Mike Collier – Head Coach Folsom HS

Mike Collier – Folsom HS

Sac-Joaquin Section

How long have you been coaching and why did you get into it?

I have been coaching for 15 years.  I wrestled at UC Davis and got an opportunity to coach there for three years after graduating.  I also was an assistant coach at Sacramento City College for a few years before getting a job at Folsom High School, where I have been for the last 10 years.

What are the goals for your program this season?

Our goal is to improve on last year’s finish, and try to get better every day in practice. We want our kids to be better on the mat, in the classroom, and have a positive influence on campus and in the community.

What wrestlers on your team are you expecting big things from this season?

Nick Fiegener – Returning State Finalist, 4X All-American

Lorenzo De La Riva – Returning State Placer, 2X All-American

Curtis Booth – Returning State Qualifier

Mason Koshiyama – 2X All-American

Carlos Alvarez – SJ Masters Placer, one match from State

Josh Lazaro, Jason Bergquist, Connor Watson, Andrew Coyne – All SJ Masters qualifiers looking to take the next step

How’s your relationship with your wrestlers?

I think our wrestlers and coaches have strong relationships that have been built through spending so much time together in practices and tournaments throughout the year(s).

How would you describe a typical week of practice during the season?

I’m sure it is similar to what a lot of programs do which is a mixture of technique, drilling, live wrestling, and conditioning.  What time of year and our upcoming schedule for that week will dictate what we need to spend more time on.

Who do you think is the best wrestler(s) to have ever come out of your high school?

Mauricio Wright (1999) was a State Finalist and went on to become a 2X NCAA DII National Champ, and 4X All-American for SF State.

Todd Wilcox (2006) was a CA State Placer, JC State Champ for Sierra College, and was a DII National Champ for Grand Canyon University

Jordan Hart (2009) was a CA State Placer, our first Senior All-American, got a scholarship to wrestle at UC Davis, but then they dropped the program.  I think he would have done well at the DI level.

Tianna Camous (2011) was our most successful female wrestler as she was an undefeated CA State Champ her senior year, a 4x All-American and got a scholarship to wrestle for Lindenwood University.

What advice would you give to those coaches who are barely starting a wrestling program?

Have a plan, be patient, surround yourself with great assistants who share your passion and vision for the program, be a positive role model, and get ready for a lot of paperwork.

What is the answer to having a successful wrestling program?

I don’t think there is just one answer, but you have to have coaches, kids, and parents who are willing to put in hard work in and out of season to improve your team.  You want everyone on the same page, and seek out the best competition whenever possible.

What advice would you give a high school wrestler who is considering wrestling in college?

Grades are one of the most important factors.  A lot more doors will open for you if you are getting it done academically.  Look at all levels and see what is the best fit.  Do some research and ask those who have college wrestling or coaching experience what it is all about.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

Can’t go wrong with Hawaii, but Mexico and Florida are usually a good time as well.

What is your favorite TV show?

Is Sportscenter a show?

What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?

I coach middle school boys volleyball for fun and I enjoy playing, although I am usually the shortest guy on the court.

Is there anything else you’d like to mention about your wrestlers or your program?

We have a few wrestlers that some teams in our area know about, but hopefully we will have a few new faces in the lineup this year that can surprise some people.