NCSA College Athletic Scholarships Blog

Jeff Linn returns for his eighth season as an assistant coach with the Tomcat wrestling team. He will assist head coach Craig Thurber with recruiting and daily activities of the Tomcats.  Linn is a 2002 graduate of Thiel College with a B.A. in history along with an elementary education certification. He is a two-time NCAA national qualifier (’99, ’02) and earned All-American honors at the 2002 national meet with a seventh place finish in the 141 pound weight class. Linn was also the Midwest Regional Wrestling champion in 2002, earning him an invitation to the national championship meet.
 

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?  I would describe myself a highly driven and competitive coach who expects a great deal of myself and my athletes.  I want for each of my athletes to have a wonderful academic experience while putting the “FUN” into the sport of wrestling.  When you think about it, these athletes have 4 years left of their long lives.  These 4 years of athletics will only open doors and never close them.  I also want to be involved in my student athletes lives even after their careers have concluded.  We really like to see some pieces of paper in our athletes hands as they depart:

– A Thiel College Diploma

–An outstanding resume that helps them get the job they want

–An NCAA All-American certificate

– Team Conference Champion Certificate

2. What’s unique about the experience at your school?  The experience at Thiel is unlike any other institution for a number of reasons:

1.  We are one of a few colleges/universities that provide an internship as early as your freshman year
2.  We have a new College President (Dr. Troy VanAken) who has added 5 new sports programs, one academic major, a dome over our football stadium, and added the “Thiel Commitment” which entitles all incoming students to a 9^th Semester Tuition Waiver. 
3. Thiel College offers one college credit per year for the sport each athlete participates. 
4. Thiel College also offers an outstanding Coaching Minor that students can add to any respective academic major

3. What do recruits need to know about you?  Recruits need to know that they have a full lifetime commitment from our coaching staff.  We are fortunate to have 2 full time coaches and both Coach Thurber and I live either on or very close to campus.  They should also know that we would never ask them to do anything we cannot do…we’ll be training alongside them. 
4. What do you look for in recruits?  We look for good character, untapped potential, and individuals who want to have fun while wrestling at a highly competitive college level.
5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?  Seek out the schools you are interested in, visit, be a detective and ask the right questions during your visit.  Find out of the program is the right academic, athletic, social, and financial fit for you and your family. 
6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?  How will you help me as a coach succeed both on and off the mats? What is your coaching philosophy?  What makes your institution so special?  How do you feel about cutting Weight?
7. What turns you off when you?re recruiting a student athlete?  Not much, I feel that with every encounter or interaction I try my best to assist and help the recruit and his/her family.  Whether or not they choose Thiel College, it’s our duty as coaches to steer them in the right direction. 

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?  We finished 16^th Nationally in Team GPA.  We have produced an NCAA All-American and Academic All-American each of the last 7 years. 
9. Why should a recruit consider your program?  We are a family within a family and our program does an outstanding job of graduating our athletes (97% grad rate).
10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you? Easiest way is to email at jelinn@thiel.edu or call at 724-589-2757.

Bruce Shumaker

Head Wrestling Coach

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?
I was told by my high school coach that “you coach young men first, you just
happen to coach them wrestling.”  I believe in planning and preparing and working
hard and success with take care of itself.

2. What?s unique about the experience at your school?
We actually pay our wrestlers to work 32 hours a week, go to school 8 and
then we give them an opportunity to wrestle a good college schedule.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?
We don’t waste any time, we work hard and play hard.
Our program is very unique.  Like some schools, we like transfers.  But, in our case
most of our transfers are coming because they could not afford college anymore.  They
love wrestling and with us, have found a way to actually get paid to get an education
and to continue their wrestling career.

