Grappling For Excellence!

Sometimes All We Have Are Opportunities

2008-04-28T16:22:00.000-07:00

Sometimes All We Have Are Opportunities

Blue Ribbon Movie

2008-04-08T13:26:00.000-07:00

Blue Ribbon Movie: "Blue Ribbons, Books, DVDs and Downloads"

Grandaughter Tessa's Fifth Birthday

2008-04-08T13:19:00.000-07:00

Deke and Candy My Partners Grappling For Excellence

2008-04-06T15:31:00.000-07:00

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2008-02-16T07:20:00.001-08:00

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2008-02-16T07:20:00.000-08:00

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2008-02-14T17:01:00.000-08:00

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2008-02-02T14:06:00.000-08:00

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Improving Health Behaviors

2008-01-27T13:20:00.000-08:00

Pasco Wrestling Seniors

2008-01-26T15:04:00.000-08:00

Pasco Wrestling Seniors

Schadler At The Top Of The Podium

2008-01-26T14:59:00.000-08:00

Serious Work Going On In The Bulldog Weight Room

2008-01-26T14:56:00.000-08:00

Chad With The Legs In

2008-01-26T14:49:00.000-08:00

What it Takes to be Number One Movie

2008-01-25T17:25:00.000-08:00

What it Takes to be Number One Movie

Tessa -Coach Bodnar-Wyatt

2008-01-19T13:59:00.000-08:00

Coach Bodnar And Covington At The Dome

2008-01-19T13:54:00.000-08:00

Schadler State Champion 2007 PHS

2008-01-19T13:26:00.000-08:00

Pasco High Wrestling 2007- 4A-2nd Place

2008-01-19T13:25:00.000-08:00

Dimitri At The Dome

2008-01-19T13:23:00.000-08:00

George At The State Championships

2008-01-19T13:20:00.000-08:00

coachbodnar's blog | The Hive

2007-12-28T13:32:00.000-08:00

coachbodnar's blog | The Hive

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2007-12-28T12:58:00.000-08:00

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2007-12-27T14:32:00.000-08:00

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2007-12-24T09:31:00.001-08:00

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2007-12-24T09:31:00.000-08:00

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Slide Show Of 2007 State Wrestling Tournament

2007-10-20T12:32:00.000-07:00

Coach Bodnar

grappling for excellence

2007-10-07T14:27:00.000-07:00

grappling for excellence: "1. The Closer I Get To You (Radio Edit) - Luther Vandross "

grappling for excellence

2007-10-07T14:14:00.000-07:00

grappling for excellence: "1. Ooo Baby Baby (Live) - Smokey Robinson "

grappling for excellence

2007-10-07T13:56:00.000-07:00

grappling for excellence: "1. Perfect To Me - Al Green "

Grappling For Excellence

2007-10-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

Grappling For Excellence: "1. For The Good Times - Al Green "

Behind The Eight Ball On Status Of The Oregon Wrestling Program

2007-08-17T14:46:00.001-07:00

Evidently I have been way behind the Eight Ball, as they say on the status of the University Of Oregon Wrestling Program.

I got a note from a friend yesterday that said that the decision had been made months ago and he gave me a website that has way more information on the situation than what I have access to.

One of these days I would like to find out what in the world is the truth in the dismantling of these wrestling programs and the agenda behind it.

I mean the real truth , not the spin, not the politics and not hiding behind title nine.

I wanted to be of support to the Oregon Program because I believe it is important but as I have seen in support of other programs such as Central Washington , decisions have been made behind closed doors and there generally is an agenda to the decision which will never come to public scrutiny.

Personally I was embarrassed yesterday as I had recently posted articles both on my web site and blog and then to find out that this is kind of a "done deal" really bothers me. I don't mind expending my efforts or even spending money. I certainly don't have the resources of some of the players in this scenario which reminds me how I felt at the swimming pool as a kid or at wrestling practice as a freshman when the seniors were soaking towels and twisting them and then snapping them at you . The sting to those strikes were sometimes excruciating.

Losing all of these programs year after year, reminds me of those stings and worse as there obviously in any of these attempts at restoration of programs I have not seen one.

That does not mean that it has not happened , I just have not seen it.

Had I been born with a silver spoon in my mouth or had been smart enough to amass huge amounts of resources I would just go in and pay for it. Unfortunately I am not in that situation.

I am just in the situation that I have given fifty years of active participation and coaching in this sport and to tell the truth it stings.

I really don't care about myself, I know what I have done through the sport and I know how much kids benefitted but I think I have been looking at this thing through Rose Colored Glasses. I need to get real with myself. You may feel the same way as you read some of the articles on this web site I am about to give you.

For those of you that care, this is a great site and offers a lot of information that I wish I had earlier. Any way, doesn't matter, I believe they are going to do what they want to do and they will weather the storm of support and let it fall on deaf ears and eventually people will forget about it.

The kids that don't have the program will not forget about it. I won't forget about it. I just wish I could do more.

Leadership In The Real World- What Else Really Matters?

Sometimes All We Have Are Opportunities!

There is something to be said for honesty and I don't think it is all out on the table in this situation.

This is just another fierce conversation from Coach Bodnar, don't take it personal. As Susan Scott said in her Book, "We might as well start out with the naked truth, we are going to get there anyway"

"grappling for excellence"

Here Is The Link For Saving Oregon Wrestling!
Click Here For Save Oregon Wrestling

Leadership Lessons In The Real World

2007-08-15T14:08:00.000-07:00

First In Last Out

Leadership Lessons From The New York City Fire Department.

A great book! Check it out!

."....At the moment, our country faces enormous crises, and I don't think it's an overstatement to say that the character of our response will shape the world for generations to come. And, as if the shocks of the new century weren't enough--- the threat of terrorists and rogue nations, of companies that have misled the very society they were meant to serve, of an uncertain global environment---we're still struggling with those old standbys of racism, poverty, disease, and war. We hear about solutions to these conundrums (usually around election time), solutions that are always touted as the "answer." Sometimes, these answers appear as a new patent, or a new piece of legislation, or a new treaty, or a military victory. But, in reality, there is only one answer to the problems, and that's leadership...."
Pages eight and nine from the book, "First in, Last out".

John Salka

Battalion Chief, FDNY

I read this book and have benefitted greatly from some of the real life leadership lessons. If you get a chance pick it up a great book with real life lessons.

Leadership In The Real World-What Good Is Anything Else?

Part I

I was thinking about my father who had an 8th grade education- talking to me about "What Comes Around Goes Around". It took me some time to understand what he was talking about. I finally got it about the time I entered the United States Marine Corps at 17 years of age.

My father was a veteran of WWII, he used to send his checks to help my grandmother raise the rest of 7 children she was trying to raise on her own.

My father died an early death at the age of 56 but I believe he inspired a lot of young people while coaching our Little League Teams. He never got a college education but he knew about life. He inspired me to follow in his footsteps of providing young people with the opportunity to participate in amateur athletics.

He loved sports and was very good at them, but because of his responsibilities was never able to pursue them on a serious basis. He did instill his love for sports in me as I was growing up. He coached me in Little League Baseball, he followed me everywhere I remembering him telling me-Boy, everyone doesn't have the same amount of talent, but everyone can hustle! I can't tell you how many times that statement has helped me out.

As I coach young men I only hope that as I finish season after season that I impart some of those things to the kids who are working under my mentorship. To tell you the truth, if it is only winning that I was worried about, I think I would have missed the point. Don't get me wrong, I will compete, and I will compete hard-I just think there is more to it than the scoreboard.

As I said in the beginning of the article everyone has their own opinion of success and after thirty five years of coaching I have mine.

Part II

My Strategy

I am trying to get committment, I am trying to develop leaders, I want to develop a championship program with true and pure champions on it. Young men who you would like to know, kids you would like to have as your neighbors. I want to develop Champions in Life. I want to help kids establish responsibility and accountability in their life. That would be success to me, at least in part.

As most of you know this is not just a high school wrestling page it is an opportunity for me to talk about what I feel is important in coaching and to recognize those young men on the teams that I coach for the efforts they give.

There truly are no office hours for champions and at 3:14 a.m. and most people are in bed I am trying to figure out a way to get better. Trying to figure out how I can be a better Teacher, Coach, Father,and Human Being.
I just want to get the job done. I don't want to leave any stone unturned. I don't want to leave anything on the mat. So when my official days of Coaching are over I have no regrets.

I take what I do seriously, too seriously most people think. I feel that I have been honored to have the opportunity to touch the lives of thousands of kids over the years. I wouldn't want to let any of them down. Success for me comes in seeing one young man or young lady at a time come through my classes or teams being productive citizens.

I really have never cared about money, I need it to live, but in terms of importance it is down the line on my list. I would be lying if I said I wouldn't mind making a little more of it. Truthfully however; after paying my bills I know what would happen, just as it is now. I would spend it on students trying to help them gain opportunities. Helping more kids that would be success to me. Giving more opportunities that would be success to me. Leaving a legacy for my own son and daughter and grandchildren that would be success to me.

Some of the things that make my head spin and my blood pressure to rise are the politicians among us that only care about climbing the ladder. People that can't be trusted to do what they are supposed to do. People who are disloyal.
My reminder to these people is; that 'what comes around goes around'. If I help create any of those types of people I would consider that a failure. You become what you think about, you become like what you put yourself around. After all I think success is not what you do but WHO you truly are!

OK it is 3:26 a.m. I have had my say for today!

"Leadership in the real world, what good is anything else?"

