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Discussion Topic: My favorite Coaches
Bill Splete added to this discussion on January 2, 2026
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As we get to the halfway point in the season, it makes me reflect on the coaches who get us ready for the push to the finish. Here is my list of my best coaches in my life, wrestling addition
1. Rich Wertenberger-my workout partner as a freshman, no person has had a bigger impact on my wrestling life, he was a senior, a man in all the ways a great mentor should be, i wish we all had a rich wertenberger in our life.
2. Coach John Storey: Taught me skills as all great teachers do and exposed me to the greatest wrestlers ever, going to the world cup, watching film the man can motivate and teach, he is a giant and all i have ever wanted to do was make him proud.
3. Joe McFarland/Duane Goldman: The tech was world-class, They were very young and giants, technically and training. They have led a life of example. I had my issues when I got there and didnt take full advantage, but I think of them and the example they set...Life is more than wrestling was a solid message, but damn do your absolute best while you have the chance! solid
4. Keith Pollack: Now he didn't coach me, but I worked with him for a decade at Mentor, and this dude is very very high level. The head coach wasted his knowledge and skill he is an absolute beast. His tech,knowledge and concern for whats next is awesome, miss working with him. huge fan, should have been the head coach...
5. Mr. Okeefe/Dr. Heller: These two giants at Mentor Ridge set me up for success, not wrestling coaches but they instilled the necessity for knowing technique, side note their knowledge 100% helped me become a 1st team all ohio linebacker and still have the record for most tackles in a season and carerr...not possible with out them, nor is understanding going hard with no direction is going no where, awesome men
6. Leroy Morrow: retired Cleveland police officer who wrestled at OU and would come off patrol and workout with me, damn tough, his hands were that of a man, and he was relentless and ruthless, within the rules, taught me to be calm in the caos, and how to fight in a phone booth. so greatful
7. Rich Hunter: He was there when it started. He taught me the joy and benefits of wrestling. I followed Tony and Jeff from West End, to St Joe to Indiana... Yah he was the man, truly loved conversations we had over the years, and the one that stopped me in my tracts, changed, and made me a better coach. You can't be a great coach/mentor if you are competitive with your athletes" I needed to hear this because as a young coach who had unfinished issues in wrestling thought beating their ass helped them...It did not. Thank you coach
8. Dan and Steven St. John: Dan showed me confidence isn't an idea its fearless when you are competing, Steven, was fun and challenging to roll with, His skills were unique, extremely high level and he was competitive...so much fun
9. Mike Ryba: His help my senior year to prepare for the state tournament can't be minimized, without him, coach silvestro I don't have a place or people to train. It was intense, high level and sharpened me mentally and physically that week. Yeah wasn't allowed to wrestle at the school the week of the state tournament, very thankful for coach storey and Gutbrod for negotiating on my behalf...
10. this spot is for those I wish I wrestled for. I have met them and talked with them and there is no doubt in mind they are 100% dedicated to their wrestlers development on and off the mat. The way they do business remind me of Coach Storey and Coach Bill Gutbrod...
1. cruiser: I dig this coach/man
2. Brady hiatt
3. Shawn Andrews
Here is a nod to those that work tirelessly to make us better even when we aren't ready... coaches matter!
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Discussion Topic: My favorite Coaches
Jim Behrens added to this discussion on January 2, 2026
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I have met or been around a lot of the people you write about so I know your passion.
Your #10 was very interesting to me. I don't know anything about Cruiser or Brady as coaches even though I have met and talked with both.
However Shawn Andrews is one of the guys that I wish my son had as a coach. Unfortunately Shawn is younger so that would not have worked out but I see his results year in and year out. I feel that he just has that "something" that turns out good wrestlers and better people.
BTW, every year I see Coach Storey and I always feel like I am around royalty. He is a legend in my mind.
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Discussion Topic: My favorite Coaches
Hank Kornblut added to this discussion on January 2, 2026
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Larry Hoon, head coach at Cleveland Heights High School for over 30 years. His 1976 team won the AAA state title (now D1) and his teams won more league titles than I can count. More importantly, he cared deeply about his wrestlers and created an environment that emphasized discipline and dedication while simultaneously taking into account that many of his wrestlers came from messy, fragmented households. Many fine coaches have been successful in situations where they are working with kids who have stable home lifes. Hoon was equally successful while working with kids who lacked that luxury. For several decades his teams were consistently among the best in NE Ohio, particularly in dual meets, at a time when this region was unquestionably the best in Ohio and arguably the country.
The late Ron Alexander, head coach at Collinwood and Benedictine, was a similar leader. He was a mentor to me personally during my years in coaching and someone I greatly admired. He worked in less than ideal situations generating better than expected results. His standards were high and the kids who competed for him were always better for the experience.
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Discussion Topic: My favorite Coaches
Mark Niemann added to this discussion on January 2, 2026
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Excellent mid-season addition to this forum! I would love to have met some of these people. I often wonder what my kids are thinking when I'm showing technique or when I'm critiquing their position(s).
Thanks for the nod, good sir. It's always great to pick your brain about this sport.
