Kansas Wrestling
Posted By: Ryan Jilka Your influences in wrestling - 07/13/05 12:48 AM
I just thought it might be cool to have a topic for coaches and wrestlers to say who their most positive influences as wrestling coaches have been. I think some people might be surprised at how highly regarded some coaches are, even though others don't like them. PLEASE DON'T USE THIS TO BASH OTHERS. If you have something negative to say, do it on another thread please.

I've been lucky to have some of the best. Bobby Stein and Gary Harding were my kids club coaches in Salina. Mike Schauer was the best H.S. coach I could have asked for at Maize. Wayne Peterson and Bob Smith were great coaches for me at the college level. ****, with these great coaches I should have been a lot better!

Have at it.
Posted By: Bronco Wrestler Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/13/05 01:15 AM
Best Coach overall- Wyatt Frohling
Best Motivational Coach- Calvin King
Best Instructional Coach- Chas Thompson

I started in 7th grade, then moved schools and had no 8th grade then started as a freshman
Posted By: Dean Welsh Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/13/05 01:52 AM
Might we expand it a bit to include people that helped us - other than coaches?

I sucked as a timid, young wrestler. We had an undefeated state champ on our team. He always was kind to me and helped me. He role modeled good sportsmanship and hard work. That was cool. He was a humble dude. His name was Mike Porter. We are talking about the late 70's on the MO side! From his encouragement and example - i turned into a decent wrestler with a winning record and a good coach with several state champs (i no longer actively coach).

(On the flip side - we also had another undefeated one who was a total jerk.)

Have many of you other struggling wrestlers were helped by a studdly one? I imagine many of you Hutch wrestlers benefit from Cody Garcia in a similar way?
Posted By: coachtwink Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/13/05 02:51 AM
Coaches who have been a positive influence in my life (wrestling and otherwise):

My Dad- he coached middle school in Garden City when I was small. I used to watch him and his kids. He is a great individual!

Bill Johnson- Great coach, knows how to develop wrestlers that may not have the most skill and maximize their potential. (I was one of them).

Tony Fiscus- Great Coach (Football and wrestling). Really introduced the team concept of wrestling to us as our Junior High Head Coach.

Jake Durham- As a youngster I would watch Jake coach. I also got to know him through the church, which Jake always attended. A Class act in every respect.

Bruce Graber- A great Football coach who encouraged our success in all aspects of life.

Lee Woodford- A great mentor for young coaches. I learned a lot from him about wrestling, but also about developing good people while in the wrestling room.

Travis Keal- A great role model for wrestlers and a student of the sport.

I know I have left several off of that list, but I didn't realize until just then how lucky I have been during my athletic and coaching career to have dealt with such outstanding people!
Posted By: Aaron Sweazy Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/13/05 03:16 AM
Coaches that I absolutely appreciate for a lot:

Harold Jagerson- he demanded excellence on the mats and uniformity amongst his athletes. He brought Chapman pride by having them place in every regular season tournament for nearly 3 full years while I was there. Went on to coach at KSU for Club team.

Bill Christener - From the rival school of Abilene but always there with a good pat on the back or willing to help you out by giving you advice on personal matters and such. Very compassionate about the sport and like to see Kansas succeed on the national and college levels as well. A man of God and not afraid to pray right there for you.

Doug Moore- in my opinion probably the funniest most laid back coach in Kansas when I was in high school. Firey and Fierce as an opposing coach, but get to know him and he's someone that is eager to sit down and tell a good story with you wrestling or otherwise.

Gonzo- Went out of his way to talk with me on several occasions (most notably at 2004 kids state before I became ill) He talked with me about the desire to want to coach and gave me pointers on lessons he's learned in coaching and dove in deep with interest to see what my coaching mentality is if I desired to be a coach.

Bob Warkentine- TOUGH! When Coach Jagerson took Chapman over to Salina South for a Summer Workout Wrestling Camp we got to see Bob Warkentine get in there and scrap it up with us guys. He was a methodical coach and would show you a move from several angles. After attending his camp Chapman had some noticable changes in agressiveness and heart. Bob would make a great College coach.
Posted By: Prant Garker Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/13/05 03:45 AM
ToachCwink-

I'm not on your list? I'm the one who taught you all those sweet cheap tilts!