"grappling for excellence"

Coach Bodnar

Leadership Efforts by Uncommon Teams

2007-08-12T15:38:00.000-07:00

Throughout history and business there have been unique collections of individuals who accomplished extraordinary feats. These great groups and their leaders had the following dynamics in common:
1. They encouraged creativity by taking the sting out of failure.
2. Leaders of these groups knew their people longed for meaning so they created "missions" and bold visions. Their people feel part of something special.
3. Great groups define and motivate themselves in terms of an enemy. This creates energy, urgency and focus.
4. Leaders of great groups allow their members to discover their own greatness.
5. Leaders of great groups have the ability to find superb people and put them in the right niche.
6. Leaders of great groups don't micromanage.
7. Leaders of great groups recruit people who are willing and able to collaborate with one another.
8. Leaders of great groups don't burden their gifted teams with arbitrary rules; instead they work as facilitators.
9. Great groups are characterized by lofty goals, great ambition, a sense of being the best and having the potential to change their industry or the world.
10. Great groups are rarely democracies. They almost always have strong leaders that keep things on course.
11. Great groups who collaborate want to do the next thing, not repeat the last one.
12. Great groups often work murderous hours, often with deadlines that cause stress levels to soar.
13. Great groups tend to be nonhierarchical and free from bureaucracy.
14. Great groups are unrealistic places where optimism pervades the atmosphere.
15. Leaders of great groups are confident enough to recruit people better than themselves.
16. People in great groups are always stretching because of the giants around them.
17. Leaders of great groups recruit people for crusades, not jobs. They engage in 'holy wars.'
18. Members of great groups share information freely and subordinate their personal agenda to the good of the team.
Commentary
Great groups are products of strong leaders who put their egos in check. They know that "none of us is as smart as all of us." They run vision-driven organizations, recruit the best people for the task, give them direction, remove obstacles and keep them on course. Their organizations are places of action where people long to produce good work. A prime responsibility of leaders of great groups is to keep the team focused and harmonious while keeping stress in check.

Great groups are not limited by realism. They bite off more than they can chew. They survive being "successful" and strive to reach their full potential. They are on a quest to find out how great they can be.

Members of great groups have respect for one another's strengths and work within those areas. They create a positive peer pressure that flushes out the faint of heart and leaves no room for the uncommitted. Great groups don't happen accidentally. A strong leader constructs, coaches, focuses and leads the group to victory.

Common Traits of Uncommon Teams
by Dave Anderson

"grappling for excellence"
Coach Bodnar

Action At The Mat Classic - State Championship-2007

2007-08-12T08:44:00.000-07:00

Thought I would liven up the site with some video action of some grappling at the 2007 Mat Classic.
Enjoy, I am looking for more video if anyone out there has some. If it is of a good quality I will be glad to post it.

This is some pretty good stuff!

Click Here For Video! The You Tube Site Gives Credit To the Videographer You can check it out there!

Here is another clip I found on You Tube!

More Action From The Mat Classic!

Mangrum Flips Over Victory! Click Here

Coach Bodanr

Pasco High Wrestling

"Grappling For Excellence"

July 1st, 2007

Leadership In The Real World!

2007-08-09T12:29:00.000-07:00

Don't Give Up The Fight Within-Part V

Don't Give Up The Fight Within!- Part V

Leadership In The Real World-"grappling for excellence"

Resist the urge to blame and to shift responsibility on others and do what you want to do, that which excites you and makes your heart sing. Never quit doing what makes you happy. If someone does wrong it will come back to them and sometimes with a thundering jolt! Don't worry what others are doing, continue to think about what it is that you are supposed to do! Hope is probably the most important part of attitude that I can think of and definitely a piece of the puzzle about not giving up the fight within.

"People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them."
--George Bernard Shaw

"When it is dark enough, you can see the stars." when adversity strikes, it often feels like we are plunged into a dark void from which we will never emerge. But often when things are the darkest, the stars come out and shine their light upon us. Everyone experiences darkness; everyone goes through rough times. What's important to remember is that rough times are foundations for future progress. Every type of adversity contains within it lessons that can be harnessed to fuel your success in the future. When adversity strikes, it can tear us apart, or it can build us up so that we can face whatever else life may bring. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger.

Unknown
WHAT DOESN'T KILL US MAKES US STRONGER

"grappling for excellence"

Coach Bodnar
http://grappling for excellence.icontact.com

Never Lose The Fight Within Part III

2007-08-08T10:12:00.001-07:00

General Douglas MacArthur said in his good bye address at West Point the following statements-you can read the full address here: Click Here For the Full Address!

But once war is forced upon us, there is no other alternative than to apply every available means to bring it to a swift end. War's very object is victory, not prolonged indecision.

In war there can be no substitute for victory.

General Douglas MacArthur

In my lifetime I have experienced enough challenges to appreciate what we have in this country. I remember coming back to the airport from an 18 month tour of duty in Colombia and landing in Miami. When I walked down the stairs with my duffle bag something compelled me to get down on the ground and kiss it. I did do that.... it is true! I have never not appreciated what I have in life and try to demonstrate to others what life could be like if we don't preserve the core values set up for us by our founding fathers and those that have sacrificed to give us the liberties we have.
I have never gone into anything not wanting to win. That is always my intention. Did it always work out my way; of course not.
I am wondering whether we have lost a significant amount of resolve in the way we do business anymore in our country. I think a lot of it has to do with the affluence that we have, the willingness that some have to let others share the burden of our society.
Unless anyone should forget, we had to fight to set up this country, and we will not be able to sit on our laurels and expect that those out their that wish to destroy our way of life will not to try to take it away from us. If they think we are weak and will not sustain the principles that have gotten us to this point,they will come after us.

What does this have to do with wrestling you ask? To me life is and has been a wrestling match. I really can't imagine going into a wrestling match without the thought in mind of winning.
Does that mean that I always have? Of course not, however; I have never not offered the energy, the will, the resolve not to do so.
In this time in our country's history, not having the resolve to win will be our demise. This is my prediction and I believe strongly in what I am saying.
If we do not teach the intensity, the desire to win, the will to perservere in our sport and others-where do our young men learn it.
I receive weekly if not daily e-mails from young fighting men that I have coached that are currently serving in the military, in Iraq, in Afghanistan and many other places aroung the world.
Most of the time the central theme around the message is: Coach, if you had not instilled in me the motivation, the intensity, the desire to survive I don't think I would have made it through this challenge.
I am not alone in this venture. It is all of you that are working with young men and instilling these traits into them that allows us to be the country that we are and allows these young men to succeed. Which in many cases it means they survive. Sometimes as we read, they do not. I think however; as coaches, we have the opportunity to get these young men going in the right direction.
So beside the scoreboard and beside the wrestling technique we deal with some serious issues, and in my opinion the instilling of leadership principles and core values through our programs is a critical objective.
I don't know about you but I take it seriously. Young men graduate at 17 and 18 years of age and in a year they could be fighting for their lives while serving their country.
I don't know about you but I take this as a personal challenge. Does it drive my program , probably not. I will say this however; I do think about it and I do address it, and I know that those that go through athletic programs come out better than they went in. I am not including the Professional Ranks as I don't believe that is what it used to be in the past. The focus is money and selfishness so I will not include that. I won't paint everyone with the same brush, but I will say to a large degree that is what has happened.

If the kids learn to be leaders through our sport, they can transfer leadership throughout their lives. That is why I love the sport of wrestling, it is a pure sport, kids do it because they love to do it or they love what they get from it or they are proud of having come through the rigors of the training necessary for competition in the sport.
Shakespeare said ...

"Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never
taste of death but once."

Something I put together I guess to inspire myself as much as others, I thought I would share it with you!
I heard a news story yesterday that said that only three per cent of the people in this country are prepared for a natural disaster or a terrorist attack. I don't know what that says to you but I know the impression that it gives me. They don't believe it will happen to them. Bad things happen and in this world we need every advantage we can get. The victims of Hurricane Katrina I am sure did not see that coming or did not believe it. How many of those people on the Bridge in Minnesota last week thought that it would fall in the water, I doubt anyone thought that it would occur. What will it take to wake us up. Bad things do happen, they happen every day, we need to teach our young people to be responsible and to be leaders.

We have drifted so far from the principles set up by our founding fathers that we don't appreciate what we have and are not prepared to make the sacrifices that it takes to keep our country free. Every generation that comes down the pike, appreciates less and less about the fundamental freedoms that we have. The expectations that were set for us are falling by the wayside.
I have done and will always try to do my part in teaching others the importance of leadership, discipline, resilience, core values and the important things in life. It can be done in any forum if the mentors and leaders are willing to do the work.
We have people from every country in the world trying to gain the opportunity to be a part of this nation. I know they are trying to come here as I worked in Embassies and Consulates across the world and I have seen the lines of people waiting for visas to come here.
We also have those people who oppose our freedoms and liberties and do not wish us well. We have to wake up to that. Most people are walking around like we are immune to the damage that some people and groups would like to do to us.
We have our head in the sand and we need to get it out.
I don't carry much weight around here I am just a Citizen of the greatest country in the world, A Father, A Former Marine, A Teacher and Coach who would like to see our children and grandchildren have the same opportunities that we have had. They will not understand what they have if we do not teach them what they have and what is at stake.
I remember coming home from a tour of duty and watching people going around doing their daily duties and having fun and not concerned about the serious things that are taking place in and out of our country. At first I got mad about it, as I just came back from a hazardous tour of duty and I guess I thought people would at least be thinking about what was going on.
Then I thought, No, that is as it should be they should be able to enjoy their lives and their families. Those of us that were taking our turn in serving the country needed to buckle down and do our job, just as those before us had done so that we could grow up with the freedoms that we had to that point.
Now at the ripe old age of almost 61 I think it should be a little of both, We should enjoy our lives and have the freedoms that we have earned; but, we need to understand also the sacrifice that is being made to keep it that way.
If we want it to continue , we have to pay the price. I have always told my students and athletes that nothing much that is worthwhile comes to us at a cheap price. It has to be paid for and sometimes the price is extremely high.
In summary I have said all of this to say that in Athletics and Sports we should be teaching our next generation of leaders , and citizens that they have a legacy that has been paid for with extreme sacrifice and we have to hold it up with a certain amount of appreciation and be willing to help keep it the way it was intended to be.
Press On!.......Press On!....Press On!

