Omar Delgado – St. John Bosco HS

Omar Delgado – St. John Bosco HS

Southern Section

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

I have been coaching for 23 years and 20 years as the Head Coach at St. John Bosco. I started coaching as a grad assistant at Rio Hondo college under John Rosales. Wrestling gave me an opportunity to continue my education and taught me the values I use in my life today so I wanted to help kids through the sport the same way it helped me. I give alot of credit to Coach Rosales he taught me everything I know about hardwork, dedication and commitment as being the keys to success.I just took his lessons and applied them to my life and to the St. John Bosco wrestling team.

What are the goals for your program this season?

I have some big dreams and goals for our program this year like winning another CIF Championship and helping the boys reach their personal goals. Its hard to believe the Valencia boys and Joseph Dominguez will be seniors next year but as there goals are reached our team goals will be reached also. The boys want to win another CIF championship and make a run at State Championship. I just want the program to continue to grow and have the boys stay healthy. The boys work very hard year round and the hard work they put in will make their dreams come true.

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

I certainly expect big things from Anthony Valencia, Zahid Valencia, Joseph Dominguez, Danny Salas, Matt Williams, Josh Solomon, Jacob Bueno, Adrian Ochoa and Sefo Savilla they should have a great season. Along with a few other wrestlers who have been accepted to our school for next year.

How’s your relationship with your wrestlers?

I have a great relationship with our wrestlers. I always tell parents the wrestlers are like my sons and I treat them that way. All the wrestlers hang out in my classroom everyday at lunch. My wrestlers know they can come speak to me about school, wrestling and anything else that they need help with. I have a PPS credential so I help the kids with making sure they are taking the right classes and are doing the right thing to get into the college or university of their choice.

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

A typical week or practice is certainly a long week. The day usually begins for our varsity wrestlers at 6am unless your a Valencia they start at 4am. We get a morning drill and weight lifting in. We get dressed go to class starts at 8am and attend class until 2:30pm. We then have study hall until 3:30 because we start practice at 4pm sharp and that practice goes til 6pm. It makes for a long day but the boys learn to be prepared and adapt well.

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

I have been very blessed to have some great wrestlers attend my school over my 20 years as Head Coach. Mike Martinez 3rd in the state was great, Jeremy Gendreau 2nd in the Nation was great.Joseph Dominguez is 6th in the state last year is great. Aaron Pico State Champion as a freshmen and the best young freestyle wrestler in the world. But its hard to argue that at this point it would have to be the Valencia boys. Zahid and Anthony are special young men who are great wrestlers, great students, and have great character. If Aaron Pico would have stayed in High School he would certainly be in that mix. But we are talking high school. Only time will tell who is the best ever. I love all of these young men and they are very special to me. They all posses that heart of a champion and I each has a special story.

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

The best advice I could give any young coach is to remember that its for the boys and not for you. If you Coach to help people get better on and off the mat you will have longevity. If you coach because you only want to teach a double leg you will find that most kids have a hard time with that. If you teach the boys to be on time, to be responsible to be good people you will see better results on and off the mat.

Surround yourself with good people, start a kids club, wrestle year round and enjoy the journey.

What is the answer to having a successful wrestling program?

Teaching the boys to be punctual, responsible and prepared. If you can get organized and create the right system for you that revolves around those principles you will have success. It is alot of work and things don’t always go as planned but when you care about the kids they will know and they will rise to the occasion for you. Kids and parents gravitate to people who want to do the best for them and their children.

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

I tell all my wrestlers to use wrestling as a tool to gain an education, to gain experience and grow as a human being. I encourage all my wrestlers to stay involved in the sport in college. Wrestling in college for me created life long connections and memories.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

My favorite vacation spot is Laughlin. I like going to the river and hanging out at the Riverside.

What is your favorite TV show?

My favorite TV show is the old re-runs of the Rifle man. I like watching or Westerns. Clint Eastwood and John Wayne are my boys.

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

I love going to the swapmeet on sundays and collecting old stuff.

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

I feel very blessed to have been able to Coach at St. John Bosco for 20 years as the Head Coach. I have met countless wonderful people because of this great sport and I am eternally grateful for what the sport of wrestling has done for me and for all the wrestlers who have touched my life. Thank you CalGrappler and thank God for wrestling.