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Coach O’Neill’s Philosophy:
To express the expectations of the coaching staff, Coach O’Neill
has developed a Coaching Philosophy based on the 5 principles
explained below. This philosophy will also be used as a guide to help
the coaching staff make decisions and be consistent with rewards and
discipline.
1. Team Comes First
Do not take this the wrong way. Your grades are very important. Most of
you will not go to college on a wrestling scholarship or have a professional career in wrestling. You will do this with your grades and other academic experiences. However, once you make a commitment to this team you need to follow through with it. You should be at all practices, matches and team functions except in the event of an emergency in which case you will notify the coaches as soon as possible.
2. Gentlemen On and Off the Mat
Wrestling can be a grueling, brutal sport. It can also be very exciting and
rewarding. No matter what happens on the mat, after every match you will
pick yourself up and shake hands with your opponent. Gloating,
showboating, complaining to referees and disrespecting opponents are all
inappropriate. You must also project a positive image of yourself and the
team in the school and the community.
3. Wrestlers Seek Continuous Improvement
Anyone who has competed in wrestling can tell you that it has one of the steepest learning curves of all sports. Nothing makes up for experience on the mat and Wootton is generally an inexperienced team. All wrestlers should try to improve themselves during the off-season by attending open tournaments, mat clubs, open mat nights or wrestling camps. It also helps to play other sports or participate in conditioning club to stay in shape.
4. Experienced Wrestlers help Beginning Wrestlers
Because most of the wrestlers on the team have little to no experience and
those who do can remember what it was like when they first started, all
experienced wrestlers will try their best to help beginners improve.
5. Give 100% Effort 100% Of the Time
All we ask for is all you have. Most often, the result of a match comes down to which wrestler is in the better condition. If an opponent is stronger, faster or has better technique, when he gets tired he becomes weak, slow and his technique is not as effective. By pushing yourself at every practice, running hard, and completing all exercises and drills to the best of your ability, you will be able to wear down your opponents and defeat “better” wrestlers. Strive to improve everyday and work as hard as you can to make sure you are physically and mentally prepared for every match.
If you have questions or concerns you can contact Coach O’Neill via email(Kevin_O’Neill@mcpsmd.org) or by phone during school hours at
301-279-8577.
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