Press on!
No matter how difficult the circumstances… press on!
If you are doing the right thing …press on.
Decide what you want to do even if it is hard but… press on.
Do something every day that makes a difference but….press on.
Even if the steps you take are very small, keep on going…press on.
If you make a mistake fix it but; press on.
Before you decide the cost is not worth it , take another step and …press on.
Gather your true friends around you even if they are few but ….press on.
Encourage those who have lost their fight, take them along and press on.
Never lose the “fight “ within and press on.
When it seems impossible…press on.
If you get knocked down, get up and press on.
If you are criticized and talked about….press on.
If you are told “it can’t be done”…press on.
Make it a matter of commitment , passion, destiny and …press on.
If you can’t find anyone to believe in you, believe in yourself and press on.
Never look back at the end of the road and wonder if you have done all
that you could, know in your heart that you always pressed on.

“grappling for excellence”

Coach Bodnar

University of Oregon Wrestling In Danger Of Extinction

2007-08-07T13:56:00.001-07:00

My understanding is that the University of Oregon Wrestling Program is in danger of extinction. I say it that way as I have been here during the loss of the University of Washington Program, The Washington State Program, The Central Washington program and even some in my home state of Pennsylvania like Slippery Rock.
Those State Colleges were bastions of wrestling prowress and thousands upon thousands of young kids emulated the experiences of the older guys. Leaving the emotions aside and trying to be as positive as I can I wanted to make a statement of support for the Oregon Wrestling Program.
I guess my opinion and a dollar now days will get you a cup of coffee but I will tell you that what I say is sincere and what I believe and have given my life to I believe is in peril.
As a young man and I can't honestly say that I can remember exactly how old I was I played Little League Baseball a big thing in Pennsylvania as I was growing up. I rose through the ranks to be a fairly talented athlete. But to tell you the truth that is not what endears me to the sport.
I remember my Dad coaching , a guy that played sandlot baseball and my mom who passed way before her time at thirty nine , were always there. My mom used to pass the cigar box to collect money for another dozen of baseballs and my Dad was there to coach not because he really had the time , I don't even know if he had the passion. It was just that he wanted to do good things for kids.
Our record was incredible, I have had boxes of trophies from that experience, and that is really nothing compared to the friends I made, the happy experiences and the memories that I still have until this day.
I only mention baseball because it was one of my first experiences related to athletics and the only reason I ever skipped school was to watch Roberto Clemente play in Forbes Field in Pittsburgh. I got caught of course but the experience was great even though I paid dearly for the adventure.
I can remember that the stadium in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania was down the road across the tracks and down a dirt road at the time and one of my fondest experiences was that I left home one night seeing the bright lights of the stadium on and knowing that something to do with athletics was going on and I wanted to be there. I started walking and ended up at the gate without the quarter to get in. It was a track meet held at night and when I got there they were running the relays. The track was cinder of course and I walked around the fence wondering how I could get a glimpse of the spectacle when I noticed some kids crawling under the fence behind the bleachers... I don't have to explain. I remember laying in the grass between the bleachers and the track and listening to the rapid footprints of the runners like hoof beats of horses and the rapidity and quickness , the lights and the spectacular effort of those high school athletes excited me to dream of some day being involved in this sports enterprise.
My next experience was wanting to go to a football game at the stadium , this time with a ticket and without telling my mom. My uncle coming to the game and shaking his head, dressed in his naval reserve uniform, being called out of duty by my mom stating that I was missing. I don't know how they knew to look there but when all of a sudden... I turned my head I saw my Uncle shaking his head and assuring me that I was in a lot of trouble. I believe I was watching Canonsburg and Houston , not of the same size but a fierce rivalry and I believe the Half Back for the Bucanneers from Houston was Norwood Young, I could be wrong but don't be too hard on me it was definitely a long time ago.
I can remember a man named Chuddy Rice who was a boss at the McGraw Edison Plant who ran what we called the YMCA. It was a game called Bombardment and there were two levels on Saturday morning ...fierce and ferocious. I wanted so bad into level two , the second hour. Chuddy was a man that volunteered his time for kids and we loved the experience that he gave to us on those Saturday's.
The High School Wrestling Coach, was also an elementary Physical Ed.Teacher and was my teacher at Hawthorne Elementary School In Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.

The coach was legendary and I will remember his name but what I remember most was that his High School team used to scour the neighborhoods for young guys like me and they would come to our doors and take us to the gymnasium on tuesday evenings to watch the "big guys" wrestle and then we would wrestle and they would bring us home , right to our door step and deliver us to our parents.
In the interest of trying to paint a portrait of what excited me and involved me in athletics I am going to be brief and to the point.
These experiences were ones that can't be surpassed by anything in my life other than my Children , my experience with the United States Marines, and the children that parents have entrusted me to work with in the avenue of Football, Wrestling , Soccer, Weight Training and Baseball.
It has been my platform and I believe my destiny in life to work with these young folks and try to give them the experiences that I was fortunate enough to have.
I have said all of this to say that it is so sad that another University is in danger of losing the last level of years and years of training that these young people have had and not have the chance to cap it off at the top rung. I am not mad at anyone I just believe we are making some decisions that are going to dismantle the purest sport in the world by not finding a way to keep it going at the highest levels.
There is so much bad that can happen to kids, and I am just wanting to express my desire for them to have that opportunity, that goal to wrestle at the top rungs and be involved in a positive activity. I know there are some bad actors that have come through the sport but in all sincerity I can't remember a young man that has not come away from any program that I have been involved in that is not a better person, citizen, family member, contributor to society than those not taking part. We have to find some way to keep the dream alive for these thousands of kids that are participating in the Northwest and now losing another program of great character to belong to.
I don't believe it is title nine, I don't believe it is just money, I don't believe many of the rumors I have heard.
If we feel collectively that this is a pure sport, that it is good for kids and that it makes them better people. We have to find a way to keep it going.
Thanks for indulging me in a trip down memory lane and please support University Wrestling and please help the University of Oregon in any way that you can. They do a great job and they deserve a chance to help serve our kids.
Bob Bodnar

Head Wrestling Coach

Pasco High School

"grappling for excellence"

We put our money in a lot of things a lot less important, let's get behind the University of Oregon Wrestling Program!

Contact: coachbodnar@charter.net

Thanks for your time!

Never Give Up The "Fight" Within- Part II

2007-08-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

Leadership In Coaching!

In any moment of decision,
the best thing you can do is the right thing,
the next-best thing is the wrong thing,
and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

-Theodore Roosevelt
You can gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.
- Eleanor Roosevelt

As I was looking for role models in the never give up mentality and "never give up the FIGHT within!" I came across this article. Thought you might enjoy!
How Great Coaches Bring Out The Best In Others

By Carmine Gallo
Here is the link to the article if you would like to see some of the examples: Click Here!
In the movie "Training Day" there was an interesting quote when Jake Hoyt was asked about "understanding the streets"

Jake Hoyt: Yeah. You gotta control your smiles and cries, because that's all you have and nobody can take that away from you!

I have been looking for that quote since I watched the movie, kind of harsh and a lot of profanity but pretty down to earth in some of the big cities of this country. But beneath it all, I liked the saying, I kept looking for smiles and frowns but I finally found it, it was a perceptive thought for a young policeman and the veterans had to stop and think about it. Smiles and Cries that is all you have! Sometimes the world, competition, life in general gets down to that Smiles and Cries. I will remember that!

"grappling for excellence"
Coach Bodnar

You should not confuse your career with your life.

- Dave Barry

Never Give Up The "Fight" Within You!

2007-08-06T11:08:00.001-07:00

Never Lose The Fight Within You!

Education is not filling a bucket but lighting a fire.

- William Butler Yeats

You can't be afraid of what people will say. You have to be brave and take risks.

- Charles M. Shulz
There is no security on this earth, only opportunity.

- General Douglas McArthur
What Is Your Deepest Fear?

A while ago I watched a movie called Coach Carter and even though I am a wrestling coach I liked the movie. In particular a poem or statement that was made regarding fear.
This is a true story in which Samuel L. Jackson plays the controversial high school basketball coach who benched his undefeated team due to their collective poor academic record in 1999.

He constanly asks one difficult student "What is your deepest fear?". The kid in question always avoids this question and in one of the scenes answers the following...

Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate,
but that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.
It is not just in some; it is in everyone.

And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give
other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.

As I was thinking today about the importance of hope, resilience, persistence, and particularly today a thought I had about never giving up the FIGHT- Within Us! I thought again about this quote. I hope you enjoy it and can apply it to your life.
Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly. - Hughes, Langston
Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never–in nothing, great or small, large or petty–never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.–Winston Churchill

Continuous effort–not strength or intelligence–is the key to
unlocking our potential.–Winston Churchill
"grappling for excellence"

Coach Bodnar

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2007-08-05T12:00:00.000-07:00
Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Sometime All We Have Are Opportunities!

