Wisconsin Wrestling Coaches Association

October 25, 2006

As the wrestling season quickly approaches, the WWCA and I want to wish all of you a great start to the 2006-07 season. As this publication is released, the WWCA Hall of Banquet and Convention in Green Bay is underway. The event will celebrate the 50th year that there was an organization of Wisconsin wrestling coaches. The alumni chapter of the WWCA has put in countless hours to produce a publication that represents the landmarks of the sport of wrestling in our state. It also lists the people that have led wrestling in Wisconsin from its beginnings. As I read the publication, it is humbling to note all the people that have been involved in the process of making what Wisconsin is today. There are countless people that are not in the book that had an impact on wrestling over time and to those we are truly grateful. Wisconsin Wrestling is thankful for all your contributions to the sport and the lasting impact it will have into the future. 
Times have changed in the past 50 years. Technology has replaced the paperwork, balance scales are now digital, mats are not made of horsehair, singlets use to have a snaps on them, and the rules well… It has also lead to a coaches association at 600 plus members and growing, a state tournament that use to be a few hundred people now is a sell-out crowd of 16,000, a state team tournament, and a computer program that can run the whole state tournament series, and zippers on your wrestling shoes. What has remained constant over time is a double leg takedown, a single leg takedown, the half nelson, a stand-up, a switch, the hard work it takes to get to be the best, and the drive of the wrestling community in this state to be in the forefront of wrestling in the United States. 
The WWCA extends congratulations to Jim Koch, Garrett Lowney, Ken Manning, Bill Verbeten, and their communities on their selection into the George Martin Hall Of Fame. We are truly honored to have outstanding people like this in our practice rooms, communities, and in our state. 
Again, we wish you a great start to the season. Please take the time and attend the rule interpretation meetings scheduled in your area. The WWCA website (www.wwca.org) has the latest releases from the WIAA and the NHSF to help you remain as current as possible. In addition, please do not hesitate to contact your district representative or any member of the executive board on questions, concerns, or ideas. It is all of us that will continue to move wrestling in Wisconsin in the right direction.