In 2000 I graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin- Parkside. While at Parkside, I earned a bachelor's of art degree in education. At the high school level, I am certified to teach history, political science, geography and economics. I also graduated with a coaching emphasis. In addition to my academic focus, I wrestled among some of the states' best at Wisconsin's only division II program. During my years of athletic participation, I earned four varsity letters and numerous academic accolades including receiving NCAAII Academic All-American honors and the 2000 scholar-athlete award.
In 2006 I graduated with honors from the University of Olivet Nazarene. I earned my master's degree in education with a focus on curriculum development.
Before finding my way to Waterford Union High School, I taught for two years at Mitchell Middle School in Racine. I enjoyed teaching at Mitchell but wanted the opportunity to delve into more complicated issues. In addition, I was interested in finding a wrestling program I could help build. When a teaching and head wrestling coach position opened at Waterford, I knew this would be my new home. In 2002, I accepted a position at Waterford. Ever since, I have enjoyed being part of one of the state's most successful schools in terms of both academics and athletics. In addition to teaching, I took the role of head wrestling coach for six years. During that time, Waterford won three consecutive conference championships, had twenty-eight individual conference champions, eleven individual states qualifiers and four state pace finishers. I was also named the Racine County coach of the year in 2004 and 2005. In 2006 I resigned as head coach so that I could spend more time with my family and help run several small businesses. I also needed to have two surgeries after the years of wrestling and coaching. In 2011, I returned to the wrestling world as a volunteer coach at Waterford. My job has been to demonstrate and teach much of the technique. I am happy to say, I truly enjoy being back in the wrestling room and having the opportunity to share my expertise with students who have a similar passion for the sport and for competition.
My passion is teaching. I enjoy helping students realize their full potential. My philosophy has always centered on students becoming critical thinkers; lifelong learners who have a natural curiosity to investigate important issues. My goal is to foster citizens who can decide for themselves using sound data and logical approaches to reasoning.
My hobbies include playing the guitar and training in mixed martial arts. My favorite guitar is a rather unusual Gibson Les Paul that came with a five-way toggle and coil taps. The guitar is just slightly older than my current seniors. Currently, my collection includes a Gretsch hollow body with a Bigsby tremelo, EVH peavey and an ESP. When I am not butchering some Pearl Jam song, I try to find time to train in combative sports. I have been involved with mixed martial arts since the late 1990's and have coached and trained with some of the best MMA fighters in the world. Over the years I have competed in many grappling tournaments and have amassed a record of 15-1 and a place among Wisconsin?s top grapplers. In 2008, my brother opened a combatives school in Racine where we offered jiu-jitsu, Thai boxing, basic self-defense and MMA classes. Our students included police officers, MMA fighters and anyone looking to get in shape. Unfortunately, opening the gym at the beginning of very tough economic times proved to be too much to sustain a viable business. Today I occasionally appear as a guest instructor and offer seminars at various gyms throughout the state.
In 2006 I graduated with honors from the University of Olivet Nazarene. I earned my master's degree in education with a focus on curriculum development.
Before finding my way to Waterford Union High School, I taught for two years at Mitchell Middle School in Racine. I enjoyed teaching at Mitchell but wanted the opportunity to delve into more complicated issues. In addition, I was interested in finding a wrestling program I could help build. When a teaching and head wrestling coach position opened at Waterford, I knew this would be my new home. In 2002, I accepted a position at Waterford. Ever since, I have enjoyed being part of one of the state's most successful schools in terms of both academics and athletics. In addition to teaching, I took the role of head wrestling coach for six years. During that time, Waterford won three consecutive conference championships, had twenty-eight individual conference champions, eleven individual states qualifiers and four state pace finishers. I was also named the Racine County coach of the year in 2004 and 2005. In 2006 I resigned as head coach so that I could spend more time with my family and help run several small businesses. I also needed to have two surgeries after the years of wrestling and coaching. In 2011, I returned to the wrestling world as a volunteer coach at Waterford. My job has been to demonstrate and teach much of the technique. I am happy to say, I truly enjoy being back in the wrestling room and having the opportunity to share my expertise with students who have a similar passion for the sport and for competition.
My passion is teaching. I enjoy helping students realize their full potential. My philosophy has always centered on students becoming critical thinkers; lifelong learners who have a natural curiosity to investigate important issues. My goal is to foster citizens who can decide for themselves using sound data and logical approaches to reasoning.
My hobbies include playing the guitar and training in mixed martial arts. My favorite guitar is a rather unusual Gibson Les Paul that came with a five-way toggle and coil taps. The guitar is just slightly older than my current seniors. Currently, my collection includes a Gretsch hollow body with a Bigsby tremelo, EVH peavey and an ESP. When I am not butchering some Pearl Jam song, I try to find time to train in combative sports. I have been involved with mixed martial arts since the late 1990's and have coached and trained with some of the best MMA fighters in the world. Over the years I have competed in many grappling tournaments and have amassed a record of 15-1 and a place among Wisconsin?s top grapplers. In 2008, my brother opened a combatives school in Racine where we offered jiu-jitsu, Thai boxing, basic self-defense and MMA classes. Our students included police officers, MMA fighters and anyone looking to get in shape. Unfortunately, opening the gym at the beginning of very tough economic times proved to be too much to sustain a viable business. Today I occasionally appear as a guest instructor and offer seminars at various gyms throughout the state.