2007-08-05T09:51:00.000-07:00

QUOTE OF THE DAY-AUGUST 5TH,2007

"Sometimes All We Have Are Opportunities"

Most of my life has been dedicated to overcoming obstacles and nothing has really changed. I can recall vividly the death of my mother from leukemia when I was eleven years old and standing there on the hillside of Western Pennsylvania with my Father and two brothers thinking about what would come next. It is probably a good thing I didn't know because I most likely would not have made it.
Hearing the words from my sophomore English Teacher that I would never amount to anything didn't do much at the time for me. That was a couple of years after my Mother's passing.
During those years while trying to help raise my two brothers and dealing with my father who had resorted to alcohol to deal with his pain didn't encourage me much either.
One of the reasons that I continue to Coach and Teach is that it gives me the opportunity to hang in there with kids. It gives me the opportunity to challenge them to make the effort to have them figure out what is important in life and to look at the "Big Picture."
While I did finally graduate from High School I was so disappointed in what people thought about my chances in life that I decided to take a big challenge. I enlisted at 17 in the United States Marines during the Viet Nam Conflict. Again I heard those familiar words about how I wouldn't make it.
My father would not give his permission for my final paperwork so I had to wait for my 18th birthday to do it on my own. While working and waiting for that opportunity I was involved in a near fatal car accident which threw me through the windshield of my vehicle and was the reason for a nine day hospital stay and 142 stitches to put a big portion of my forehead back together. I was in trouble with my opportunity to go into the Marine Corps and had to fly back to Cleveland, Ohio to be re-examined. To my surprise they passed me and put me on an airplane for bootcamp that day. The Marine Corps was another challenge that I would not give up for anything. I think it was probably one of the biggest factors in my later success in college and my ability to get through some very tough factors in my life. It was an opportunity to make something of myself, to prove these people who had no faith in me wrong and to learn some basic survival in life type skills.
At the age of 20 I was a Sergeant E-5 in the United States Marine Corps and was doing very well. I had already gone through two schools and had meritorious promotions from both. It gave me some hope that I could continue doing well in life no matter what anyone said. This is one of the things that I have tried over the past 36 years of Teaching and Coaching to do with the athletes that have gone through programs that I have coached. I have encouraged them to persist, to take advantage of opportunities, to leave everything on the field of play or on the mat.
I could write a book on this but for today I will try to sum this up by saying that my problems were not over by a long shot at this junction in my life. I did get accepted to Eastern Washington State College where I attempted my hand at College Athletics, and when not doing that studied ,attempted to be a good husband to my wife who had lupus , and drove truck 6 days a week.
I did have the opportunity however to try and do this academic thing, and to be honest I was disappointed many times during the first two quarters. I had however earned my right to some veterans benefits and paid for the rest of it by feeding horses in the morning before school and then driving truck well into the night and on the weekends. I did get a chance to study in the truck in between freight pick ups and at night after I got home from work and on Sundays after I did the farm work for the man who was providing the room and board for my wife and I. Why do I go into all of this. I had opportunities, very small ones sometimes but I took them. That is what I have been hoping for the kids I teach and coach. That they would recognize the opportunities they have, not make excuses, do the very best they can with whatever they have. Even if it is very little.
I did graduate from Eastern with High Honors and two majors and two minors and finished in three years as I went to all four quarters each year. It was another opportunity as I had the G.I. Bill and I had a job so I continued to study.
Thirty Six years later, after some additional tragedies, my house burning down and being sixty thousand dollars under insured. Having a wife leave and raising two children on my own I have managed to coach over a hundred sports seasons , help in the education of thousands of students, and to do what I believe I was destined to do on this earth.
I am the proud grandfather of a grand daughter and grandson, My adult children have both turned into fine people, graduated from college, my daughter served in the USAF and I also pushed them to take advantage of opportunities. I didn't have anything else to give them except opportunities and my love. They have done very well with those two things. My son has been blazing his own trail of success at a local Junior College and my hope was that he would stand on my shoulders and begin where I leave off.

I would like to thank those people who spurred me on with their lack of faith in my abilities, to those people who didn't give me a chance, and said I wouldn't amount to anything. I don't know if I would have bucked up to the challenge. My desire is to continue to provide opportunites for kids because I do love them and that is why I teach and coach.
To those of you that know me are aware of the fact that what I have reported here is just a small glimpse of my life.
Recently I have been alarmed;however, by the lack of committment I have been seeing. I am disappointed by the lack of true PASSION to do the very best that can be done. The WALK THROUGH THE WALLS ATTITUDE TO GET AHEAD and I do mean that in a positive way. I have been seeing more and more people... adults and students with excuses about not taking advantage of opportunities. I have seen them expect more and be willing to give less. One thing that I learned through all of these hits on the head that I took growing up and living life is that if you don't get it done for yourself, it is very likely that it is not going to happen for you.
I continue to be amazed by students, athletes, and people in general who do overcome huge odds and I take my hat off to them. I live to see them succeed! It makes me smile and my heart proud when I see them take a little and make a lot out of it. I love it when they show care and concern for not only themselves but others. I believe in encouragment, motivation and leadership and I hope that I have been a part of the vision and achievements of the many students that I have worked with.
The letters that come to me frequently with sincere thanks from former students and athletes brighten my life and assure me that at least in my small way I have given them the vision to pursue excellence and take advantadge of opportunities.

I have been a fortunate man in having had the opportunity to work with all of the students, athletes, parents, teachers,coaches and community.
"Sometimes All We Have Are Opportunities"

Join the blog at:

Click Here "grappling for excellence"

"tough is not enough"

"good enough is not good enough"

"There are no office hours for champions"

"grappling for excellence"

Coach Bodnar

August 5th, 2007

Leadership Driven Team-What Do Athletes Expect?

2007-08-04T12:26:00.000-07:00

Leadership In High School Wrestling

"grappling for excellence"

Pasco High Wrestling

Web: Click Here For Wrestling News

Contact: coachbodnar@charter.net
Pasco, Washington 99301

alt="Click for Pasco, Washington Forecast" height=60 width=468>
Quote of the Day!

What Can Atletes Expect?

By this point in time if you have been following my writings you will know how important I believe leadership development in the team setting is.
Personally I believe that everything has to start there and then all of the rest of the team building can move from that point.

Here is a glimpse of what our athletes can expect from our leadership development program.

ATHLETES PARTICIPATING IN PASCO HIGH WRESTLING CAN EXPECT THE FOLLOWING FROM OUR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

Team members will receive copies of the Team Mission Statement along with team rules, and pertinent leadership development information. This information will help make everyone involved more knowledgeable about the mission of the team and what they are expected to do.

Team members will meet with the coaching staff at least twice during the season for evaluation and mentoring related to leadership development. Athletes can expect encouragement from the coaching staff, on a regular basis toward the development of leadership skills.

Leadership development is sequential and progressive so that team members become more skillful as they move through our program. Coaches will intentionally model and mentor leadership skills in all phases of the program. Athletes can expect to learn leadership skills that will benefit them in all phases of life. So leader-athletes will become more skillful leaders as athletes, students and citizens.

All athletes will be mentored to “think” like leaders. Weekly meetings will take place for team captains and coaches to discuss how to strengthen the team and aid the team’s progress toward leadership goals.

Leader Athletes are expected and encouraged to take action toward solving team issues within their responsibility framework. They are given feedback and expected to overcome setbacks, correct mistakes and move on toward accomplishing their goals.

Athletes are expected to be in a building mode, not a tearing down mode and they can depend upon the same effort and attitude from the coaches and staff.

Pasco High School Wrestling News
August 4th, 2007
Leadership Development Program
Tough Is Not Enough
"grappling for excellence"
Coach Bodnar

Pushing For A Little More-Lessons In Leadership

2007-08-04T10:40:00.000-07:00

We can always use a little strategic motivation. Here is one from Jeff Janssens Site -Team Captain's Network, That I Thought You Might Enjoy. Visit Jeff's Site He Has Great Material.
212 Degrees of Motivation
TURN UP THE HEAT!

Click Here for the Movie!

Here's a link to a great mini-movie that is sure to inspire your athletes to turn up the heat!
P.S. Thanks to UNC softball coach Donna Papa for passing it along!

Thanks Jeff!

"grappling for excellence"

Coach Bodnar
Quote for the Day!

ThinkExist.com Quotes

Some great words By Dan Gable one of the word's greatest wrestlers!

2007-08-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

Found this video by Dan Gable without a doubt one of the greatest of all time in the sport of Wrestling.

Thought you might enjoy this!

As I am always trying to use the sport of wrestling to promote great people, and develop those who are not there yet, I love reading and hearing articles, and interviews about those that are legends that have helped many young men become leaders, productive citizens, Community Leaders by being involved in the sport of wrestling.
Here is an interview I found on CSTV that I thought might be interesting for some of you that have those same goals.
Enjoy

Coach Bodnar

Click here For the interview!

Leadership In High School Wrestling!

2007-07-31T14:04:00.000-07:00

Most men stop when they begin to tire.

Good men go on until they think they are going to collapse.

But the VERY BEST know the mind tires before the body and push themselves
further and further beyond all limits.

Only when all these limits are shattered can the unattainable be reached.

Mark Mysnyk
Leadership lessons for successful coaching!

More Articles Like This. Click Here For Pasco High Wrestling
Thanks to Mark Mysnyk for his great words of wisdom!

