What is your favorite part about being a coach?
Building relationships. Every year through the recruiting process I get to know dozens of young men and their families, many of whom become Wildcats which gives me the opportunity to get to know them on a deeper level in their time here. I also love watching our student-athletes bounce back from tough matches, tough semesters, or tough circumstances. I enjoy accompanying them throughout the process of taking responsibility for their mistakes and finding ways to overcome them in the future.
What is your favorite moment in your Penn College coaching career?
Off the mat, it’s been conversations with guys who just achieved something spectacular in the classroom. Last year we had a teammate get a 4.0 for the first time in his life. We also had a student bounce back from a 2.16 semester to get a 3.62 the next semester – those types of accomplishments bring the most pride to what I do.
Competitively, it was putting four guys in the semi-finals of the 2019 Southeast Regional Tournament. That was an unbelievable accomplishment at the time.
Best advice for current or future Wildcats?
Wake up everyday and appreciate the opportunity that you have to get a college education and play a college sport. Don’t waste the gifts that you’ve been given by not studying or working hard at your craft – utilize them to the best of your ability. There are people that would love to have the opportunities you have, take full advantage of them!
Fun fact(s) about you?
I like to juggle. I also enjoy teaching other people how to juggle – first lesson is free.
