Following up on the NWCA Coaching Leadership Academy that took place in August 2009, thirteen of college wrestling's most promising, up and coming intercollegiate wrestling coaches will be reconvening at the Jon Davis Wrestling Center in Edwardsville, Illinois this week to complete the comprehensive CEO training program.  In addition, several of our sport's most respected coaches, athletic administrators, and stakeholders will be in attendance to help the Academy participants maximize the experience.  

The purpose of this focus group is to build on the "peer group discussion" that took place last summer and throughout the year. Moreover, the participants will be evaluating the skills that have been learned over the past year through: online educational models, mentorship, group discussion and implementation.

At the conclusion, the thirteen Academy participants will represent the inaugural graduating class of the Leadership Academy.  The thirteen coaches who will be taking part in the workshop include: Jason Borrelli – Stanford, Brandon Brissette – Olivet, Casey Brewster – Sacred Heart, Shawn Charles – Arizona State, Heath Eslinger – Tennessee Chattanooga, John Garriques – Centenary College,  Scott Hawes – Hannibal LaGrange, Tim Homan – University of Sioux Falls, Greg Ilaria – Merchant Marine Academy, Tony Islas – Knox College, Clint Manny – Simpson, Casey Stouffer – Mt. St. Joseph, and Jason York – Bridgewater State.

 "The NWCA holds a very firm belief that nobody plays a more pivotal role in protecting the future for college wrestling than the head coach.  Due to the current economic conditions and other external forces that threaten intercollegiate Olympic sports, there has never been a more important time for all college coaches to strengthen their CEO skills.  These skills include but are not limited to:  fundraising, marketing, promotions, communication, budgeting, and so forth. Further, it is imperative that all college coaches commit themselves to implementing best practices for ensuring that their respective wrestling teams maintain strong eligibility and graduation rates," said Mike Moyer, Executive Director NWCA.

Nationally renowned coaching development expert, who has been instrumental in designing this program, Dr. Dan Gould from Michigan State University, will be facilitating the two-day workshop. Joining him will be other College Administrators and Mentors including legendary wrestling coach Dan Gable/former head wrestling coach at the University of Iowa, Jim Beichner/head wrestling coach at University of Buffalo, Derek van der Merwe/senior associate athletic director at Central Michigan University, Mark Mestemacher/business executive, Jim Miller/head coach at Wartburg College, Jeff Swenson/athletic director at Augsburg College, Rob Koll/head coach at Cornell University, and Dan Harris/retired athletic director from Baker University.

Thanks to several donors the NWCA was able to pay for all costs for the mentors and coaches to partake in the program.

The members of the inaugural NWCA Coaching Leadership Academy have helped to pave the way for the next group of Academy participants who will be meeting at the NWCA Convention in Delray Beach Florida this August.

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.