If You have contributions to give to the extremely important aspect of leadership in athletics please contact: coachbodnar@gmail.com

Coach Bodnar

Pasco High School Wrestling

Online Teams, Pasco High Wrestling

"grappling for excellence"

High School Wrestling News

Robert K. Bodanr

Instructor/Head Wrestling Coach

Tournament Director

Best of the West Duals

TRAC Arena

Sponsored By Pasco High Wrestling and the United States Marines

December 19, 20- 2007

Wednesday and Thursday

Looking for a Title Sponsor

Eighth annual event

contact: coachbodnar@gmail.com

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2007-07-29T11:47:00.000-07:00
Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

"Grappling For Excellence-Is Your Team Leadership Driven?

2007-07-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

Pasco High Wrestling- A Leadership Driven Team-What Can Athletes Expect
September 7, 2006

Pasco High School Wrestling News- July 27, 2007

By this point in time if you have been following my writings you will know how important I believe leadership development in the team setting is.
Personally I believe that everything has to start there and then all of the rest of the team building can move from that point.

Here is a glimpse of what our athletes can expect from our leadership development program.

ATHLETES PARTICIPATING IN PASCO HIGH WRESTLING CAN EXPECT THE FOLLOWING FROM OUR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
Team members will receive copies of the Team Mission Statement along with team rules, and pertinent leadership development information. This information will help make everyone involved more knowledgeable about the mission of the team and what they are expected to do.

Team members will meet with the coaching staff at least twice during the season for evaluation and mentoring related to leadership development. Athletes can expect encouragement from the coaching staff, on a regular basis toward the development of leadership skills.

Leadership development is sequential and progressive so that team members become more skillful as they move through our program. Coaches will intentionally model and mentor leadership skills in all phases of the program. Athletes can expect to learn leadership skills that will benefit them in all phases of life. So leader-athletes will become more skillful leaders as athletes, students and citizens.

All athletes will be mentored to “think” like leaders. Weekly meetings will take place for team captains and coaches to discuss how to strengthen the team and aid the team’s progress toward leadership goals.

Leader Athletes are expected and encouraged to take action toward solving team issues within their responsibility framework. They are given feedback and expected to overcome setbacks, correct mistakes and move on toward accomplishing their goals.

Athletes are expected to be in a building mode, not a tearing down mode and they can depend upon the same effort and attitude from the coaches and staff.

Pasco High School Wrestling News
July 29, 2007
Leadership Development Program
Tough Is Not Enough
"grappling for excellence"
Coach Bodnar
contact: coachbodnar@gmail.com
Pasco High Wrestling Site

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2007-07-28T16:51:00.001-07:00
Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2007-07-28T16:51:00.000-07:00
Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Choosing Team Captains-Pasco High Wrestling

2007-07-28T16:46:00.000-07:00

Criteria for selection of team captain

The Pasco High wrestling coaching staff will select captains based on leadership skills demonstrated. They will specifically look for athletes with a great work ethic, and a positive attitude. They must possess communication skills and have a respect for others. They must be committed to move the team in the direction of success as related to the team mission.

Seniors and juniors who demonstrate maturity and competencies related to program objectives will be given the first priority. Sophomores who demonstrate exceptional leadership development, and maturity may be chosen.

A team member seeking the role of captain must be in good standing in school, and as an athlete. (academic and athletic eligibility, citizenship and discipline)

The role of team captain: Team captains will model, hard work, smart work and team work. They are expected to communicate to team mates and coaches.

Team captains will use knowledge about the team mission statement, functional leadership goals and functional leadership tools to help them model proper behavior. They will model a positive encouraging and building attitude in all aspects of team training. Captains will utilize functional leadership tools to move the team toward accomplishment of functional leadership goals.

Modeling will demonstrate the ability to challenge positively, commitment to individual, team and program goals. Facilitate cohesion, positive contingencies, effective communication, respect for others, and focus on improvement and learning.

Team captains will meet with the coaches on a weekly basis for communication, mentoring, and evaluation of leadership development strategies and application.

Captains and all leader athletes are to use positive communication and to avoid negativity in dealing with teammates.

Leader Athletes are not to discipline other athletes as a part of the role of team captain.

No Leader athlete or captain is to divert another team member away from the goals of the program.

"Tough is not enough"

"grappling for excellence"

Pasco High Wrestling News

Selection Of Team Captains
Coach BodnarHigh School Wrestling

DEALING WITH SERIOUS ISSUES:

No individual athlete, leader athlete, or team captain is expected to deal with serious issues as defined below: “Serious issues” are those issues related to the safety and welfare of team members, other students, family or community members. Examples of serious issues may be the sale of banned substances or illegal drugs, alcohol issues, weapons, theft or robbery, and other serious mental or physical problems. If a serious issue develops the team members are obligated that one of the following school administrators so that all teammates get the support they need to be safe and successful. Coaches, School Counselors, Interventionists, Athletic Director, and the Principal are all appropriate sources for problem solving in dealing with serious issues. Communication is essential and mandatory in the handling of serious issues. Team leaders must communicate with the coaching staff in any situation that leads to personal danger. If they are not comfortable relating the problem to a coach, a school counselor, the athletic director, the principal or an interventionist must be contacted.
Robert K. Bodnar

Head Wrestling Coach/Instructor

contact: coachbodnar@gmail.com
Click Here For Site

Great Leadership Means Taking Risks

2007-07-25T12:47:00.000-07:00

I don't know who wrote this but I have had it around for a long time. I think the principles, simply stated are telling us that there is a certain amount of risk involved to achieve success.
If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not. You don't.
If you like to win, but you think you can't, it's almost certain you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you're lost. For out of the world we find, success begins with a person's will -- it's all in the state of mind.
If you think you are out-classed, you are.
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of yourself before you can ever win a prize.

Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man, but sooner or later the man who wins is the man WHO THINKS HE CAN!

-UNKNOWN-

Check Out My Lens On Squidoo!

WHAT DOES A LACK OF LEADERSHIP COST US?

2007-07-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

I have posted many articles about grappling for excellence and for on team leadership.I wanted to bring this to light how important it is that we develop leaders in this world.
As a Viet-Nam era Marine I remember all of the events of the day, unfortunately most of our politicians and policy makers do not.
We have gone out of the business of Winning Wars and reconciling to the threats of others. We have had a government that has worked for all of these many years. Why have we melted to the level that we are at today.
As a security guard in Bogota, Colombia , I watched lines of hundreds of people trying to get into this country. They revered the opportunity to come to a place where they had hope and the opportunity to improve their lives and the lives of their families. I saw this as a 19 year old and I understood how valuable our freedom and the opportunities we had are.
We have gone to excellence to outsource to make money at the expense of being a quality producer in the world economic society. We ship our work to foreign countries to save a few dollars and at what expense. We can't communicate with the people who are supposed to give us service. It is not their fault they are trying to make a living.
It is our fault we know better we have seen quality , and opportunity and freedom and have free speech and the opportunity to make our lives better. What are we thinking about.
I have captured a You Tube Video of Newt Gingrich which I would like to share with you.
I urge you to look at the vast problems that we are enduring in this country today and tell me where our leadership is. What are you willing to settle for. What are you willing to subject your children to.
I served this country in the USMC and I expect everyone to do their part. I have worked over 40 years and Social Security is in danger. I have contributed for that long what kind of nonsense is that.
Click Here For Newt Gingrich
I think we are seriously sticking our head in the sand, so that we can get by, what a shame. If those people in Colombia had to wait two years to get into this country and were ready to do it for the opportunity. Why can't we make those who have not earned the right to be citizens because they have not done it legally to do the same.
I think it is baloney and I am not ashamed to say it. We have adopted cowardice and political correctness, the same thing as our mantra.
I am speaking on my own and I have a lot more to say but am looking for your excuses to listen to so that I can get a perspective on why we are willing to let this GREAT COUNTRY the USA go down in defeat again in Iraq. Ridiculous, We have been there before. It needs to stop. Either go into the battle with the expectation of winning and producing a better entity or don't stick your nose in it at all.

Robert K. Bodnar
coachbodnar@gmail.com

Traits of Great Teams

2007-07-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

TRAITS OF GREAT TEAMS

Throughout history and business there have been unique collections of individuals who accomplished extraordinary feats. These great groups and their leaders had the following dynamics in common:
1. They encouraged creativity by taking the sting out of failure.
2. Leaders of these groups knew their people longed for meaning so they created "missions" and bold visions. Their people feel part of something special.
3. Great groups define and motivate themselves in terms of an enemy. This creates energy, urgency and focus.
4. Leaders of great groups allow their members to discover their own greatness.
5. Leaders of great groups have the ability to find superb people and put them in the right niche.
6. Leaders of great groups don't micromanage.
7. Leaders of great groups recruit people who are willing and able to collaborate with one another.
8. Leaders of great groups don't burden their gifted teams with arbitrary rules; instead they work as facilitators.
9. Great groups are characterized by lofty goals, great ambition, a sense of being the best and having the potential to change their industry or the world.
10. Great groups are rarely democracies. They almost always have strong leaders that keep things on course.
11. Great groups who collaborate want to do the next thing, not repeat the last one.
12. Great groups often work murderous hours, often with deadlines that cause stress levels to soar.
13. Great groups tend to be nonhierarchical and free from bureaucracy.
14. Great groups are unrealistic places where optimism pervades the atmosphere.
15. Leaders of great groups are confident enough to recruit people better than themselves.
16. People in great groups are always stretching because of the giants around them.
17. Leaders of great groups recruit people for crusades, not jobs. They engage in 'holy wars.'
18. Members of great groups share information freely and subordinate their personal agenda to the good of the team.
Commentary
Great groups are products of strong leaders who put their egos in check. They know that "none of us is as smart as all of us." They run vision-driven organizations, recruit the best people for the task, give them direction, remove obstacles and keep them on course. Their organizations are places of action where people long to produce good work. A prime responsibility of leaders of great groups is to keep the team focused and harmonious while keeping stress in check.

Great groups are not limited by realism. They bite off more than they can chew. They survive being "successful" and strive to reach their full potential. They are on a quest to find out how great they can be.

Members of great groups have respect for one another's strengths and work within those areas. They create a positive peer pressure that flushes out the faint of heart and leaves no room for the uncommitted. Great groups don't happen accidentally. A strong leader constructs, coaches, focuses and leads the group to victory.

Common Traits of Uncommon Teams
by Dave Anderson
"grappling for excellence"
Coach Bodnar
Click Here For More Articles On Leadership!
Pasco High School Wrestling

Best of the West Duals

December 19-20, 2007

TRAC Arena- Pasco, WA

32 Team Dual Style Wrestling Tournament

Entry Fee: $200.00 for 20 wrestlers

Tournament Director
Bob Bodnar
Contact: coachbodnar@gmail.com

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2007-07-24T11:07:00.000-07:00
Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Leadership In Coaching

2007-07-24T10:28:00.000-07:00

July, 24, 2007

"The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men the conviction and will to carry on"

Walter Lippmann

Some thoughts about leadership from some people smarter than I , What do you think?
According to Thomas J.Peters and Robert H. Waterman Jr. (In Search of Excellence) We all think we're tops. We're exhuberantly, wildly irrational about ourselves. And that has sweeping implications for organizing. Yet most organizations, we find, take a negative view of their people. They daily berate participants for poor performance...They call for risk taking but punish even tiny failures. They want innovation but kill the spirit of the champion... they design systems that seem calculated to tear down their worksers self-image... The message that comes through so poignantly... is that we like to think of ourselves as winners. The lesson that excellent companies have to teach is that there is no reason why we can't design systems that continually reinforce this notion: most of their people are made to feel that they are winners.
Some pretty interesting thoughts about leadership!

comments to coachbodnar@charter.net
Click Here For More Articles

Is it more than just the scoreboard -the paycheck?

2007-07-22T13:52:00.000-07:00

Coaching For Excellence is a a necessity for those of us working in the High School Arena

There is no way what shows up on the scoreboard is the whole picture.
Leadership Development, Academics, Discipline, Resilience, Persistence, Contribution to the community among a few items are all things that can be fostered through a great program of athletics.

Producing a group of ego-maniacs that feel that they should be served instead of serving others is a travesty to the legacy of the coaching profession.

My intent is to produce whole people, through athletics, and in my case through what I believe to be the purest sport in the world- High School Wrestling.

I don't know who wrote this but I am willing to give them credit.

"When it is dark enough, you can see the stars." when adversity strikes, it often feels like we are plunged into a dark void from which we will never emerge. But often when things are the darkest, the stars come out and shine their light upon us. Everyone experiences darkness; everyone goes through rough times. What's important to remember is that rough times are foundations for future progress. Every type of adversity contains within it lessons that can be harnessed to fuel your success in the future. When adversity strikes, it can tear us apart, or it can build us up so that we can face whatever else life may bring. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger.

In my 35 years of coaching over 100 sport seasons I have seen so much success in a number of sports.
I can't tell you how disappointing it is to see the profession I have given my life to produce coaches who direct kids that it is alright to feel like they are entitled to everything, just because they participate in a state championship team. I have seen it too many times. I have seen their productivity as citizens stop, and they live on the fumes of the state championship. They don't contribute to the community they go on the gravy line and wait for others to do for them. Their ego sometimes gives me a sad feeling that they could be so much more. We have so much more opportunity to help these athletes grow and some of us are not doing it.

We are letting our future citizens down, because unless they are taught and led and directed they will follow the line of least resistence. Caring only for themselves and not willing to help others or be productive citizens of society.

We see it every day in every professional sport. It is the sad part of what has happened to sports in this country. Just check out the news of the last couple of days, Steroids, Illegal Dog Fighting, Who knows what else.

Where does it start, it starts from the bottom rung, the little kids programs, and then the Olympic programs and just recently another allegation of doping. How many sports, Football, Baseball ,even golf not willing to work off of the talent that God gave them they are looking for the quick fix and will do it with drugs and chemicals if necessary.

A sad commentary for those of us in the Coaching profession, we know what goes on with our kids, it is our responsibility to guide the attitude, the discipline, the expectations and the goals for which these young men and women aspire to.

Do we teach them that it is just the scoreboard , which then translates into the paycheck and the perks and the attitude and the lack of servitude.

My Sermon for the day.

Coach Bodnar
"grappling for excellence" Hopefully within the rules
Comments to : coachbodnar@gmail.com

"Shaking It Off And Stepping Up" Resilience and Perserverance

2007-07-22T10:46:00.001-07:00

Perserverance and Resilience along with a little creativity go a long way.
I have heard this story about the donkey in the well a number of times and actually I have had some people laugh at it. As we prepare for another Best Of The West Dual Wrestling Tournament I was thinking about the huge task that it is. All of the work behind the scenes and that principle about 20 per cent of the people doing 80 per cent of the work. I thought that it fit quite good in Coaching Excellence and while -grappling for excellence- in any area of your life.

As a teenager I started my school of hard knocks and reality meets the road training by enlisting in the United States Marines. I couldn't have made a better choice, the training has helped me overcome huge challenges in my life and in coaching. I still maintain a relationship with the United States Marines as they Co-Host The Best Of The West Duals.

My Thoughts for the Day! Grappling For Excellence
Shake It Off And Step Up
July 22nd, 2007

Pasco High Wrestling News
Developing Athletes That Are Great People Takes A Multi-Faceted Approach To Thinking and Training!

I don't know if you guys remember the Timex watch commercial from years ago that said that Timex watches could take a licking and keep on ticking.
After finishing the River City Duals ,the Pac-Coast Tournament and the State Championships a few points from winning it all I was trying to put some things in perspective. Conference Champions, District Champions, Regional Champions and 2nd in the state of Washington with 9 placers out of 10 participants. 13 wrestlers being recruited and a State Champion a runner up, 4 - 3rd places, a fourth, fifth, seventh and one wrestler who did not place. Two academic State Champions, and 7 honorable mentions and still I was not satisfied until I put it all in perspective.

Although I have to admit for a while I wasn't sure about the keep on ticking part.

I don't know if any of you read my article a while back where I included a story written about a mule that kept shaking it off and stepping up so I will include it for those of you who haven't read it.

Shake It Off And Step Up A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule 'braying' - or - whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened...and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back...a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back...HE SHOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! This he did, blow after blow.

"Shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up!" he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or distressing the situation seemed the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!

You're right! It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, STEPPED TRIUMPHANTLY OVER THE WALL OF THAT WELL! What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him...all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.

THAT'S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity...THE ADVERSITIES THAT COME ALONG TO BURY US USUALLY HAVE WITHIN THEM THE POTENTIAL TO BENEFIT AND BLESS US! Remember that FORGIVENESS--FAITH--PRAYER-- PRAISE and HOPE...all are excellent ways to "SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP" out of the wells in which we find ourselves!

Recently as positive and determined as I have tried to be, I have found myself in more than a few wells and obviously a number of people ready to help shovel in the dirt.

I have continued to try and do what I have done for my entire life and that is to help people, particularly kids become better people and contributors to the world that we live in.

I think that unless high expectations are levied on kids and people in general you will get just what you ask for. So I keep trying to hold the level high and expecting people to step up.

I think it was Muhammed Ali that said something like I will suffer for this small period of time so that I can live the rest of my life like a champion. I have of course paraphrased that statement but I think you get the picture.

This is a statement that goes against the grain of probably eighty per cent of the people in the world. I truthfully believe that as I have tried to hold high expectations for myself, my family the kids I have taught and coached and anyone else that I have had the opportunity to work with.

It totally amazes me how difficult a task that holding those expectations are. Don't get me wrong I am not complaining about a difficult task, I am just disappointed at the fact that so many are willing to live their lives in mediocrity just because some things are hard. The other part that just devastates me are the people with agendas that absolutely do not care who they hurt or who doesn't get treated well becase they are so selfish they cannot see past anything but getting what they want themselves.

I have met some people in my travels however; who are among the few who think about doing something in and with their lives that is way bigger than themselves and are not looking for any special treatment for themselves or accolades just caring about the objectives they have for their lives and the job they have chosen to invest themselves into.

I found many of them in the United States Marine Corps. Talk about a shock treatment and talk about high expectations that is an organization that not only talks about it but lives and thrives on it. At 17 years of age I got introduced into that world and even though it was one of the hardest things I have done in my life, it was one of the most worthwhile things I have ever done. I only mention that to say that by the "Grace of God" I got through that experience, especially boot camp and that I still consider many of those that I met my brothers and am proud to be associated with them.

I have carried some of those principles throughout my entire life. I have tried to impart them to those that have cared to stay around me. I have been criticized so many times because I keep trying to hold on to those principles and core values but the reward associated with some people finally "getting it" and some kids turning their lives around and a whole bunch of my former athletes who have turned into great people that I keep holding on to them. As difficult as it is to do I believe it is worth it.

I have tried to teach kids to take what comes and keep stepping up to sacrifice in the short term for the long term benefit. I have not wavered from that position for the past thirty four or so years in this this profession.

