Takedown Report

Klessinger: 12 simple tips to help in wrestling, coaching and life

By John Klessinger

I have been a wrestling coach for 25 years. Over that time, my beliefs and philosophies have changed drastically. As a younger coach, I focused most of my time on winning. More accurately, we didn’t win much back then, so my focus was on losing less. A few years later, I put my attention on myself. What do I need to do to have a winning program? 

I took a hard look at myself and determined I needed to make some changes. For the next 10 years, I was determined to be the model for my team. I decided right then to show them how to work hard each day. I participated in nearly every drill, conditioning activity and live wrestled daily. I demonstrated what it meant to be committed by being at every practice. If I wanted them to be there, I had to. No exceptions. 

In 22 years as the head coach at South River in Edgewater, Md., I have missed two practices. The first was in 2001 because I got married. The second and last missed practice was in 2004. My six-month-old daughter at the time needed surgery. 

I share that with my wrestlers each season like a badge of honor. I want them to be committed. Attendance is the first step in commitment. I have loosened up my policies over the years on attendance. It is still a big deal. However, I recognize there is life outside of wrestling. Well, my wife would disagree with my statement. Which leads to the next evolution of my coaching … rest of story at WIN-magazine.com/2022/11/10/klessinger-12-simple-tips-to-help-in-wrestling-coaching-and-life

December 7, 2022 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized