Continued from page 25


is all about the relationships. I was around so many great guys and got to be part of it. I always worked hard and always tried to make them better.


USA Wrestling: After the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, you moved back to college coaching by taking over the Navy program. Why did you make this change? Burnett: With USA Wrestling, I trav- elled a lot and got tired of the travel. When you are around those guys and see how passionate they are to be the best, you think how long they worked to be best in the world. Part of me wanting to get away was seeing those guys not get to do that. One part was Cary Kolat. Those people were not out to get Cary. It was always a situation. Those were some painful things that happened. People can say that it was not right. But when you are at that level and in the fight with them, it takes a bit out of the coach too. I was ready for a change.


USA Wrestler: What is the difference coaching athletes at a service academy in comparison to Olympians or college wrestlers at an elite program like Oklahoma State? Burnett: They are not as gifted physi- cally and their skills are not the same. Look at the rosters and see how many high school champions and Junior National titles they have. These teams have much more than us. But we still compete with them. It is fun to do what other people say you can’t do.


USA Wrestler: What are your goals for your Navy team?


Burnett: My goals have never changed since I have been here. To graduate is first. We have a 95 percent graduation rate. Then it is to be NCAA champion, NCAA All-American and to be an EIWA champion, which is a strong conference. We want to be a nationally respected pro- gram, to be in the top 25 every year. Individually, I ask the wrestlers three sim- ple questions each year. 1. Where do you think you are at? 2. Where do you want to go? 3. What do you need to do to get there? If they are coming back, I have statistics for them because I am a video guy. These guys are smart.


USA Wrestler: You often talk about the amazing student-athletes in the Navy pro- gram and your respect for them. What are the special things about them? Burnett: Consider the things that they


do. These people are contributors, lead- ers of society and leaders of our country. What they do is important. All of these guys want to be in the Naval Academy and they want to be wrestlers. I believe in the Naval Academy. I have seen it trans- form them into great men.


USA Wrestler: What can the USA do in order to maintain its level of freestyle excellence? Burnett: After coaching at the Pan American Games, I think Zeke Jones is on it. What a great group of guys. If you develop a relationship with them, they will listen to you and you can help them. Our system does work. Everybody wants a new system, but I’ve seen what they do in other countries. When I was national coach, I got back to having our club coaches a big part of the National Team


program. If there is one thing to say, there is a disconnection in terms of our depth. You cannot neglect having some- body involved in younger guys so there is a solid base of international-wise ath- letes. Also, I wish there was exposure points at the NCAA level for wrestling. If we got to that, we would get a lot better faster.


Wrestling Camps


Camp of Champs® is committed to providing quality instruction from Olympic, World, National and State Champions including John & Ben Peterson, Mike Houck, Kevin Black, Jim Gruenwald and more.


All Skills Wrestling Camp: $ 470 (boys grades 6-12)


1. June 9-13 5 days Westboro, WI 2. July 22-26 5 Days Juneau, WI


Champion Camps: $770 (boys grades 11 & 12) Our Toughest!


1. June 17-23 7 days Juneau, WI 2. July 8-14 7 days Juneau, WI


Personal Technique Camps: $570 (boys grades 9-12)


1. June 24-28 5 days Juneau, WI 2. July 8-12 5 days Juneau, WI


Father/Son Camps: $650 (boys grades 1-8)


1. June 8-11 4 days Westboro, WI 2. July 22-25 4 days Juneau, WI


Adv. Father/Son Camp: $750 (grades 6-12)


June 9-13 5 days Westboro, WI


12-Day Adv. Training Camp: $1,170 (boys grades 9-12) June 17-28 12 days Juneau, WI


VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO SIGN UP ON LINE


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