Tag Archive for: wrestling program

WRESTLING WEDNESDAYS WITH GARY ALTHISER (EP 10) FEATURING REGHAN KOCH

AUSTINTOWN OH- Reghan Koch, a formidable freshman wrestler at Austintown Fitch, has quickly made a name for herself in Ohio’s wrestling circuit. Recently interviewed on the YSN Live podcast, Reghan discussed her exceptional performance at the district tournament and her preparation for the state tournament.

Winning as a freshman can be daunting, but Reghan’s resolve and talent shone brightly. She achieved district champion status, marking Fitch’s dramatic improvement from 34th place last year to a top contender this season. Koch attributes much of this success to the unity and intrinsic drive among her teammates, propelled by their coaches’ motivating spirit. Reghan’s journey began in the sixth grade, inspired by her younger brother’s wrestling. Despite initial doubts about the sport, she found herself thriving on the mat, eventually overcoming knee surgery to return stronger than ever. Her resilience has not only been a personal milestone but has also set a high bar for her freshmen peers.

When discussing her preparation and mindset for the state tournament, Reghan emphasized staying grounded. She approaches each match ready to give her all, setting ambitious goals without losing sight of the basics. Her experiences on the Green Machine team provided a solid foundation that she continues to build upon. Reghan also spoke about her passion for capturing moments with her camera. Her keen eye for photography allows her to document the raw emotions and intensity of wrestling, providing a unique lens through which her teammates and the sport itself can be appreciated. Looking forward, Reghan remains focused on seizing opportunities to compete at higher levels, including ambitions to wrestle at national tournaments like Fargo. As she stands ready to represent Austintown Fitch at the state level, Reghan Koch embodies the spirit of determination and excellence, marking the beginning of what promises to be a stellar wrestling career.

Presented By:

BOARDMAN WRESTLING COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH HADI HADI

BOARDMAN, OH-  The atmosphere at Boardman High School was charged with excitement as Spartans Giving Day showcased not only the school’s spirit but also the robust wrestling program led by Head Coach Hadi Hadi. Now in his third year steering the wrestling team, Coach Hadi shared the progress and high expectations for the upcoming season during YSN’s Spartan Coaches Corner podcast hosted by DJ Yokley.

The Spartans wrestling team, once in a rebuilding phase, has seen remarkable growth under Hadi’s leadership. “We started this season with 58 kids, although we had to make cuts due to coaching limitations,” said Hadi. The roster now stands strong at 46-47 athletes, reflecting the successful implementation of a three-year participation plan.

Hadi’s disciplined approach and focus on time management have set a high bar for the team. He emphasizes making better people out of his athletes, instilling values of punctuality and dedication. Despite the unavoidable challenges of student growth and maintaining weight classes, Hadi remains optimistic about the season.

The team’s line-up includes formidable wrestlers like Maxwicka, last year’s league champion at 150 pounds, and Santino Slipkovich, a runner-up in his weight class. “We expect high outcomes and chase after them rigorously,” Hadi noted, mindful of the league’s vast scope with 28 schools vying for top honors.

Managing expectations and distractions during the holiday season is no small feat. Coach Hadi credits discipline and education on proper nutrition as key factors in keeping his athletes focused. “Our kids are super disciplined,” he remarked, recounting how they managed to exercise restraint even during Spartans Giving Day celebrations.

Looking ahead, Coach Hadi remains thankful for the opportunities and the support around him. “I’m thankful for the good people I have around me, that always makes things great,” he shared.

Boardman High School’s wrestling program under Hadi Hadi’s mentorship promises an exciting season, showcasing not just athletic prowess but the values and discipline that make the Spartans a team to watch.

PRESENTED BY

ORANGE WRESTLING COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH BRODY ARRUNDALE

PEPPER PIKE, OH- In the latest episode of YSN’s “Orange Wrestling Coach’s Corner,” Coach Brody Arrundale opens up about his first year as head coach of the varsity wrestling program at Orange High School in Pepper Pike.
Coach Arrunndale reflects on the rising popularity of wrestling, crediting the inclusion of women in the sport for its recent growth. He emphasizes the importance of managing expectations for the young team, highlighting their potential and strong leadership qualities.
With a focus on making the sport enjoyable and beneficial for the student-athletes, Arrundale stresses the significance of instilling discipline and nurturing personal growth. He also shares his own journey into wrestling, speaking about his passion for the sport and the invaluable lessons it has taught him.
As the team only has one senior, Arrundale sees this as both a challenge and an opportunity for the underclassmen to step up and develop their skills.
Arrundale’s leadership style revolves around creating a supportive and motivating environment, where students are encouraged to work hard for each other and understand the personal growth that comes from their dedication to the sport.
The coach’s personal motivation stems from his deep understanding of what wrestling can offer beyond traditional achievements, and he is committed to passing on the sport’s valuable lessons to the next generation of athletes.
Orange High School’s wrestling program is in good hands with Coach Arrundale at the helm, and the upcoming season looks promising under his guidance.

 

PRESENTED BY