Coaching sport isn’t about winning every game you play. I believe sport should be used as a vehicle to teach life lessons and inspire young men and women to be great in life.

In 10th grade, I was cut from my high school basketball team. Truth be told, I was way too small (4 feet, 10 inches tall and 60 pounds). That same year, I was propositioned to join the wrestling team. They needed someone to wrestle in the 98-pound division. I  still was giving up 38 pounds!

For the next 2 years, I lost every wrestling match. In summer 1984, my mother introduced me to a transformational wrestling coach. His name was Coach Ingram. He assessed my situation and offered to give me private lessons, free of charge.

Needless to say, after working with Coach Ingram for 3 intense months, my skill, strength and confidence soared! In my senior year, I recorded a record of 17-3, 3rd team all-conference, most valuable wrestler, team captain and scholar athlete.

From those private coaching lessons with Coach Ingram, my life was transformed. At the time, I believed he was helping my wrestling game. Truth be told, Coach Ingram was helping me with life! I’ve gone on to do wonderful things in life. Many principles I live by (hard work, determination, belief in oneself, commitment, facing your fears, etc.), were reinforced by Coach Ingram.

Coach Ingram used sport as a vehicle to teach lessons that I could implement not only in the wrestling arena, but in life! My mission is to help other coaches do this for their youth, as well!