Q-How long have you coached?
I started coaching right out of college. I’m from Bismarck High and graduated in 1980. I coached in Mandan right out of college for five years and then got the head boys job here at Bismarck 1989-90. I coached 27 years as the head coach here for boys. Then I retired, and then volunteered, and then came back a few years later as boys assistant coach for two years before coaching girls.
Q-How long have you been involved with wrestling?
I’ve wrestled my whole life. I was a two-time state champ in highschool and then in college at BSC and UND I was three time All American and a junior Pan-Am champ.
Q-When did girls wrestling become a sanctioned high school sport?
This is our third year. The very first year, I went in to interview for the Bismarck High head coach but then was offered the head coach position for all three schools. We practiced together (Bismarck, Century, Legacy and then feeders) but we were not a co-op. We had three separate teams with three separate uniforms. That was also an adjustment for me because I grew up a Bismarck Demon. I had to really make sure that I bonded with all three schools. We had about 40 girls total the first year. The second year the numbers grew from each school so we separated and now practice on our own with separate head coaches.
Q-Previously, Mr. Knowlen was a boys wrestling coach. What was the transition like from boys to girls?
Definitely a transition. I raised two boys, so the female aspect was a whole new learning curve for me. I did have to revamp my coaching style, but I think I made some
good adjustments. One thing that hasn’t really changed is I’ve always been able to develop a good rapport with the boys, and now continue with the girls. I acknowledged that I’m probably a little softer on the girls, but they still know the demands that we put on them. It’s not a soft sport. There are a lot of adjustments they have to make to adapt to the mental toughness that this sport requires.
Q-What was the most difficult part of transitioning and adjusting to coaching girls?
I wouldn’t classify it as difficult because I think I slid right in as somebody with a resume so I didn’t have to battle earning respect. Ohe of the biggest transitions that they needed to understand is that it’s a physical sport. There will be sore muscles.
Q-Over your entire career, what has been the most difficult thing during your coaching career?
Coming from Bismarck High, even before I got here, we had a very high standard. To maintain that high level year in and year out despite the drought during some years of athlete participation. We won the state tournament one year with about 17 kids and 14 weight classes. When I look back, that
was challenging, and I probably didn’t think so at the time. It was just another year playing the hand we were dealt and maintaining the level of tradition at Bismarck high school.
Q-What’s the most rewarding part of your job as a coach?
I absolutely love helping the wrestlers, both boys and girls, achieve their individual goals. If somebody on the team wants to be a state champion, or just wants to be a state placer in the top eight and reach that pinnacle, that’s where I get my fulfillment. To see their success and their joy in finishing at the state tourname
nt with that goal in hand, that’s my biggest reason for coaching.
Q-What are the BHS girls wrestling team goals for this season?
Last season was the first year we were split and standing alone as BHS. We did win the state tournament and the state dual meet, just like the boys. We had four titles between our two wrestling teams. We definitely have the team to achieve that gain. One thing that’s always the X-factor is injuries. We’re dealing with some minor ones now that have kept girls out of the lineup, but we anticipate managing that and just getting back in there.
