Steve Glassey – Head Coach Santiago HS

Steve Glassey – Santiago HS

Southern Section

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

I have been coaching since 1980. I felt I had something to give back, I had a great high school coach, Dennis Payne from Rubidoux HS. He was a great mentor.

What are the goals for your program this season?

The program’s goals are to mirror last year’s success. To develop our very talented youth so we can be competitive when the upper class graduates. I always look two or three years down the line.

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

Lacayo, the Thomas Twins, Longo and Garcia. I believe when we peak at the correct time they will be in the hunt.

How’s your relationship with your wrestlers?

I treat them like I’m the #2 dad. I will give them advice, most of time they take it. I will joke with them, but they also know I can be all business…and business has got to be good! I know each of their personalities and what makes them tick, a good coach knows how to reach each of his athletes to get them to perform. Its a fun room and we jell very well together.

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

I teach situations at every practice. We drill, drill, drill then hand fight for our conditioning. We lift daily in our new weight room, we run some 400’s, 200’s for 10 minutes…we train for a 10 minute match, that’s our goal. Individually, I work on daily objectives with each wrestler, they all wrestle different so each guy has their own weapons…we sharpen them.

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

Since Santiago HS has had only one state champ, Christian Pagdilao is our best guy. I believe our guys that are developing now can surpass him…I have coached some great ones, Pat Cadwallader, Mike Simpson, Rick Monge were all great state champs. Lets see who is next for the Sharks.

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

Build a program not a team, develop your youth program, have balance because this sport can take over your life. Be a student of the sport…Outwork your competition…be a good communicator and a better listener.

What is the answer to having a successful wrestling program?

Have a goal for the program, daily, weekly, monthly steps of progress and do what it takes for your wrestlers, parents and administration to buy in to what you have to offer. Be flexible in your mindset, the day never goes the way you plan it. Stay positive no matter what the situation is.

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

I have been fortunate to coach at the collegiate level. I know what a coach looks for in a student-athlete. There is a place for anyone that wants to compete at the next level. Be honest with them and advise them of the level should focus on…not everyone is D-1. Look for the school that has your academic interests, population, and location. See if the program will also fits the athlete’s needs…because it goes both ways. Attempt to work on a great SAT or ACT, make sure the academics are above a 3.0 gpa. Take your 5 trips because they are great experiences. Listen to your heart because you will be at that institution for at least 5 years.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

Alaska!!!

What is your favorite TV show?

Anything that has fishing or hunting.

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

I recently hunted grizzly bear in the bush of Alaska with Brent Metcalf. Hunting and fishing are my other passions besides coaching wrestling.

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

Everyone of my varsity wrestlers believes they can win a state title, my goal is to put them in the situation to do it. They have the confidence in the Santiago System…we proved it last year, now we are up for the challenge again this season.