After losing the chance to win another championship last night I held myself and the kids accountable for some mistakes we had made and challenged them not to be second. I know that in iife sometimes we are going to be second or tenth but what I don't want to allow myself or anyone around me to do is be satisfied with second or tenth. I have spent the majority of my life reaching for the highest goals and believe me it has caused me a lot of grief, being misunderstood, even probably being disliked. I still don't care, I think it is so important to strive to achieve high goals that i am willing to take that beating also. I am willing to have the dirt shoveled in on me if I can teach a kid to move through the hard stuff and achieve something great I will continue to endure the negative.

What people see about what is done by Teachers and Coaches is just a brief snapshot of what really goes on in putting together a team or successful group or even a successful individual. So much of the work is done behind the scenes and very rarely are people rewarded for all of the behind the scenes type stuff that puts people in a position to be successful.

All people see is the tip of the iceberg. Ninety per cent of the work is behind the scenes. I really don't care about that either. I just have a problem with people that are so short sighted that they actually think that the whole thing revolves around what you seen in the championship round or in the conference dual or at the State Tournament.

I challenge those of you that think you have all of the answers and are so willing to criticize and shovel in the dirt to apply for the job and take a whack at it and put yourself in my shoes and then if you still feel justified go ahead and throw some more dirt in.

I am totally amazed at the people who are willing to take everything I have to give and not even have the courtesy to say Thank You. I obviously don't make a million dollars doing this I do it because I care about kids and people in general. My investment in what I do is huge and it impacts my entire life and most waking moments of my life.

I really don't want to "make" anyone do anything, I want them to "want" it and be willing to invest and sacrifice and put themself out there and then take your lumps and your rewards in stride. I won't let you off the hook, and I won't give you the easy way out because I know for a fact if I do that I will let you down for what you have to handle later in life.

There are people out there that think that putting a team together involves practicing two hours and teaching a bunch of technique and then going out and competing, more sadly there are some coaches that do that. I am assured however;that most coaches are very invested in what they do or they would not do it. The ones that do that may be successful for a while and they might even win some matches or a title but by and large they are flashes in the pan and don't last very long. Worse yet, they truly do not give kids the "Championship Life Experience" that they could have.

They don't give the kids the disciplined experience in the sport that will allow them to be successful people. They don't allow them to become leaders, and develop work ethic and become good sports. They short change their experience and in the long run the kids suffer.

My hat is off to the Coaches that deliver a great experience to kids because for many kids that might be the most important and most positive thing in their life. That is why I have continued to do it for these many years.

I get criticized even because I "Worry" so much. I will give you a little secret it is not so much worry as it is "Caring So Much" If you want to criticize me for that knock yourself out.

Muhammed Ali also said this:
"The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses - behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights. "

My point to all of this is If you really want to do something of importance- support your kids, and their coaches. Give the coaches some credit for the fact that they have invested themselves in the lives of young people.

How about this? Help us put together some meals for one of our road trips, support the decisions we make, help us find shoes for kids that cannot afford them, help monitor grades or even better, help us tutor kids in their academic subjects so they can remain eligible. Help support some of the kids on the team that do not have family support. Help us find doctors and medical services for our kids that will take the time to understand the sport and help us keep kids healthy and in the line up. Help us get kids to and from practice, we do that also. Help us send a deserving kid to camp, or help drive the kids to camp or even better come up to camp one day and support what the kids are doing. Work a shift at the Best of The West Duals, Help us with a fundraiser so that we can have meal money to give the kids on their trips. Support the kids as they manage their weight through out the season. Help by monitoring their skin so that we can keep the room clean and safe for the kids to participate in practice. Help us recognize the kids for their hard work by putting out the positive word in the community about what the kids are doing. Help us make sure that kids have clean practice clothes and in some cases maybe you could donate good practice shorts and t-shirts, sweats. Believe it or not many kids do not have these things. Help us by not putting rumors or untruths out there. As I would like to remind the local paper, it does not have to be true, it just has to be said. I obviously could go on but I just wanted to offer a few places where you could do something positive

Coach Bodnar
"grappling for excellence"
Pasco High Wrestling
Best Of the West Duals
Venue- TRAC Facility- Pasco, WA.
Hosted By: Pasco High Wrestling and the United States Marines
December 19th and 20th- Wednesday and Thursday 2007
Entry Fees: 200.00 per team up to 20 wrestlers per team
Tournament Director -Robert K. Bodnar
coachbodnar@gmail.com

"grappling for excellence"-Team Leadership Goals

2007-07-21T13:26:00.000-07:00

The following functional leadership goals will be put in place so that athletes have the opportunity to affect conditions which lead to team success. The team mission statement sets the standards for team success.

Team leaders and all athletes will challenge themselves and others to work hard and smart in each practice, each match and in the off-season. Athletes who work hard and smart will accomplish the most from each opportunity to practice and compete. Athletes will focus on the task at hand. Athletes learn from mistakes and go back to work improving on weak areas. We know that hard work contributes to success, and learning from mistakes is absolutely essential if we are going to pursue excellence. If we are going to “grapple for excellence” then we have to be able to train with focus, intensity, and a great work ethic.

Team leaders and all team members will build the self-confidence to achieve personally challenging goals. Self-confidence develops through persistence in moving toward goals, especially the value of resilience after they experience “setbacks.” ”Set backs are just set ups for comebacks.” When confidence is high athletes believe they are capable of accomplishing challenging goals and athletes persevere to successfully reach those goals. A wrestler has to have a high level of “Self Confidence” if he will reach high levels of performance. True self-confidence will be the difference-maker when athletes are equally matched.

Team leaders and athletes demonstrate “Commitment to Excellence” by setting high standards, and being persistent in the pursuit of goals.

A commitment to excellence can be related to all aspects of the program.
A strong commitment to excellence will bring you much closer to reaching team goals and objectives.

Most athletes will take pride in a team that stands for excellence!

Team leaders will encourage positive and direct communication, discouraging personal conflict and misinformation on the team. There is always a chance to successfully solve problems constructively and keep everyone on the same page if we openly talk to each other. Even if you have great goals and objectives it won’t help you much if you don’t have a good channel to communicate that message through your team.

Teams that communicate positively, honestly and effectively will be more cohesive.

Grappling For Excellence-Who Is Backing You Up?

2007-07-14T14:44:00.001-07:00

"Who Packs Your Parachute
Charles Plumb, a US Naval Academy graduate,
was a jet pilot in Vietnam. After 75 combat
missions, his plane was destroyed by a
surface-to-air missile.
Plumb ejected and parachuted into enemy hands.
He was captured and spent the next six years
in a Communist prison.
He survived that ordeal and now lectures about
lessons learned from that experience.
One day, when Plumb and his wife were sitting
in a restaurant, a man at another table came up
and said, "You're Plumb! You flew jet fighters in
Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk.
You were shot down!"
"How in the world did you know that?" asked Plumb.
"I packed your parachute," the man replied.
Plumb gasped in surprise and gratitude. The man
pumped his hand and said, "I guess it worked!"
Plumb assured him, "It sure did--if your chute
hadn't worked, I wouldn't be here today."
Plumb couldn't sleep that night, thinking about
that man. Plumb says, "I kept wondering what
he might have looked like in a navy uniform--adixie cup hat, a bib in the back, and bell bottom
trousers. I wondered how many times I might
have passed him on the Kitty Hawk. I wondered
how many times I might have seen him and not
even said good morning, how are you or anything
because, you see, I was a fighter pilot and he was
just a sailor."
Plumb thought of the many hours the sailor had
spent on a long wooden table in the bowels of the
ship carefully weaving the shrouds and folding the
silks of each chute, holding in his hands each time
the fate of someone he didn't know.
Now, Plumb asks his audience, "Who's packing
your parachute?" Everyone has someone who
provides what they need to make it through the day.

Plumb also points out that he needed many kinds
of parachutes when his plane was shot down over
enemy territory--he needed his physical parachute,
his mental parachute, his emotional parachute, and
his spiritual parachute.
He called upon all these supports before reaching
safety. His experience reminds us to prepare
ourselves to weather whatever storms lie ahead.
I found this story in my archives and had not read it for a long time. I just thought about fostering an atmosphere of excellence where everyone realizes how important the even supposed minute details are to everyone else on the team and take that kind of pride in their work so that everyone succeeds. How is on your team and how important do that take their role. Something to think about
Coach Bodnar
"grappling for excellence"
Best of the West Duals
December 19-20, 2007
Don't Let Your Team Down
give them a great wrestling experience!
coachbodnar@gmail.com

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2007-07-14T14:44:00.000-07:00
Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2007-07-14T09:43:00.000-07:00
Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2007-07-13T16:31:00.000-07:00
Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Coaching For Excellence

2007-07-13T16:03:00.000-07:00

http://www.pascohigh.com/

2007 Regional Champions Pasco High School Wrestling

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2007-07-13T15:52:00.000-07:00
Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2007-07-13T13:46:00.000-07:00
Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2007-07-13T13:43:00.000-07:00
Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2007-07-12T14:17:00.000-07:00
Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2007-07-12T14:13:00.000-07:00
Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Pasco Wrestling Seniors

2007-07-12T14:00:00.000-07:00
Pasco Wrestling Seniors

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2007-07-12T13:58:00.000-07:00
Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2007-07-12T13:45:00.000-07:00
Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2007-07-12T13:28:00.000-07:00
Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Pasco High Wrestling

