Coach Spotlight; Coach Parker

Mia Taggart and Hadlie Brady
December 1, 2022

For this week’s spotlight we are doing our girls wrestling coach; Damon Parker. I have asked him a few questions on his thoughts about the upcoming season.

  • Predict how you think the overall 2022-23 season will go.

Projections about the future are tough to make…a lot will happen between now and February.  The future hasn’t been written yet; no one’s has.  Our future is whatever we make it.  So we’re going to make it a good one.

  • What do you think will be the team’s biggest obstacle this year?

Finding the correct weight classes for everyone. Our team is as deep and talented as it has ever been, so we’re going to need some kids to make some sacrifices and move up/down to help the team.

  • What have you learned from past coaching experiences that will help you improve your team this year?

Ironically, it took winning a state championship to finally figure it out, but the most valuable lesson that I’ve learned through coaching experience is that it isn’t about championships. If you make it about that, you’ll never be satisfied, no matter how many you win. It’s about relationships. And while I can’t promise anything about the future with regards to our performance, I can absolutely guarantee that there will be no team that works harder towards relationship-building than we will.

  • What will be the team’s greatest strengths this season?

Our biggest strength is our strength as a team.  Individually, we are strong.  But as a team, we can lift a tank.  We can move mountains.  Our strength is the strength of the team as a singular unit.  

  • Do you have any advice for the underclassman or incoming freshman?

Enjoy the ride!  I’m blessed in that I get to do this every year for as long as I want.  Our wrestlers don’t have that luxury.  Learn from those who came before you, fall in love with the sport, and cultivate those relationships that will last a lifetime.

  • What are you most excited for this season?

Watching our girls compete!  We’ve been tossing each other around the mat room for a few weeks now.  Really looking forward to mushing some new faces from other squads.
Make sure to go out and support your boys and girls wrestling team this season!