4. What do you look for in recruits?
We are a unique situation.  We look to hire a guy that needs and wants a job,
he must have at least a 2.5 GPA and he must love to wrestle and compete.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?
Our process starts with receiving transcripts (high school and college, if you are
a transfer).  Our requirements include a 2.5 GPA and at least 4 of our 10 listed classes.
Alg, Geom, Alg II, Phys, Chem, Princ of Tech, Any Vo Tech, Mech Draw, Any Adv Math or
Computer Science.  We do not use SAT or ACT scores.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?
At our recruit interviews most of our questions are work and school related.
Our first priority is to hire workers and we hope they are talented wrestlers.  But, if
they don’t go to work they aren’t around to wrestle.  Our 2nd priority is classroom, if
they don’t make the grade they aren’t around to wrestle.  We pay our Freshman $30,000
their first year to work and get an education.  In 4 years our Seniors are making $48,000

7. What turns you off when you?re recruiting a student athlete?
We try to find out early in the process if our recruits are ready for a 5 day a week job.
We understand it is a timing thing, they may not be ready this year, but they may come
back on our radar screen a year or two down the road.  Most just graduated high
schoolers are not ready for the real world that the Apprentice School is part of.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?
Building leaders and workers.  Most of our guys become supervisors within 2 years of
graduating.  All of our guys have a career opportunity at Northrop Grumman when their
apprenticeship is finished.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?
We pay our apprentices to get an education and give them a career opportunity when
they graduate.  Our wrestling program is well financed.  We travel well, we eat well, we
have top of the line equipment and a very competitive schedule.  We are a premier
team in the NCWA and are a factor in every NCWA national tournament.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?
Our wrestling website is:     www.GoBuilders.com (click Wrestling)
There is a recruit questionnaire on this site.
Our facebook site:              Builder Wrestling
Our school website is:         www.apprenticeschool.com
You can apply to The AS on line for $30.00
My e-mail addresses are:
Wrestling office:    Bruce.Shumaker@ngc.com
Personal:              hicrotch2000@hotmail.com
Work:                  shumakerb@wjcc.k12.va.us
My cell phone:                  757-660-8962
My home phone:                757-564-3059

Jim Gruenwald is in his first year as the head wrestling coach for the Thunder wrestling team. He was hired in May 2009, replacing Dan Weber. 

Gruenwald, a two-time member of the US Olympic Greco Roman wrestling team, comes to Wheaton after serving as an assistant coach for US Greco Roman wrestling team at the US Olympic Education Center in Marquette, Michigan since 2005. Gruenwald finished sixth at 60 kg in the greco roman competition at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and was 10th at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. A three-time US Champion, Gruenwald completed his competitive career in 2008 as a National Champion, he also won titles in 2003 and 2004. 

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

Fun and Intense

2. What’s unique about the experience at your school?

Wheaton provides the unique opportunity to sharpen the wrestler spiritually, academically, physically, other colleges may be better in one or even two, Wheaton hits all 3.

3. What do recruits need to know about you? 

I have wrestled at every level, from kids to the Olympics and have coaches at every level.  I understand the sport and am prepared to help an athlete achieve his goals.

4. What do you look for in recruits? 

I am looking for recruits who are teachable, hard workers, intelligent, but more importantly, are looking to serve God in the wrestling.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?  Communicate

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? 

How do I know this is where God wants me?

7. What turns you off when you?re recruiting a student athlete? 

Entitlement and arrogance.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at? 

Training young men to maximize ability and preparing them to serve God regardless of career i.e. preparing to be a teacher, minister, businessman, politician, police officer, engineer, doctor, etc.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program? 

He will be sharpened in all areas of his character:  physically, academically, emotionally, and spiritually.  He will leave the program prepared to serve God.  He will learn what it means to ‘Seek Perfection, and Settle for Excellence.’

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

The best way is to fill out the questionnaire found at:

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/prospective.aspx?path=wrest

Casperson, from St. George, Utah, was a member of the University’s first wrestling team. Casperson also served as an assistant wrestling coach at his former high school, Pine View High School in St. George, Utah, for two years. During those two years, the team was 33-8 in dual matches, finished as region runner-ups in 2005-06, and region champions in 2006-07. Two lower weight wrestlers, whom Casperson was in charge of coaching, placed third and fourth at the state tournament both years. Along with coaching at the high school level, Casperson also ran a little league wrestling program, several weeklong camps, and a free-style club in southern Utah.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach? -Persistant, understanding, hardworking, goal oriented

2. What’s unique about the experience at your school? – Great LDS atmosphere, historical area, excellent education

3. What do recruits need to know about you? – Looking for someone that will commit for 4 years. Commit to the team and work hard

4. What do you look for in recruits? – passion on and off the field, listens, hard working

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process? – visit the campus, be honest with a coach

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? – When can I come?