2006-10-24T16:44:00.000-07:00
"Wrestling With Life Experiences!"
Hard Knocks University is an equal opportunity educator. Rubber Meets The Road Academy is not predjudicial. They will both instruct you, even if you do not want to be taught.
I know from facts in my own life; if you don't get something done, it won't be done for you!
I know that most people really do want to succeed, but somehow can't follow through when the rubber meets the road.
I know that in this world if you have a handful of friends you can trust you are extremely blessed.
I know that if you have a person that you can count on when they say , "yes I will" you are very fortunate.
I know that immediate gratification has been inculcated into our culture in every area of our lives. We want it now! I am sorry, You don't get anything of lasting value right now.
I know that responsibility and accountability are not universally popular themes.
I know about the 80/20 principle! Yes, twenty percent of the people do the work and eighty percent are out there coasting and going through the motions.
I know that nothing is free.
I know that I MUST keep my word.
I know if I say yes I must mean it.
I know that I must get my job done, and I must get it done well, even if it means longer hours and that I have to do it alone.
I know what I know because I have gone through it, I have experienced the hard knocks.
I know that we are not immune to bad events and circumstances in our lives.
I know that when these things occur, you have two choices. 1. Deal With It and Fix What You Can. Move On to better things. Know that you have the personal power to make changes and fix it. Know that setbacks are setups for comebacks. OR 2. Become a victim,be powerless and blame it on everyone else.
I know that quitting is a popular option in this day and age. Lay down and be a loser Watch T.V. and play Nintendo I CHOOSE OPTION NUMBER ONE!
Summer Time and the Living is Easy!
I think that is a song, as well it should be.
Anytime you get something EASY it probably will not be very lasting!
I know that it is easy if you are not going anywhere or achieving anything.
I know that someone is out there , running, lifting weights, training, going to camps , getting better , putting distance between you and him.
I know that after 58 years of living.
I know that after raising my own family.
I know that after surviving really bad things.
I know that after 52 years of being an athlete and a coach.
I know that after 35 years of teaching and coaching young people.
I know that after 6 years in the United States Marine Corps.
I know that after coaching over 100 sports seasons in Football, Wrestling, Baseball, Soccer, and Gymnastics. I know that not everyone wishes ME well, or YOU for that matter!
You can use your own intelligence and personal power to figure it out. OR YOU CAN:
Be second! (Second sucks if you will pardon my vernacular)
Almost make the team.
Almost go to state.
Almost be a champion.
Almost Graduate.
Almost go to college.
Almost graduate from college.
Almost be a good citizen.
Almost be a good parent.
Almost be a good brother or sister. ALMOST GET THE PICTURE?
I watched the movie "Seabiscuit" yesterday! A quote in the movie made me think. "I think it would be better to break a man's legs than to break his heart! You will break your own heart if you dont take action to get better. You will come up disappointed in yourself when you compete this coming season!
"Tough is not enough" Physical attributes are just not enough to make you successful. You have to work every area of your body, mind, and spirit. Will you depend on luck or someone else giving you a break; or worse, learn to expect it. I know that what you put in you most certainly get out!
Are you being tortured with the truth in this article or do you even care? I know that NO one succeeds in anything with out caring, without passion for what they are doing. I know that you have to want it, You have to smell it, You have to live and breathe it. Grappling For Excellence, my well known mantra denotes the daily struggle to achieve and my personal need to improve. Paul Dietzel said: "There are no office hours for champions!"
Will You Tell Me You Don't Have Time ? I will tell you there are 24 hours in a day. We all have the same. It is just a matter of what we do with those 24 hours. Can you get an hour of mat time in between your family, work, and other leisure pursuits. If you tell me NO, I will tell you that the passion is not there! I would rather have you say "Coach I just don't want to do it,or Coach I have other things that are more important to me, or Coach I just want to wrestle in the season, or Coach driving around in my car is more important to me. Okay! I will see you in November not prepared for success! I would rather hear the truth. I can't want it for you. I can't want it for my assistant coaches. There are choices to be made and you are making them every day you do not lift weights or get on the mat or learn about the sport.
I will no longer beg athletes to turn up for practices which I am setting up or clinics or barbecues. They are not for me , they are for you! There are time costs for everyone not just athletes. There are financial issues for everyone , not just athletes. There are sacrifices for everyone not just athletes.
If you want it you must be willing to trade your time and effort for success, it won't just drop in your lap. It does not matter whether we are talking about being a successful student , athlete, family member, employee,or just a great human being. You have to pay the price, anything else is just a pipe dream or magical thinking.
I know what I know because I have lived it. I am excited to see and hear what you know. particularly during the season. Please don't come up with tears in your eyes or ask me "what happened "if you are not willing to make the committment. You have little invested so you can expect little reward. If you choose to spend your time in other things you will be good in other things, success is very specific.
I will not appologize for this FIERCE conversation, we might as well start with the naked truth. We are going to arrive at the moment of truth anyway arent we? Please send your comments to: coachbodnar@gmail.com
Coach Bodnar

Best Of The West Duals

2006-10-22T13:16:00.000-07:00

Bring your team to the Best Of The West Duals. December 20, 21, 2006.
Held at the Beautiful TRAC ARENA in Pasco, WA.
32 Team Dual Style Wrestling Tournament in it's 7th season.
contact : coachbodnar@gmail.com

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2006-10-22T12:34:00.000-07:00
Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling
Pasco High Wrestling News
October 21st, 2006
Best of the West Duals hosted by Pasco High Wrestling in it's seventh year.
The Duals will be held this year on December 20 and 21, 2006.
Entry Fee For The Duals is still $200.00 for 20 wrestlers.
The TRAC ARENA in Pasco is again the site for the event.
The Arena now boasts a lock- in floor and has made the site an even
better venue for our event.
There are a few spots left for this year's bracket if you are interested
contact Coach Bodnar- coachbodnar@gmail.com
32 teams will attend this year with teams representing four states.
Don't Let Your Team Down
Apply for entry TODAY!
See additional information on http://www.pascohigh.com

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2006-06-18T23:02:00.000-07:00
Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling
Pasco High School Wrestlers I Need Your Committment To The Camp OF Champions Tomorrow Monday June 19,2006
Information on http://www.pascohigh.com related to the Camp Of Champions In Ellensburg July 9th Through The 13th.
Coach Bodnar

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2006-05-21T10:06:00.000-07:00
Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling
Coaches who have information on the new weight rules coming in the next two years please e-mail me at

coachbodnar@charter.net

R.K.Bodnar

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2005-08-17T07:55:00.000-07:00
Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling
Site For Wrestling In Washington State. Pasco High School Wrestling reports News, Motivational Articles, Photographs, and Information about the upcoming Best Of The West Dual Meet Tournament At The TRAC ARENA In Pasco , Washington on December 21st and 22nd.
Anyone interested in participating in this fine event can contact Coach Bodnar through this site

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

2005-08-17T07:49:00.000-07:00
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2005-06-12T07:31:00.000-07:00
Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Grappling for Excellence

2004-10-11T14:41:00.000-07:00
What are you willing to do to be the best you can be at your sport?

Grappling For Excellence!

Sometimes All We Have Are Opportunities

Blue Ribbon Movie

Grandaughter Tessa's Fifth Birthday

Deke and Candy My Partners Grappling For Excellence

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Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Improving Health Behaviors

Pasco Wrestling Seniors

Schadler At The Top Of The Podium

Serious Work Going On In The Bulldog Weight Room

Chad With The Legs In

What it Takes to be Number One Movie

Tessa -Coach Bodnar-Wyatt

Coach Bodnar And Covington At The Dome

Schadler State Champion 2007 PHS

Pasco High Wrestling 2007- 4A-2nd Place

Dimitri At The Dome

George At The State Championships

coachbodnar's blog | The Hive

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Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Slide Show Of 2007 State Wrestling Tournament

grappling for excellence

grappling for excellence

grappling for excellence

Grappling For Excellence

Behind The Eight Ball On Status Of The Oregon Wrestling Program

Here Is The Link For Saving Oregon Wrestling!Click Here For Save Oregon Wrestling

Leadership Lessons In The Real World

Leadership In The Real World-What Good Is Anything Else?

Leadership Efforts by Uncommon Teams

Action At The Mat Classic - State Championship-2007

Leadership In The Real World!

Never Lose The Fight Within Part III

University of Oregon Wrestling In Danger Of Extinction

Never Give Up The "Fight" Within- Part II

Never Give Up The "Fight" Within You!

Never Lose The Fight Within You!

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Sometime All We Have Are Opportunities!

"Sometimes All We Have Are Opportunities"

Join the blog at:Click Here "grappling for excellence"

Leadership Driven Team-What Do Athletes Expect?

Leadership In High School Wrestling

What Can Atletes Expect?

Pushing For A Little More-Lessons In Leadership

TURN UP THE HEAT!

Some great words By Dan Gable one of the word's greatest wrestlers!

Leadership In High School Wrestling!

Most men stop when they begin to tire.

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

"Grappling For Excellence-Is Your Team Leadership Driven?

Pasco High School Wrestling News- July 27, 2007

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Choosing Team Captains-Pasco High Wrestling

Great Leadership Means Taking Risks

WHAT DOES A LACK OF LEADERSHIP COST US?

Traits of Great Teams

TRAITS OF GREAT TEAMS

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Leadership In Coaching

"The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men the conviction and will to carry on"

Is it more than just the scoreboard -the paycheck?

"Shaking It Off And Stepping Up" Resilience and Perserverance

"grappling for excellence"-Team Leadership Goals

Grappling For Excellence-Who Is Backing You Up?

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Coaching For Excellence

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

Online Teams - Pasco High; Wrestling

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