Coaches Corner – Ian Shaw
Ian Shaw – Head Coach Clovis West HS
Ian Shaw – Clovis West HS
Central Section
How long have you been coaching and why did you get into it?
I have been coaching wrestling for a total of 9 years. The past 7 years I have been coaching at Clovis West High School 4 years as an assistant and this is my 3rd year as the head coach. Wrestling has been a part of my life ever since I was a young kid, I just love this sport and love to see kids succeed and move on a become successful young men.
What are the goals for your program this season?
We have a very seasoned team this year with 9 seniors and a few guys are finally getting into the starting lineup at their natural weights. Our goals are simple: League, Valley & State Champions.
We compete in the toughest league in the country where two of the other teams share the same goals. This is what makes the TRAC so much fun.
What wrestlers on your team are you expecting big things from this season?
We have 5 guys on our team that are what we call our heavy hitters.
Michael Knoblauch 3rd State
Chris Lane State Q
Chris Garcia 2x State Placer
Tyler Zimmer 2x Top-12, Flo AA
Cortes Morales State Placer.
We need these 5 guys to rack up big points for us in the state tournament. However guys that we are counting on stepping up for us this year in addition are:
Jr. Bryce Morita 106 lbs. 9th Valley
Sr. Chris Marin 113 lbs.
Fr. Issac Espana Talented incoming freshman
So. Bobby Miguel
Sr. Luke Lierly
Sr. Eric Glikbarg
Sr. George Espana
Sr. Alex Ku 9th Valley
Sr. Austin Cox.
How’s your relationship with your wrestlers?
I am very close with my kids; wrestling as you know is an emotional rollercoaster. One minute you’re on a high and then you can be at a low. You become close with your kids as you see them grow all the way from elementary school until now their seniors in high school.
How would you describe a typical week of practice during the season?
Simply put its A “Grind” we work really hard, we drill hard, we condition hard and the best part of our room is when we go live. Our kids do not like to give up points in the room, and I love it. They say iron sharpens iron and I truly believe that is what’s going on in our room.
Who do you think is the best wrestler(s) to have ever come out of your high school?
We have had some pretty good ones; however we have only had three 3x state placers at this school.
Trent Barnes was a 3x State Placer 2x Champion
Zach Zimmer was a 3x State Placer 2x Runner up
Nikko Reyes was a 3x State Placer 2x Champion.
You also have to put Ralph Lopes in that conversation 2x State Champion (I believe undefeated both years he won his titles)
What advice would you give to those coaches who are barely starting a wrestling program?
Set high standards and follow thru on your rules you set in place. Nobody is above the school, team, and program, build relationships with your kids, and give everyone of your kids the same attention you would give your best kid. It’s about building not just for that year but for the following years. If you have elementary and a Jr. High programs you must build a strong relationship with your coaches. Get the right coaches in the right schools they are sending you your future wrestlers.
What is the answer to having a successful wrestling program?
Surround yourself with coaches and people who share your goals and will put in the time to help the program achieve them. We travel a lot and we put huge amount of responsibility on our coaches. And again build strong relationships with your lower level coaches.
What advice would you give a high school wrestler who is considering wrestling in college?
The most important thing is your grades, you can be the best kid in the country but if you can’t qualify thru the NCAA clearinghouse you can’t go directly to a 4 year college. Exposure is also very important, and getting your name out there to schools is very important.
Wrestlers that I have who are interested in wrestling out of High School we sit down and build a resume and we send it out to the schools where the kids are looking at. We try and build a line of communication with the coaches.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Aruba. I went there for my honeymoon and it was amazing.
What is your favorite TV show?
Sons of Anarchy, NCIS Los Angeles, Criminal Minds.
What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?
I’m a big old mommas boy.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention about your wrestlers or your program?
We are just really excited for this year and I’m really excited for my Jr high this year Kastner Intermediate they are looking tough and we have some really good coaches that have come on board there. Dan Pantoja, Damani Buckley, Brandon Rodriguez and volunteer Josh Price. Also our year around club GoldenBoyz is growing every week. Super Excited for the future.