7. What turns you off when you?re recruiting a student athlete? – Only cares about the money

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at? – Creating excellent student-athletes who are outstanding role models for children and also becoming an all-american.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?  – We are young and they can begin their own legacy here. 

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you? – email or call

Few collegiate coaches, in any sport, have accomplished what Nebraska-Kearney head wrestling coach Marc Bauer has in ten years at the helm.  Since taking over the Loper program prior to the 1999-00 season, this Kearney native has led UNK to one National Championship, eight RMAC/West Region titles, nine top 10 finishes at the NCAA Championships — including national runner up finishes in 2003, 2006 and 2007 — coached 52 All-Americans and seen 83 of his wrestlers earn Academic All-American honors. UNK has also been a force during the regular season, posting a 121-54 dual record (69.1 win pct.) during the Bauer tenure. That includes a school record 18 wins during the 2008-09 season, a 49-10 mark vs. RMAC schools and victories over Division I schools Northwestern and Wyoming.

Individually, Bauer has coached eight national champions, four national runners up and has had the Lopers have one of the highest team grade point averages on an annual basis.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

    I like to develop close relationships with all my wrestlers.  It is important to learn as much about each of them that I can.  I treat all athletes with a fair and open mind.  I am very competitive, and I am committed and focused to help all our wrestlers work hard to achieve all their goals in college. 

2. What?s unique about the experience at your school?

    As a school of approximately 6500 students, I would say that the most unique experience about our school is that our team is very close and develop a strong and lasting bond.  They hang out and compete in various activities all the time.  I attended a large university, and I never experience the closeness of a team like ours. 

    I feel we are unique because as a NCAA Division II school we compete at the largest and toughest tournaments in nation.  For example, in the past 5 years, we have competed at the Las Vegas Invitational, Reno Tournament of Champions, and Midlands.  Not to mention, we have had the great fortune to dual a minimum of one Division I team a year (three in 2010).

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

    That I work hard for our team to be successful, but I like to keep it fun. 

4. What do you look for in recruits?

    Aside from attributes of good character like, honest, hardworking, committed, I like for our athletes to have experienced national level competition in some form or another.  Isolating their career to their respective state does not show me that a kid is ready to compete nationally.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?

    Visit more than one school before making their decision, and base your decision on logic; not emotion. 

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?

    What kind of opportunities will I have at UNK that will make my experience here second to none?

7. What turns you off when you?re recruiting a student athlete?

    Talking about yourself like you’re the wrestler in the world.  Humility is a good quality.  Don’t tell me, show me!

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?

    We have had several National Champions and All-Americans that were never in the state finals in high school.  We have the ability to get kids to the next level despite their high school finish.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

    As apart of the University of Nebraska system, we offer a university level education for a very affordable price.  Since our university is smaller, our class sizes are smaller.  Our kids get more attention in smaller classroom settings.

    It’s not just about wrestling.  There’s no doubt about it, we want to be the best on the mat.  The bar is set high here, and we do have high expectations for our wrestlers.  However, we like to have fun every once and awhile.   

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

    They can fill out a recruiting questionnaire on our website at www.lopers.com. 

McGinley has posted a 414-441-1 mark at King’s, but many of those losses were when King’s wrestled at the Division II level before the program dropped down to Division III in 1980. Since then, McGinley has coached 41 College Division/Division III national tournament qualifiers; 16 NCAA Division III All-Americans; 19 Middle Atlantic Conference individual champions; five National Catholic Invitational Tournament winners; and 30 NCAA Division III Scholar All-Americans, while 12 of his wrestlers concluded undefeated dual-meet seasons.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach? I’ve been coaching for 42 years and I would say that means I have seen an awful lot and dealt with more than a few personalities with success. Obviously experienced and knowledgeable but constantly evolving in areas such as training, technique, building confidence, and individual approach.

2. What is unique about the experience at your school? King’s College is very friendly with a graduation rate 20% above the national average, tons of academic help, and our better than 90% wrestling graduation rate, with more than 400 dual victories, means that we stress academic success and athletic success. We have had great individual success with five National Finalists and two championships. The team has placed as high as 6^th in the NCAA and 4^th in the National Duals in Division III.

