Wrestling is a family affair for Coach Mike Denney and his Nebraska-Omaha program. Sandy Higdon photo. Continued from page 8


teaches classes in judo, self-defense and wrestling coaching theory. “I love teaching,” he said. “It gives me a chance to deal with


the regular student population, in addition to the wrestlers that I coach. Teaching keeps me grounded, and it keeps me in touch with the students on campus here. I really enjoy it.” Denney had his chances to move up to the Division I level.


He was offered the head coaching position at the University of Wyoming nearly two decades ago, but chose to stay in Omaha. Through it all, his wife has been by his side during the ups


and downs with the UNO program. Bonnie Denney was induct- ed into the Kaufman-Brand Hall of Fame in 2009. “I couldn’t do this without my wife,” he said. “She’s so sup-


portive. She’s been unbelievable.” Denney is 63, but with jet-black hair and a trim physique, he


looks much younger than his age. He still rises early each day and gets his morning workout in before most of his wrestlers are even out of bed. At this rate, he may coach until he’s 73. “This is kind of my calling and I still have a lot of passion for


it,” he said. “I always tell my recruits that I’m going to do this another 10 years. I feel like we’ve been able to stay competitive on a consistent basis. If I ever get to the point where I don’t have the energy and the drive to keep the program up there, somebody else should take over. “Being around the young men on our team is motivating and inspiring. I can’t wait to get to practice every day.” The 2010 Kaufman-Brand Open is finally in the books. The


final match is completed around 10:35 p.m. A weary Denney, his coaches and his 33-member team begin


the long and arduous task of rolling up 15 mats and hauling them out of the arena. On the drive home, Denney stops at a red light. He dozes off briefly, before a motorist behind him honks when the light turns


Denney coached Cody Garcia to a pair of national titles at 125 pounds for the Mavericks. Tim Tushla photo.


green. By the time Denney arrives home, it is 1:30 a.m. “There is a lot of work that goes into putting on a big tourna-


ment like this,” he said. “I still get all fired up for this tournament, and I really enjoy it. “I know I’m a little crazy for saying this, but I love doing it. It was a 120-hour work week for me, but it’s all worth it.”


USA Wrestler 9


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44