NCC men’s wrestling is known for its wins and hard work. They represent work-driven athletes who train every day to be better than they were the day before.
Head coach Zach Cook has made strides to perfect this program since he was hired in 2019. He has since then created a 30-0 CCIW record and an overall record of 45-11 in dual meets. His tenacious coaching has also led to 18 All-Americans and two NCAA Division III National Champions.
Cook coached alongside head coach Joe Norton of the women’s wrestling team, assisting in their win of the national championship this on March 4. This was the first national championship the NCC women’s wrestling program earned and won.
“My best quality as a coach is just being able to relate to each guy. There’s a standard across the board that each guy needs to meet as far as his effort and attitude on a daily basis,” Cook continues, “but how each athlete reaches their peak is very different. Helping each guy reach their full potential and the path we take to get there is one of my favorite parts about coaching college wrestling.”
Coaching to adapt
Cook’s ability to adapt, understand and lead his athletes is key, and the outcome is visible when considering the men’s wrestling program’s success and wins.
Assistant coach Grant Zamin added “I think all of our coaches on staff bring something unique and special to the table. That’s a huge part of our guys’ success because just like every athlete is a little different, each coach is a little different.”
“For me personally, I am kind of goofy and love to keep things light and fun. I like to crack a smile out of guys at tournaments and duals. Especially the guys that I can see might need to relax and not take everything so seriously,” said Zamin.
North Central’s men’s wrestling reflects their coaches’ mindsets on and off the mat, showcasing their victories as a team.
Robby Bates, ’24, is on the starting lineup as an All-American heavyweight for the Cardinals.
“In the past, I haven’t been on great teams, but being at NCC, I have found a home with teammates I’m able to call my family, and everyone holds the next guy to the highest standard of being the best,” said Bates.
Bates parroted how the coaches are trying to shape and build their athletes. This is an insightful take on showing how the coaches keep a hardworking and positive environment.
When asked what the team’s biggest improvement from last year, Cook said, “I’ve just seen many of our returners take steps forward in their technique, their mental approach to their everyday life and habits in the wrestling room. A more mature and experienced team than the past few years and this excites me with how we can coach them and interact with them daily.”
Dedicated to improving
The wrestlers are working hard to develop key skills for becoming better wrestlers. “The strengths I believe I have best is the discipline, consistency and integrity. The character traits I’ve developed in the past years made me become the great athlete I am today,” said Jules Valtierrez, ’24. Valtierrez is one of NCC’s men’s wrestling team’s 133-weight class.
The competitive atmosphere of wrestling is a sport that builds both individuality and teamwork skills.
Though these athletes compete individually on the mat, their matches add up to the overall team’s point system. The wrestler could lose their match but still win as a team in a dual. This emphasizes the overall idea of winning for not only yourself but others.
“For me, the best piece of advice that I have gained from the coaches here at NCC, I would have to say, is always come in with a positive mindset. Always coming in with a positive mindset and being consistent takes you very far away. Not only in wrestling but in life,” said Guzman.
Competitive support
This creates a loyal and supportive team dynamic where everyone is constantly in a state of bettering themselves and each other.
“Our guys love being in the wrestling room, so naturally, that’s where they spend the most time together. But outside of the mat, they are always around or living with one another, said Cook.
Zamin adds, “I want a team full of guys who are not afraid of going after each other. But at the end of the day, you can shake hands and leave it in the room.”
The sport is difficult, and having a strong support system helps no matter how the match goes.
“I keep my teammates feeling positive and motivated during a tough match by telling them it’s all learning experiences when it’s a win or loss. There are always ways to improve no matter the outcome,” said Valtierrez.
NCC’s men’s wrestling teams past dual showcased Valtierrez’s words as they won their meet against Carthage College 41-3. This was a complete landslide, making this their 44 CCIW straight win.
The Cardinal’s past meet at Wheaton College was another success when NCC won 47-9.
It is clear that the foundation of this program is strong, and the support is undeniable. Watch out for their next competition at Concordia University Wisconsin for the CUW Open on Nov. 18.
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WOW!