Preparing Coaches for the Future through LeadershipBy Tammy Tedesco
It has been ten months since the inaugural NWCA Coaching Leadership Academy has taken place. Even with that gap in time, the participating coaches and mentors picked up right where they left off.
With the challenging economy threatening many Olympic sports over the past 2 years, it is time for the coaches to find ways to be creative in raising the necessary funds to help support their program. This is just one of the topics that were focused on during this two day workshop.
Coaches from thirteen schools along with nine mentors convened for this two-day conference in Edwardsville, Illinois at the Jon Davis Wrestling Center. (Click here for previous release)
The NWCA has awarded a “full scholarship” to each of these coaches allowing them to attend the Leadership Academy for FREE! This funding was provided by a few very generous benefactors of the NWCA who believe the head coach plays a pivotal role in protecting the future of amateur wrestling.
Mark Mestemacher who hosted this Academy was also among the guest speakers. He communicated a fantastic message to the coaches about why he has invested in the sport of wrestling. Essentially, he believes wrestling teaches many valuable life skills and further, his investment in the sport has allowed him to share his faith with others. He reminded the coaches that successful people routinely do things that push them out of their comfort zones.
Another key point that Mestemacher shared with the participating coaches was to become active in their respective regions so the community leaders are aware that their programs exist.
Each coach worked very closely with their peers and mentors through small group discussion to help customize the general concepts being taught to meet their unique needs on their respective campuses.
This workshop is just part of the process that these coaches have completed. In addition, each coach will eventually complete ten online educational modules, a program assessment survey, and a 360 evaluation designed to solicit feedback from constituents they are accountable to.
Scott Hawes, head coach at Hannibal-LaGrange College stated that, “As a coach of a new program, I was fortunate to be able to attend the NWCA Coaching Leadership Academy. I benefited from the experiences shared by veteran coaches who were part of starting new programs and/or reviving fledgling programs. Their perspectives came from every level of the NCAA and NAIA. The insights I received will help equip me to develop a program that will stand the test of time.”
Having these coaches and administrators openly discuss ethical situations in a non judgmental and encouraging ways was particularly engaging for the coaches. They were able to help break down some of the more challenging issues that hinder them daily in their coaching profession, while exposing the realization that each coach faces many of the same challenges despite the size of the institution.
This academy gives the coaches an opportunity to grow professionally and realize that being a college wrestling coach involves much more than teaching takedowns and winning matches.
“We instill in our athletes the need for consistent evaluation and improvement. So why wouldn’t any coach take this opportunity from the NWCA to better themselves. That is exactly what the Leadership Academy does – gives you direction for growth,” said Brandon Brissette head coach at Olivet College.
The thirty coaches, who began this journey back in August of 2009, will “graduate” in front of their peers at the 2010 NWCA Convention.
“Finalizing the inaugural NWCA Coaching Leadership Academy is something that all of us at the NWCA are very proud of. The sport of wrestling has needed this type of camaraderie and education for years and these coaches have paved the way for many future coaches,” said Mike Moyer, NWCA Executive Director.
“These past few days have given us a lot of encouragement and momentum to help maximize the experience for the next group that we have starting in August.”
The NWCA Coaches Leadership Academy will start with a fresh group of coaches and mentors for the 2010 Academy which will take place August 4-5, in Delray Beach, Florida. Following the Leadership Academy will be the NWCA Convention, for more information visit www.nwcaonline.com.
For more information on the NWCA Coaching Leadership Academy click here.
The National Wrestling Coaches Association, established in 1928, is a non-profit organization for the advancement of all levels of the sport of wrestling with primary emphasis on developing coaches who work in academic environments. The membership embraces all people interested in amateur wrestling.
The three core competencies of the NWCA Coaching Development, student-athlete welfare, and promotion of wrestling.
