COACHES CORNER from page 33
Can we do this more? Zadick: I think for sure we can. Henry
was able to do it. Kyle Snyder was able to do it. We know it’s possible. It again goes back to that consistency. You had some very mature-minded kids and some kids who were focused on what they wanted to accomplish. They had opportu- nity. Part of that is for us to create that opportunity, implementing the elements, the tactical, technical pieces, the training methodology, the sport nutrition informa- tion, the periodization. We can combine those elements in one location at the Olympic Training Center. With our resi- dent program, we will move in that direc- tion with more of a streamlined focus on our elite Juniors, with emerging potential that we know have the ability. We can invest in one year of their career to give them consistent international experience, see the world, teach them what elite level training looks like, so that they go on to college after a year at the training center. Kyle Snyder had five international com- petitions before the Junior World Championships. He had 11 National Team Training opportunities, both domestic and international with the Senior-level National Team. Those experiences helped him to grow and be competitive on the Senior- level earlier. To give him and his coaches credit, he took that information and was diligent about his training. Building a strong Junior resident program will be another bonus. It is not the only answer but gives us another opportunity to invest in our top kids. It gives them another avenue to achieve the kind of success they want to see and we know is possible.
Q: Do you believe in a performance-
based financial incentive system, and if so, why does it work? Zadick: I believe in it. You have excep-
tional people out there and you want to provide them with an incentive, not that the winning is not enough. You have a lit- tle bit of incentive, and it’s nice to provide a reward for the fruits of their labors. The more revenue we can generate in our sport, and develop financial support for our athletes who are higher performers, it will make us a healthier and deeper sport. We provide resources and financial stability for athletes who can continue to compete through a rewards-based sys- tem, when they might not otherwise. If we didn’t have performance bonuses, National Team stipends, the stewards for the Living the Dream Medal Fund, we know we would lose some of our best athletes to other disciplines, including MMA or just retirement to get into the pro-
34 USA Wrestler
fessional side of coaching. The more we can create these opportunities, the stronger we will be on the competitive side.
Q: Has freestyle changed since you
were World champion, and how can athletes and coaches stay current with the subtle things it takes for victory? Zadick: It has changed considerably.
When I won the Worlds in 2006, we were in the old two-of-three period system. We are now back to a six-minute match with cumulative score. It is much better. It pro- vides more incentive for an individual to take some risk and put points on the board. The old system was a fear-based system. A guy was afraid to make a mis- take. Our current system is much more athlete-friendly and fan-friendly and more objective and clear. For athletes and coaches in our grassroots system, being involved in your state association, helping with your spring and summer wrestling programs, is the best way to stay current. As rules change, there are always new trends, tactics and skills. Over the years, you see a lot of skills are consistent, but a new twist on a rule or interpretation might change the tactical implementation of the same technique. Being involved on a state, regional and national level, helps us to continue to learn and stay current with trends. We will all be stronger because of it. Our nation will be stronger, our base will improve. The broader our base, the higher our peak will be.
Q: Have we looked ahead to the Non-Olympic World Championships in December? Zadick: For sure. As soon as UWW
made that announcement, everybody was looking at it instantly. Speaking to the atti- tude and competiveness of the United States, several coaches and athletes as soon as the announcement was made, they were already planning. They are already adjusting their brains to get ready to prepare themselves and prepare their athletes to make this World Team and win this World title. It is a World title, a real deal. It is important to have that World Championships experience for any indi- vidual who is good enough to earn that. The guys that believe they can make the team and win World medals are making adjustments. As a National Staff, we are helping our Olympians prepare for Rio, but we know we have another goal a few months beyond it. I am excited about it. When I become the official National Coach, it will be a Senior-level World title in a short time for me to get experience. I am looking forward to the opportunity.
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