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Discussion Topic: My favorite Coaches
Scott Nicola added to this discussion on January 3, 2026
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Lots of good one's out there!
Lenny Ball-A legend in the Columbus City League and Central Ohio. Coach Ball trained a lot of kids to be successful in wrestling and life. Had a bunch of kids that started wrestling in high school on the podium at the state tournament. I coached against him early in my career, and always admired how he interacted with his wrestlers. Also very humble about this success.
Mike Rodriguez-While he prefers to be a "free agent" now, Coach Rod has been a top assistant at numerous Central Ohio programs. No matter school, age, race, gender, or skill level, if you show commitment and work ethic, Rod will invest in you. While he likes to play the contrarian and self-deprecate, Rod has been making a positive impact on kids for at least 25 years.
Brian Nicola-I am obviously a little bias on this one. Brian is a great leader and a program builder. His work ethic and commitment inspire his wrestlers and coaches to put in the extra time and effort. Another guy that is humble about his success and often credits others.
John Brown-Although I was never in their room to see him instruct, Coach Brown built some tough teams up at Mount Vernon and many of his former wrestlers talk about the impact he had on them. Central Ohio is currently a hotbed for the best girls wrestling in the State (country?). None of this happens if not for Coach Brown creating opportunities for girls to train and compete in the early 2000's.
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Discussion Topic: My favorite Coaches
Pat Costilow added to this discussion on January 3, 2026
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Quote from Hank Kornblut's post:
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"Larry Hoon, head coach at Cleveland Heights High School for over 30 years. His 1976 team won the AAA state title (now D1) and his teams won more league titles than I can count. More importantly, he cared deeply about his wrestlers and created an environment that emphasized discipline and dedication while simultaneously taking into account that many of his wrestlers came from messy, fragmented households. Many fine coaches have been successful in situations where they are working with kids who have stable home lifes. Hoon was equally successful while working with kids who lacked that luxury. For several decades his teams were consistently among the best in NE Ohio, particularly in dual meets, at a time when this region was unquestionably the best in Ohio and arguably the country.
The late Ron Alexander, head coach at Collinwood and Benedictine, was a similar leader. He was a mentor to me personally during my years in coaching and someone I greatly admired. He worked in less than ideal situations generating better than expected results. His standards were high and the kids who competed for him were always better for the experience."
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Alexander coached my dad, made him wrestle be cause Collinwood didn't have a 98 pounder at the time.
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Discussion Topic: My favorite Coaches
Brady Hiatt added to this discussion on January 6, 2026
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Bill -- special topic. As I have moved into my 5th decade of living, I have noticed that I am much quicker to get a little emotional about a lot of things. I remember the times I had wrestlers achieve their wrestling dreams. Team accomplish their mission. And a career came to an end instead of his life -- and tears of joy and relief have run down my face. As I read about the coach that impacted you and thought about who I'd like to write about. Thinking about the time, effort, and sacrifice men poured into my life, tears welled up again.
So, here goes.
1) Coach (Brad) Novak -- my high school coach. I put his name in ( ) to remind me because it'll never cross my lips. To much respect. Always Coach. A man who did everything he could to help me accomplish my goals - which I didn't, but it wasn't for a lack of dedication towards me on his part. He demonstrated even more importance far beyond the mat. His love and devotion to his wife and his children. I am a very lucky man to have been around him. I love visiting him and his bride now when I return to Minnesota. I hope I have had a fraction of the effect he had on me towards those I have coached and am coaching.
2) Jeff Dernlan -- el jefe, the boss. He was my assistant coach in college but he was the coach that I looked up to the most. He was around 24 when I was 18. In my eyes, he was like Fonzie to my Richie Cunningham. The coolest guy I knew. He worked with me, a kid in over his head, as if I was a guy that could contend for a title. I never felt "less than" because of him. He role in my life went far beyond that though. A mentor, friend, and life coach -- who gave me great advice as I was trying to accomplish a task far greater than win a match, or national title -- win the heart of a young woman. I didn't win any titles in college, but I've been married for 28 years (in April) that that woman. I love every second of time that I get to spend with Jeff.
3) Scott Wasserman -- the Godfather of Mechancisburg wrestling. He took over the program in 1991. A program that hadn't had a PLACER at a tournament in over 4 years. Think about that!!! He brought a swagger to them. He took a program that was at a 1 on a 1 - 10 scale and led them to have multiple state qualifiers, state placers and their first state champ in Tavis Adams in 1996. He brought me to the Burg in the '02-'03 season and displayed a selflessness in coaching that I emulate -- and pass on to those I'm mentoring now. It was never about him. Always the kids and the team. Gold Medal stuff.
Bill -- thanks for the s/o above. I wouldn't be today what I am without the influence of those men that God had me cross paths with. For that, I am truly grateful.
... and a current coach
4) Shawn Andrews -- we've known each other for a couple decades now and have been able to coach together for the past 4/5 years with the Girls Team Ohio and at the club he runs out of Marysville. I see his relentless effort to build his program, build up his girls and promote the sport. Inspiring. It is truly wonderful to coach alongside a man who is likeminded in our approach. The Marysville girls are blessed beyond what they realize to have him as their coach.