A great coach who doesn't get a lot of recognition--Chuck Hendricks, head wrestling coach at Eisenhower Middle School. Good coach, better man.
Posted By: superiorsteve Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/13/05 04:01 AM
Good call, Prant ..... haven't seen Chuck for quite a stretch ...... but you are absolutlely right ...... good coach .... great with kids ..... good of you to remember him here!
Posted By: LoveToWrestle Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/13/05 04:46 AM
The people who have really changed me in wrestling would have to be...

Darian Eshelman- One of the hardest working coaches in the state. Whenever we had a run, he ran with us, wether it be summer or wrestling season. Every tough practice he put us through he did everything we did. He knew how to motivate me and taught me to believe in myself. Really puts time into the wrestlers who want to become good, extra indiv. morning practices, runs, summer practices, weights motivational talks, he did it all.

Jeremy Terrell- The best wrestler to have came from our school, I was lucky enough to wrestle with him. The hardest working wrestler in the state at his time. This kid did countless hours of extra practices and runs during and out of the season to become as good as he was. Very self disciplined and I learned many things from him.

And las but not least Dan Gable- I had the privledge to wrestle at his camp in Iowa 2 years, and he just blew me away with his knowledge. He helped me alot and taught me many things about wrestling and life. Great Great man!
Posted By: TCarmona Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/13/05 12:31 PM
Mike Schauer - Used to take a few kids down to OSU. I think that is where I started thinking about wrestling after high school. Some kids thought he was to hard on them in the room. Later on the figured out he was just trying to see how tuff you were. Many coaches were about #'s Schauer wanted the workers.

Bob Smith - I can't even explain what a coach he was.

Cody Bickly - Before taking over FHSU. He used to wrestle with us alot. I think that is where he did his best during a grind match. He also had so much passion cause he believed in the wrestlers, so he would push them more.

Ryan "the caucasian brother I never had" Jilka - During my Senior year he also pushed kids. Making them wrestle better. Making the room more like a team instead of good individuals.
Posted By: John Johnston Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/13/05 02:38 PM
Ryan - I was in Jr High school with Bobby Stein and he always impressed me with his dedication to the kids and the sport.
Posted By: mikechurch Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/13/05 06:13 PM
There have been so many~
David Nigg-as my coach at Wichita South, As my head coach while I was an assistant, and now my assistant who will mentor me in my first years as a head coach at Wichita South.

Jody Thompson-Great Great man at Labette CC.

Tony May-Derby

Eric Prichard (Wichita NW head coach), In my state championship year, Eric was my best work-out partner aside from the 189 pound Joe Nelson (2 X undefeated state champion)

These four who stand out the most!
Posted By: Aaron Sweazy Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/13/05 06:34 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by mikechurch:
There have been so many~
David Nigg-as my coach at Wichita South, As my head coach while I was an assistant, and now my assistant who will mentor me in my first years as a head coach at Wichita South.

Jody Thompson-Great Great man at Labette CC.

Tony May-Derby

Eric Prichard (Wichita NW head coach), In my state championship year, Eric was my best work-out partner aside from the 189 pound Joe Nelson (2 X undefeated state champion)

These four who stand out the most!
I wrestled Joe once.
Posted By: TCarmona Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/13/05 07:11 PM
Crazy eyed Joe Nelson......How'd ya do Swayz? I don't think that guy had any fat on him.
Posted By: nclayton Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/13/05 11:42 PM
Kevin Klemm was very motivating and always beleived in his wrestlers.
Posted By: Ryan Jilka Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/14/05 12:31 AM
Swayz, how old are you? I thought Joe was about a 99 grad or so.

Carmona, no hispanic brother I never had should call someone crazy eyed. I thought Ricardo was a better influence on you than that.
Posted By: TCarmona Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/14/05 12:31 PM
Joe graduated in 97

Rich had a twich in his eye.
Posted By: Ryan Jilka Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/14/05 01:56 PM
Thanks for the info Champ. Is that still your nickname?

Swayz, did you ever wrestle Chris Allen from Salina South?
Posted By: mikechurch Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/14/05 02:18 PM
Joe actually graduated in 98. He was a year younger than me... Swayz, how did that go by the way... When did you wrestle him?
Posted By: TCarmona Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/14/05 05:04 PM
Chris Allen.....that name sounds familar. I think I once saw him power down a Large Pizza in less then 15 min.
Posted By: Aaron Sweazy Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/14/05 07:07 PM
Guys I graduated in 1998 from Chapman so I'm the same age as Joe. I wrestled him in the semifinals of Sunflower State games I believe the summer of 1997. He major decisioned me 13-5 or something like that. He then wrestled Karnowski from Wamego in the Championships and that match went 1-0 or something and I believe Karnowski won.
Posted By: Bobby Bovaird Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/14/05 07:19 PM
Quote:
Guys I graduated in 1998 from Chapman so I'm the same age as Joe. I wrestled him in the semifinals of Sunflower State games I believe the summer of 1997. He major decisioned me 13-5 or something like that. He then wrestled Karnowski from Wamego in the Championships and that match went 1-0 or something and I believe Karnowski won.
Swayz --

