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I have always looked at this time of year as the time to recommit so to speak. We, as coaches, must use our levels of enthusiasm to spark those around us. If we radiate our own internal excitement it will become contagious to our wrestlers, parents, and fans. It is the coach that everyone involved with the program will look to for direction and leadership.

Each year we should reflect on previous promotional aspects of our entire program that have been effective and successful. But, even more important, we must try new gimmicks to promote scholastic wrestling in our community and schools.

Here are a couple of ideas that have been successful for some prominent programs across this great state.

1. Hold a "meet the wrestlers night." Invite the community, parents, cheerleaders, etc. to the gym or wrestling room. While the wrestlers are introduced, coaches can say positive assessments of each and every individual on the team. Then hold a rules clinic and scoring demonstration. You could have a prominent referee present to go over the new rules, etc. Afterward, have a small social in order for everyone to interact with each other.

2. Hold a media night. Invite print and electronic media to take pictures and interview the squad and coaches. This allows you an opportunity to get the media "on the same page" with your upcoming season.

3. Take a look at your home schedule and designate special events for each home match, i.e. elementary recognition night, alumni night, wrestling queen night, mat maid and cheerleader recognition night, parents night, fan of the year night, junior high recognition night and senior recognition night, and the list is endless.

4. Hold a preseason "Coaches and Wives" social at your home. Invite all of your staff and their wives so that everyone feels comfortable with each other. You might even want to surprise the wives with a new wrestling sweatshirt or sweater to express your appreciation of sharing their loved one with you over the next 5 months.

5. Finally, read wrestling books, inspirational books and motivational stories to "get your juices going." I have found that inspiration and motivational reading really gets me motivated. These readings can be wrestling oriented or merely motivational. Try Dan Gable, Tony Robbins, Zig Ziglar, or even my good friend, the late Howard Furguson's Book, The Edge will inspire you to do your best throughout the next 5 months. Don't forget there are tons of motivational audio and video tapes that should excite you, as they dome, throughout the season.

Good luck, it is a great time of the year ..... and a great day to be alive!

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