..and to Mark Niemann. Funny story. I had never met the man. Maybe had an interaction or two on a forum here or there, but I was heading to the 2012 Olympic Trial in Iowa City and some dude named Cruiser '96 said, "I'd love to go with you". So we met in the parking lot of Mechancisburg School and headed out to Iowa City. Was one of the best wrestling trips I've ever been on. Never a dull moment with Niemann. ..... and at the trials as I'm watching a match, a dude slips into the chair next to me and says, mind if I sit her for a match or two? I turn and looked at my childhood wrestling idol in the chair and said, No problem Coach (John) Smith.
I told a young Ohio girl wrestling for the OkSt girls program, "you are living my childhood dream having him as a coach".
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Discussion Topic: My favorite Coaches
Shawn Andrews added to this discussion on January 7, 2026
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What a great topic, but by responding I know I will unintentionally omit someone.
Jim, Brady, Bill thanks for the kind words! There no higher praise that what you receive from your peers and colleagues.
As for the best coaches I have come across, I've tried to be a pirate coach and steal a little from each one of them.
In no particular order
Jeff Jordan, I was there at the beginning when Jordan Trained camp system was just getting started. More than Coach Jordan's technical system it is his the ability to instill belief in each of his wrestlers that left the most profound impact on me.
Dave Riggs was the first coach, I worked with after college his pursuit of a state title and defeating St. Eds was unlike anything I have witnessed, it taught me a great deal about program building
The Dynamic Duo of Mike Mattingly and Dave Cline, both great coaches but better humans who consistently turned out great teams at Lake High school. There willingness to share their faith and witness to those around them still impacts me today.
Mark Marinelli, once a rival the longer I coach the more we have in common. Those who spend the time to get to know him see how he pours into his athletes as people.
Brady Hiatt, we met in the height of his dominant boys teams at The Burg, but our time coaching girls the last 5 years has provided the opportunity to learn so much from him.
Brian Becher and Jimmy Greenwood who I have crossed paths with in the USA Wrestling Coaches Education program. Becher might be one of the smartest and best technical coaches I have met. Jimmy's attitude and energy is contagious but its deeper than that, he is truly a phenomenal coach.
Growing up in a family of coaches it is impossible not to acknowledge my father Lenard Andrews who coached kids in Marysville for 32 years and still continues to coach today. My bother Nate who has taken the helm on the boys side and continues to raise the bar.
All of the coaches I met in the sanction ohio girls movement. They are the coaches who took a step outside the norm to create a space for wrestlers who needed them. Brian Nicola, Dom Disabato, Vanessa Oswalt, Chris Baird, Chad Dennis, Rob Dearwester, George Shore, so many more.
In the corner of the wrestling world I operate now I wanted to shed light on who I think the next generation of great coaches will be. From my limited time with them I think they will be amazing and shape wrestling in Ohio and beyond for years to come. Keep an eye on
-Cali Leng
-Kendall Bostleman
-Carrie Anne Randolph
-McKayla Campbell
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Discussion Topic: My favorite Coaches
Mark Niemann added to this discussion on January 8, 2026
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Brady: Great times!!!!!!!! I remember my wife asked who I was going with. When I told it was a guy from the #DotNet she rephrased it as "some guy from the internet". True, but I had read much of your posts. Again, solid stuff.
Shawn - I look forward to seeing those names listed at the bottom working their ways into the coaching ranks.
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Discussion Topic: My favorite Coaches
Jeff Reid added to this discussion on January 9, 2026
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Bill,
You were one of my favorite coaches. It was the summer between my JR and SR year in HS and you were in between Frosh and Soph year. You convinced me to go with you to the Ohio freestyle team qualifier (cant remember where). I hadn't wrestled freestyle since my West End Y days, so you were coaching me up on the way down to the tournament and cornered me as well. You coached me to my most notable win in my career, and that was against Mark Kerr. Don't know how it happened, but within the first minute of the match, Kerr broke his leg and injury defaulted out of the tournament. I did get the W and with that, I made the Ohio freestyle team that travelled to the AAU Jr nationals and the USA wrestling national at the UNI Unidome. Of course a healthy Kerr would have destroyed me and I am sure team Ohio was disappointed in having me and not him.
About 8-10 years ago, I was on vacation with my family in Central PA, which was near Maple Lake Sports Camp (training center for our 1972 Olympic team). Gene Mills held a summer camp there and he happened to walk into the same breakfast joint we were eating at. I asked Gene if he remembers Kerr entering his Freshman year at Syracuse with a broken leg, and he said yes. I then proceeded to tell him that I was the one that broke his leg (or at least he was wrestling me when he broke his leg). Good times.
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Discussion Topic: My favorite Coaches
Casey Talbott added to this discussion on January 9, 2026
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^^^Good stories, Jeff, thanks for sharing!
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Discussion Topic: My favorite Coaches
Bill Splete added to this discussion on January 9, 2026
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Jeff,
My favorite teammate at St Joseph. You have always been a kind person. Thank you for pumping me up. let's go! Great win, let’s take it! Be well my friend
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