I think that might have been the Sunflower games where Karnowski blew his knee out. I'm pretty sure that injury happened right before he was going to college to play football (Highland maybe?). I remember seeing him getting carried out on a stretcher and then I talked to one of his teammates (they both would work out from time to time up at Washburn Rural for freestyle practices that summer).

Of course, I could be wrong.
Posted By: Nigel Isom Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/15/05 04:22 AM
Wow there are so many people who have profound influences on me as a wrestler then and as an official now.

Without a doubt the two individual most responsible for my sucess as a wrestler where my kids club coach Kirk Gable whom I have extreme respect for. He was there with me practicing during the summer months every year and never gave up on me.

And then of course my high school coach Bill Christner who has already been mentioned once before in this forum. Having spent the better part of 7 years around Coach Christner, I could have never imagined how much I could have learned from him. He is without a doubt the most classy coach I have ever known, and I'll be enternally thankful for being under his guidence.

But I can't forget the other coaches that helped me along as well. Dave Robinson, Terry Thorson,Pat Flynn,James Stout, Tim Lytle, and Shane Palmer.
Posted By: Aaron Sweazy Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/15/05 11:15 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by Robert Bovaird:
Quote:
Guys I graduated in 1998 from Chapman so I'm the same age as Joe. I wrestled him in the semifinals of Sunflower State games I believe the summer of 1997. He major decisioned me 13-5 or something like that. He then wrestled Karnowski from Wamego in the Championships and that match went 1-0 or something and I believe Karnowski won.
Swayz --

I think that might have been the Sunflower games where Karnowski blew his knee out. I'm pretty sure that injury happened right before he was going to college to play football (Highland maybe?). I remember seeing him getting carried out on a stretcher and then I talked to one of his teammates (they both would work out from time to time up at Washburn Rural for freestyle practices that summer).

Of course, I could be wrong.
Bob I think that was the next year or the year prior. I remember Karnowski finished his match. Speaking of Karnowski if you all are ever in Manhattan go to Aggieville's Crazy Dave's Herp Shack he owns that store which has all sorts or wild animals to buy.
Posted By: Prant Garker Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/15/05 03:46 PM
Scaly Dave's has two coatimundis. It's some weird monkey/raccoon/dog combination that spends all day in it's little tree. It would be a pretty sweet mascot for any new school being built...

They also have turtles and hedgehogs, just in case you guys were looking for weird animals.
Posted By: Bracket-man Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/15/05 04:44 PM
What a great topic! I hope it is appropriate for me to respond. Being a father, who never wrestled (except in grade school), but raised two sons who wrestled, I have an extreme admiration and respect for those individuals who give of their time to build the future minds (and bodies) of our youth. My sons wrestled in the KC Metro area and we met many, many coaches who were very influential. Coach Eller of Miege, who brought a 160lb female to a JV tournament and was so proud of her effort and courage. Coach Carbajo (sorry if spelling is wrong) of Spring Hill, who cared so much for his kids OFF the mat. Coach Hill, asst at SMNW, with his intensity and passion, always kept up with the kids. Coach Klemm, with the East Kansas Club, who pushed you to your limit and always praised first, then praised some more.

But Coach Scott Bacon was the very best and most influential of all the coaches we encountered. He quoted from Hebrews about "Run to Finish" and "Dare to Dream". He founded the Johnson County Classic, arguably the best holiday tournament in the State. I remember a post-season banquet, following a team State championship, when he put his arm around a struggling freshman wrestler, who just finished his season at 0-17, all losses by pin and talked about him as if he were a state champion. Always building you up to exceed your own expectations.

Coach Chris Paisley was/is the most instructional coach we ever encountered. His knowledge of technique and ability to teach were limitless. His tenacity and discipline were legendary, all for the good of all who came into his shadow.

