aarron Moss, Brett Clark, Clint Gard, Tyson Skinner, Jim Tonte, Rex Peckinpaugh, Mike Day, Tom Miller, Zack Harper, Stephanie Warren, Joe Willmann, Al Hartman, Nate Andrews, Cale Hoover, Tom Erikson, and JD Minch... Sorry to anyone we forgot.
Design
Lindsey Riesen
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On the Cover
Trevel Dlagnev competes at 2012 London games. Photo Source: http://wallpaperskd.com
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