Legendary wrestling coach directs Seneca Valley youths
JACKSON TWP — Wrestling season doesn't officially begin until December.
However, when a grappler's sights are set on becoming a champion, the season never really ends.
Wrestlers in the Seneca Valley program were given the opportunity to take their skills to the next level during a week of instruction provided by the All-American Wrestling Club.
The club lived up to its name by bringing in a coach who has been churning out All-Americans at the University of Wisconsin for the past 17 years.
Barry Davis, a three-time NCAA national champion and Olympic silver medalist, was the guest instructor at the camp, which featured 45 aspiring wrestlers from ages 6 to 17.
Davis won his NCAA titles at Iowa under the legendary Dan Gable in 1982 (118 pounds), '83 (126) and '85 (126), and claimed the Olympic silver medal in the 1984 games at 57 kilograms. He became the head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers in 1994 and has produced 37 All-Americans and four national champions during his tenure.
Austin Leon, 13, who will be a freshman at Seneca Valley this fall, was one of the campers soaking in the knowledge provided by Davis. He recognized the benefits of receiving tips from a superstar in the world of wrestling.
“It really helps you with technique and all of the other aspects of (wrestling),” Leon explained. “The technique is always something you try to use when it's taught from guys like Barry Davis, because it usually always works.”
The young grapplers at the camp were mostly from Seneca Valley, but there were some wrestlers from Hampton and Kittanning, as well.
Joe Montalbano is the head of the Seneca Valley Elementary program and has seen a spike in numbers over the last few years. Part of the increase is due to hosting camps like the All-American Wrestling Club.
“It helps build the program,” Montalbano said. “We were in the 40s or 50s, but now there are over 90 kids out for the program and it continues to grow. This is the best summer turnout we've ever had.”
Davis is used to fine-tuning the skills of some of the most talented grapplers in the country, but he still has fun helping wrestlers with less experience achieve their dreams.
“It's a two-part thing. It gets the University of Wisconsin name out there and it's something I enjoy doing. I like to give back to the sport,” said Davis. “Wrestling is a sport that teaches work ethic, discipline, to work with others and to think outside the box. You have to learn new techniques and new moves, so you have to expand and broaden your horizon.”
Davis doesn't offer his help to just anyone, though. He has known Rob Waller, who runs the All-American Wrestling Club, since the 1980s and trusts the way he goes about his business.
“Rob is here for the kids to get better and give them attention, and I believe in that. I like the way he does stuff with technique and discipline,” elaborated Davis. “Sometimes, I don't believe in their (other camps') philosophy. They're there to make money. I believe in what he (Waller) does, because he's here for the kids.”
The All-American Wrestling Club traveled to Seneca Valley for the sake of the kids, but the appreciation was mutual. The campers' demeanor was something that impressed the three-time national champ.
“It's a good group of kids,” said Davis. “They're very disciplined, want to learn and listen to detail.”
Aside from his triumphs at the NCAA and Olympic level, Davis also took third and second in the World Championships in 1986 and '87, respectively. It would be tough to top his accolades on the mat, but he's evolved into a successful coach at the Division I level.
Wisconsin has finished in the top 10 at the NCAA Championships over the past three seasons while 11 Badgers have reached the All-American podium during that timespan.
Seneca Valley Junior High coach Dave Gerrich knows having Davis at the camp should serve as a memorable and constructive experience for the wrestlers.
“Barry Davis is an iconic figure in wrestling,” said Gerrich. “To have someone of his caliber to camp is awesome. It exposes the kids to premier teaching.”