3. What do recruits need to know about you? That I’m a quick responder and a good communicator who is always approachable..

4. What do you look for in recruits? Student Athletes who can organize education and wrestling success into their schedule.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process? That wrestling in college is an opportunity to make yourself into to a very confident and well educated individual who can make a powerful contribution in so many ways to a better life for all of us.
6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? How will I organize my time with athletics and academics? What will I have to do to become an All-American Wrestler?

7. What turns you off when you?re recruiting a student athlete? A lack of  respect for his family and himself.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at? Graduating student athletes and having them reach their maximum potential in wrestling as well as life.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program? We are an opportunity to wrestle to your full potential in a quality wrestling program, learn to organize your time, gain confidence in, and become a productive member of our society.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you? I’m always available by email at wrestling@kings.edu or telephone at (570) 208-5900 EXT 5344. Our web site is www.kings.edu and our athletic site at www.kingscollegeathletics.com has an Athletic Contact Form specifically designated for wrestling.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?
I am very intense and passionate towards coaching.  I have a huge investment with each kid and I lose when they lose and win when they win.  I coach with alot of emotion.
2. What’s unique about the experience at your school?  Iowa Central is a great place to coach and attend school.  We are in the hotbed of wrestling and the kids we coach have an opportunity to wrestle against D-1′s very best schools.  It doesn’t hurt that we have won 6 National Titles since 2002.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?  They should know that I say it as I see it.  I am very direct when talking about education and the commitment it takes to be a National Champion.  If they are not doing what needs to be done, I will let them know that.  I am very forward, however, I would do anything for the kids I bring in to Iowa Central.

4. What do you look for in recruits?  I look at past results and a certain style of wrestler.  I like kids with good conditioning who wrestle to the very end.  I want kids with good work ethic and are willing to compete when they have been beat.  I like 3rd place kids because they show that they will not shut down after losing.  I also like kids that are coachable and will listen to you.
5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?  Take every visit they can and don’t commit to the first school.  It is also very important to fill out the FAFSA forms.  That will help with the financial part of school.
6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?
Can we train all year long?  Can I take summer classes?
7. What turns you off when you’re recruiting a student athlete?  When they ask how much money they can get.  It shows that they are worried more about money then the workout partners and competition we can provide them with.
8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?  3 things, all cockiness aside, winning National Titles, getting kids to Division 1, and getting them graduated. 
9. Why should a recruit consider your program?  If you wanna be in the best juco wrestling room in the country, jump on board!  We have proven in the last 15 years that we are the best program in the country.  Located where they can get the best of everything in wrestling.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?  Go to Iowa Central website and surf through it.  All of the coaching contact information is in there.  Fill out a recruitment form or contact me personally by email.

Tony Islas joined the Knox College Wrestling program as head coach in 2001. In 2007, Islas coached Jaran Rutledge to a third-place showing at the NCAA Division III Championships. Rutledge became Knox College’s first All-American wrestler with his third-place effort at heavyweight. Rutledge, an alternate for the 2006 NCAA Championships, was the first Knox wrestler to compete at nationals since Tom MacMillan competed in the event in 1980.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

As a coach I would describe myself as a very passionate and intense person.  I believe in everyone one of my athletes and their abilities.  The intense side of me comes in during the practices and competitions.  I want my wrestlers to be be the ones constantly pushing the pace, running back to the middle when there is a break in the action, and winning the small battles on the mat that demonstrate their ability to fight to the bitter end. 

2. What?s unique about the experience at your school?

The college itself is very unique place.  It is a very diverse place for it size.  As for the team itself, our uniqueness comes from our family like atmosphere.  We are a close knit group of wrestlers, we put any personal differences aside and sacrifice what is necessary for the greater good of the team.  We share in each other’s pain and in our triumphs. 

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

My recruits need to know that in my program they are not just a number but rather members of a family that (continues to slowly and steadily grow) sweats, trains, competes and has fun together.  In my program their abilities will make big differences in the practice room as well as in competition.  Lastly, they should know that I am very confident in my abilities as a coach/mentor who works tirelessly to help them achieve their academic and athletic goals. 

