David Manville, the new VAWA Cadet Director is working now for Virginia to win the 2012 USAW Cadet National GR/FS Duals (Daytona Beach, FL, 12-16JUN12). Manville knows that that goal cannot be attained without a significant increase in H.S. coach support, state-wide.
“My goal is for Virginia to win the 2012 USAW Cadet National Duals” states David Manville. We can do it, but we have to start now and work throughout the folkstyle season to set the conditions for success. I’m encouraging every H.S. coach and parent of a high caliber wrestler to get on board.”
Manville recognizes that “many folks will think I’m crazy for holding this goal. That’s OK. Coaches, parents and wrestlers who are committed to getting to the top of the national podium expect nothing less from their VAWA leaders, coaches and teammates.”
“Coaches are key”, Manville says. “We need H.S. coaches to commit to the success of their wrestlers in GR/FS and work from now through the end of the GR/FS season to make it happen. H.S. coaches must elevate their own thinking, as well as the thinking of their wrestlers from local team level to a mind-set oriented on State and national objectives.”
Manville also recognizes that VAWA needs to select the right coaches for the 2012 Cadet Coaching Staff early. Working with VAWA Coaches Director (Bryan Hazard), Manville will select the 2012 Cadet Coaching Staff in early DEC11. Committed coaches are encouraged to apply by 18NOV11 following the procedures on the VAWA website.
Every application will be considered. However, selectees will be prioritized based upon their 2011 results and 2012 potential to produce results. “We’ve got to reward coaches who are pulling their weight and encourage other coaches to do the same” says Manville. Coaches who produced national caliber GR/FS wrestlers who competed on 2011 VAWA Schoolboy and Cadet National Duals Teams, and those that participated in 2011 VAWA GR/FS Mini-Camps will be rewarded for their commitment, skill and leadership. Newly engaged coaches who can communicate their current capability and commitment to produce 2012 Cadet National Duals Team members will also rank high.
On the road to Fargo, Manville believes that the Cadet National Duals are key. “2012 Cadet Coaching Staff members must be just as committed to the 2012 USAW Cadet National Duals, as they are to Fargo. Coaches who are only interested in Fargo need not apply.” On a similar note, Manville believes strongly that “we need to collectively terminate the legacy of Virginia National Duals teams fielding less-than-full line-ups with some of our absolute best wrestlers not being represented. If you’re the top 1-2 Cadet in your weight-class, the road-to-Fargo in 2012 goes through Daytona Beach. The year we dominate individually and collectively at Cadet Duals, will be the year we will dominate at Fargo.” Manville is planning on that year being 2012.
“We need our highest placing Cadets from the 2012 VHSL State Championship to transition to GR/FS and qualify for the 2012 Cadet National Duals Team by competing in the 2012 VAWA GR/FS States” Manville says. “H.S. Coach influence is critical. It’s pretty easy to see which H.S. coaches are contributing to Virginia’s success in GR/FS wrestling. Compare 2011 VHSL States results with: 2011 VAWA GR/FS States Tournament competitors; 2011 Cadet National Dual Team roster; and, 2011 Cadet Nationals performance. Track the wrestlers back to their H.S. coaches to see who is getting the job done. My hope is that the list of engaged/contributing H.S. coaches will double this year.”
Posted in every H.S. wrestling room is a sign identifying VHSL District, Regional and State Champions. “Where are the signs that identify VAWA National Dual Team Members and All-Tournament honors; and, where are the signs that identify Fargo All-Americans and Champions?” Manville asks. “I challenge every H.S. coach to put up a sign next week to recognize the GR/FS accomplishments of their wrestlers. If the sign is initially blank, so be it. Let the sign serve as a reminder to the coach and his wrestlers of the work required ahead.”
“Coaches set the example.” If the coach doesn’t recognize or devalues GR/FS accomplishments, his wrestlers won’t be motivated to pursue. If a coach doesn’t teach skills useful in all three styles of wrestling during the folkstyle season, his wrestlers will be ill prepared for GR/FS. If the coach quits after the folkstyle season, his wrestlers will likely quit as well. If a coach runs a folkstyle club in the off-season, his kids will not make the transition to GR/FS. If a coach extends the folkstyle season into the GR/FS season by organizing/encouraging wrestlers to compete in folkstyle events, his kids will transition to GR/FS too late to be successful. If a coach doesn’t resource crash pads and throwing dumbies, his wrestlers will not have the opportunity to learn critical aspects of GR/FS safely.
“I encourage every parent committed to their wrestler’s success to sit down with their H.S. coach within the next two weeks and determine what example he is setting for your potential GR/FS National Champion. Hold your H.S. coaches accountable” Manville exhorts.
The question remains, which H.S. coach will contribute the most to the success of the 2012 VAWA Cadet National Duals Team? Manville’s challenge to every H.S. coach is to respond with a hearty “I will!”, then get busy making it happen.