Superiorsteve, of Steveville, is the person I have grown to respect for his inspiration. Although we have gotten to know the Superior one after wrestling, I have never met a man who dedicates himself more to the betterment of all those around him. He is a caring, decent, positive influence on young and old, alike. You have seen his touch demonstrated in this forum time and time again. Always leaves you better than he found you and geniunely cares about everyone.
Posted By: Nate Naasz Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/16/05 01:48 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by coachtwink:
Coaches who have been a positive influence in my life (wrestling and otherwise):

My Dad- he coached middle school in Garden City when I was small. I used to watch him and his kids. He is a great individual!

Bill Johnson- Great coach, knows how to develop wrestlers that may not have the most skill and maximize their potential. (I was one of them).

Tony Fiscus- Great Coach (Football and wrestling). Really introduced the team concept of wrestling to us as our Junior High Head Coach.

Jake Durham- As a youngster I would watch Jake coach. I also got to know him through the church, which Jake always attended. A Class act in every respect.

Bruce Graber- A great Football coach who encouraged our success in all aspects of life.

Lee Woodford- A great mentor for young coaches. I learned a lot from him about wrestling, but also about developing good people while in the wrestling room.

Travis Keal- A great role model for wrestlers and a student of the sport.

I know I have left several off of that list, but I didn't realize until just then how lucky I have been during my athletic and coaching career to have dealt with such outstanding people!
Tony Fiscus is a great coach and a better man. He helped me mature as a coach and person while I was his asst. @ Fredonia High School this past year. Thank you Tony!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted By: Curtis Chenoweth Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/16/05 01:57 AM
I have to admit that without my high school coaches I probably wouldn't be nearly as good as I am today. Coach Johnson, Coach Vogel, and Coach Cooper all gave me different tools that when put together, helped me become a very successful wrestler. And not only did they make me a successful wrestler, they helped me become a good person too. And that's what makes a great coach I think. It's not just the skills they teach you, it's everything they teach you.
Posted By: mike fairleigh Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/16/05 03:03 AM
hard to believe that no one has mentioned Gable at St Francis, Welton at Goodland and Garden City, or Baker from Hoxie, likely those three would have as many individual and team champions as any three guys I can think of, Baker has not been in the game long enough to have many coaches out there, but there are a BUNCH of guys coaching in Kansas today that were out of Gabel or Welton's corner. Once in a while you see a program that exhibits a high level of skill in its wrestlers that doesn't allow for the "tough guy "image where you see a bunch of shoving around on the mats edge, or obscene gestures or language after the match,etc. and the coaches of those programs are the ones that I have respect for. It is possible to be really good without being a total jerk to everyone around you, but some coaches seem to attach little importance to that. In my view, character is as important as skill, and it has been my experience that it is very difficult to instill that as a coach or parent. Those who are succesful at that, I rate as the best coaches.
Posted By: Jason Halling Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/16/05 03:15 AM
I'm glad Ryan posted this topic, because it gives us a chance to thank those individuals that molded us into the men we have become. I can only hope that we have conducted ourselves in a manor of which you can be proud. I hope its not too sappy, but it’s a great opportunity to say “Thanks Coach!”

Bill Christner - Is tops on my list. Just being in the same room with this man, makes me want to be a better person. As a young assistant at a struggling school, I admired the strength, attitude, and confidence displayed by the Abilene wrestlers. I love the way that Bill celebrated victories with his kids. He was not happy and he did not celebrate because he had accomplished something great; He was truly happy for the success that his young wrestler just achieved. He was happy for the kid, not for the result. And on the opposite end of the spectrum, he would share the pain of defeat with that young man. He would do anything to take the burden of hurt onto himself if possible. He is a religious man guided by a genuine concern for others. He always had a way of making me feel important. Without knowing it, you have given me the gift of realizing that the kids are most important. Thanks Coach.

Lee Keffer - As my first coaching boss, he taught me so much about the fundamentals of wrestling. Its such an easy sport to master. KISS IT, keep it simple stupid. A single, A double, A high crotch mixed with some foot speed and a lot of pushups and its amazing what you can accomplish.

Coach Schmiedler - Lincoln High School - A good coach, but a better man. It took some time to get to know him, but he is genuine and honest and he says what he means.

Jimmy Renfo – Some of you may know him as Joe’s older brother. He makes my list because he always reminds me that this job is supposed to be fun. Come on Jimmy, what’s wrong with blue hair?

Jim Mosely - Makes you feel like the most important person in the world, when he talks to you. He is truly concerned about you the human being.