4. What do you look for in recruits?

I have two main requirements of my recruits.  The first quality I look for in a recruit is that they looking at college for the purpose of attaining the highest quality of education that can provide to them.  Preparartion is vital in today’s job market and I know for a fact that our students are extremely well prepared for their future career.  The second requirement is that they are not afraid to work hard, both in the classroom and on the mat.  Anyone that is willing to work hard can achieve anything they put their mind to.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?

The one thing that I think recruits need to do during the recruiting process is be up front and honest from the very beginning with coaches.  Coaches aren’t scared to hear the words, “Not interested,” or “I’ve decided to go elsewhere.”  What we don’t want to have happen is a waste of the recruits time or the coach’s time. 

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?

Questions I like for the reuits to ask are:

1. What are your practices like?

2. Does everyone get a chance to wrestle off for a starting spot?

3. If your not a starter, how many matches do you get?

4. Where do I sign up?

7. What turns you off when you’re recruiting a student athlete?

The thing that turns me off about a recruit is when a student athlete that does not have attaining a college education as his first priority.  Guys have to remember that going to college does require that a formal education is received during these four-five years and that wrestling goals are and accomplishments are secondary.   

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?

I know that my guys are the most successful at being boldly honest with one another and holding one another accountable for their actions and behvaviors, again both in the classroom and on the mat.  I believe that the wrestlers on the team work hard each and every day and expect one another to do the same, even if that means being brutally honest.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

I would say to a recruit, “Don’t consider my program at all!”  Don’t consider my program at all if; you are not interested in a  college education that prepares you for the future, don’t consider my program if working hard does not appeal to you, and lastly don’t consider my program if a strong relationship with your coach is not what you are looking for. 

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

Recruits can always email me.  I check that frequently and respond in a timely manner.  My email address.

tislas@knox.edu

Don Henry is a senior member of the Gannon Athletic Department, now entering his 26th season as the head wrestling coach. Henry was hired in 1984 to resurrect a Golden Knight wrestling program that had been discontinued since 1971. Henry’s work ethic and love of wrestling has elevated the Gannon program from its infancy to one that is now one of the best in Division II.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach? Lead by example, love to compete.

2. What’s unique about the experience at your school? We are a small private Catholic University. We offer outstanding academic programs in selective areas.

3. What do recruits need to know about you? I still get on the mat hands on teacher coach, love to compete at everything, will challenge you to exceed your expectations.

4. What do you look for in recruits? I am looking for they type of wrestler who has something to prove, not someone who has already accomplished everything he desired

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process? Make contact with coaches at the schools they are looking at, Keep those coaches updated on your season. Eliminate the schools that do not offer the academic programs they are looking for, or do not have the wrestling atmosphere they are looking for.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? How do you choose your starting line up? Can I still get good grades and wrestle.

7. What turns you off when you’re recruiting a student athlete? Lack of interest, excitement or eye contact.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at? Combining academic and athletics. We graduate at a high rate, get good jobs.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program? They will not be a number or just a work out partner, We have a very wrestler friendly schedule, ie lots of tournaments ,

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you? E-mail is best.

After serving as Augustana’s interim head coach for the 2007-08 season, Eric Juergens, a two time NCAA Division I national champion, was hired as the school’s full time wrestling coach on April 4, 2008. He heads into his third season at the helm of the Vikings in 2009-10. 

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach? 

Players Coach, like to hang out with them and talk about what’s going on in their lifes.  But also very competitive, don’t like to lose to them in anything.  

2. What?s unique about the experience at your school? 

The size of the school makes for strong life time relationships with other students and professors. 

3. What do recruits need to know about you? 

Honest, fair, and will tell you the truth about what we are and what we want.  

4. What do you look for in recruits? 

The whole package, good person, strong academics, and solid wrestling skills with the burning desire to work hard and improve.  

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process? 

Be open to all schools that contact you, don’t under estimate any program.  

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? 

How much time will we miss for class, this shows me that they are into their education too.  

7. What turns you off when you?re recruiting a student athlete? 

When they tell me they will come or wrestle if the money is right.  

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at? 

I think we are very good at developing kids.  

9. Why should a recruit consider your program? 

We have a strong academic program and in 5 of the last 7 years we have finish in the top 10 with 2 runner up finishes, 6 national finalist and 4 national champs and 31 all-americans.  

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you? 

Email me from our website goaugie.com .