Continued from page 30 driven.
Kalika’s approach is developmental
“I try to figure out what strengths need to be developed and try and make them stronger,” Kalika said. “For example, he’s really explosive and I want to make him more explosive. So, I don’t really see weaknesses, but it’s more about taking the time to develop him and find what needs to be developed.”
Kalika says in the three decades in which he has been coaching, he has only had one other student like Pico, and that was in the Ukraine.
Kalika says Pico is the first like him
that he’s coached here in the United States.
“He is a very special kid,” Kalika said. “He isn’t always easy to teach, some- times it takes him a while to understand something but when he gets it, he gets it good. He has no fear and is focused on being an Olympic champion.” Although Pico’s hard work has gotten him far in his young wrestling career, he still enjoys having fun like a normal teenager.
He looks forward to Sunday family bar- beques and playing basketball with his friends during his limited free time away from wrestling. But, Pico’s attention doesn’t drift too far
Pico won Cadet Nationals Greco and freestyle titles in 2011. He started this sea- son by winning a Cadet Folkstyle Nationals title. John Sachs photo.
away from wrestling. He knows in order to be the best he has to continuously focus on working hard and improving. And if his coach’s predictions are cor- rect, Pico could one day be an Olympic Champion.
“At this point, I don’t see anybody beat-
ing him,” Kalika said. “He’s ready and able to compete at a high level. I see him doing really well and I hope one day he can be an Olympic champ.” It’s been two years since Kalika and Pico made their agreement, and both are excited about his future.
31 USA Wrestler
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