Lastly, there are a few coaches that work in a demanding basketball conference called the MCAA but have managed to stake out a fair share of the claim with little recognition. Dave Corns of Haven is a great guy to be around. Scott O’Hare is one of the hardest working coaches I know. Jack Thaw of Halstead has forgotten more about wrestling and more importantly about life than I’ll ever know. And Doug Broadfoot of Hesston is one of the most calm and collected guys that I know. I admire these guys for two reasons: They take what life, enrollment, and lack of interest throws at them and they have turned out a quality product; and they were a classy group of guys to work with these past two years.

Jason Halling
Posted By: Trego Wrestler Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/16/05 04:09 AM
Best High School Coach- Brook Medrano
Best Kid Club coach- my dad(Doug Malay)
Best motivational coach- Myron Flax(football)
Besat knowleged coach- Doug Malay
Posted By: Trego Wrestler Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/16/05 04:10 AM
Best High School Coach- Brook Medrano
Best Kid Club coach- my dad(Doug Malay)
Best motivational coach- Myron Flax(football)
Besat knowleged coach- Doug Malay
Posted By: no_fluke Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/19/05 03:27 AM
Since it was mentioned, when I was young I always admired the coaches of the NWKL. Buzz Matson,Bill Pickenpaugh,Rocky Welton,Gus Garcia,Jake Durham and I am sure I have missed many more.
I occasional see there names mention here in on the forum,that tells me that they are respected by many young and old.
I get a kick out of hearing how these men left there schools and maybe helped out another school become famous with there wrestling programs....I am also amazed how many indivuals that came out of these programs to become great coaches.
Posted By: stat girl Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/21/05 02:18 PM
Shane Miller, former head coach of eureka, the most inspirational and knowledgeable man ever known to the sport of wrestling.
Posted By: CBottorff Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/25/05 04:25 AM
I would like to mention my high school coach Ken Jones from Columbus in this topic. He was a great motivator as well as one of the most successful coaches in 4A wrestling. Wow...if im 35 how old does that make him??? haha just kidding Thanks Coach Jones!
Posted By: Aaron Sweazy Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/25/05 05:20 AM
Seeing Coach Bottorf on here reminds me of the fact that for a good 2 years while I was at Butler he opened the room to me to work out with the Circle wrestling team. He was a great ally on keeping me involved with the sport and what helped me to move back to wrestling in college.
Posted By: xtitan98 Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/27/05 03:12 PM
Bottorf, I didn't know you wrestled for Jones. I was there his first year when he took over for Thompson. We won Regionals at Paola, that year. Seems like a long time ago. (It WAS!!!!). Still remember my team mates like yesterday, and the practices. That old room and the Steam Radiators.
Posted By: jmadden Re: Your influences in wrestling - 07/27/05 06:03 PM
Larry Tilton
Posted By: dsgolden Re: Your influences in wrestling - 09/11/05 02:36 AM
my biggest influence was coach ken piaza who used to coach for beloit i never wrestled for him.he was gone before i reached high school.
he was my pe teacher in grade school i was always picked on in grade school and he told me to keep my head up or he always had some thing encouraging to say to me and it lifted my spirits
that is why to me he is one of the greats in kansas wrestling and he should be in some kind of wrestling hall of fame if kansas has a wresling hall of fame he would have my vote
Posted By: Scarecrow_103 Re: Your influences in wrestling - 09/11/05 02:53 AM
Coach Dulgarian From Lawrence is a great influence i mean he just works w/ every one he does great things he sat out going 2 rosehill to go to JV League, and he wanted our assitant coach to get to go back home.
Posted By: Scarecrow_103 Re: Your influences in wrestling - 09/11/05 02:58 AM
Also Dewitt (Eudora) & Harris (Baldwin) are great motivational coaches, they both are able to get the whole town in to the sport of wrestling. which is always great when u have community support.
Posted By: Yo This Is TO Re: Your influences in wrestling - 09/11/05 03:09 AM
Coach Larry Gable should be mentioned he has motivated kids for many many years and works them to there limit and then motivates them to push a little further
Posted By: stat girl Re: Your influences in wrestling - 09/25/05 03:20 AM
Doug Vander Linden
Posted By: Shane Koranda Re: Your influences in wrestling - 09/25/05 03:09 PM
My biggest idol and influence was Dennis Bowersock from Lyons, Ks! He was and will always be the biggest and the best from me in wrestling!!!

I wasn't a state champ or anything "great" like that, but he still took his time and worked with me and made me FEEL like a champ!!
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