Committing as a Coach
Ted Witulski/USA Wrestling
Attending a Coaches College
More than a few wrestling coaches have dangled the commitment carrot in front of wrestlers. “If you just dedicate yourself more, and work hard in the off-season than you could be a state champ next year“, as the familiar speech goes. Coaches want to light the fire under their wrestlers so that they will start down that path of deeper commitment to their success in the sport of wrestling. When the wrestler finally buys into giving more to his training the winning will take care of itself.
A great wrestling coach has high expectations for his/her wrestlers. But, a great wrestling coach also has high expectations that he/she will measure himself/herself by.
Then the “off-season“ rolls around wrestling coaches will encourage their wrestlers to do what it takes to be a champion—dedicate—commit—to the sport of wrestling. Hopefully, the wrestling coach will also work hard in the off-season so that he comes even better prepared for the next wrestling season.
A terrific way to learn more about coaching and the sport of wrestling is to get involved with USA Wrestling's National Coaches Education Program. A coach that is knowledgeable about the sport of wrestling should get certified at the Bronze Level. The Bronze Level is really the second step in the certification process, but the Copper Level is not required to get Bronze Certified.
Once a coach has earned Bronze Certification, then he/she can attend the Silver Level Coaches College. A Silver College is an intensive wrestling experience designed for coaches to learn more about excelling in the sport of wrestling.
A Silver College offers coaches both on the mat technical instruction as well as in class learning and discussion of important coaching topics. The five-day college heightens any wrestling coaches desire to succeed in the sport of wrestling.
Coaches that attend a Silver College will be joined by other coaches from across the country in their pursuit of wrestling knowledge. Last year, coaches from thirty-three states attended USA Wrestling Silver College training. Among the coaches attending the sessions are often former elite athletes, like Olympic Bronze Medalist Rodney Smith who attended the Silver College in St. Paul in 2003. The networking with other coaches and elite athletes is just one of the many benefits of the week's activities.
In the classroom, the participants will enjoy sessions led by specialists in fields of wrestling. Last summer, National Greco-Roman Coach Steve Fraser entertained a group by sharing his thoughts on mental toughness drawing from his vast personal background as an Olympic Champion and coach.
Coaches will also receive information on strength training, sport psychology, nutrition, and program development. The Silver College is an all-encompassing experience that will give coaches the tools to take back to their wrestling teams and lead their squads to greater success.
As a part of the experience, the college also dedicates a great deal of time to on the mat technical instruction. The Silver College draws upon the best athletes and coaches in the nation to work with the participants involved. In up to four technique sessions a day coaches might learn snaps and singles from Olympic Champion Tom Brands, and high-crotch setups from World Champion Zeke Jones. At one recent Silver College eight World and Olympic demonstrated technique for the coaches.
Even if your program primarily wrestles scholastic tournaments coaches will learn great skills from the Coaches College. Some of the sessions may be dedicated to freestyle and Greco-Roman turns, but very often coaches will be able to take helpful advice back to their scholastic programs.
The Silver Coaches College, will make a difference in any coaches ability to help his/her program to succeed. The week of wrestling will build upon past knowledge and update coaches with the latest trends in wrestling.
USA Wrestling's National Coaches Education Program asks coaches to commit to the sport of wrestling by attending one of the Silver Level Coaches College across the United States in the summer of 2003. The wrestling experience will improve you as a coach and help your team excel.
Coaches College sites for the summer of 2003:
(Information to be linked when available)
Indianapolis, Indiana June 16-22, World Team Trials Silver College Dallas, Texas July 8-13, Team Texas Training Camp
Washington State July 8-13, Team Washington Training Camp