Team Hammer actually originated in a garage. The original wrestlers were a part of a powerhouse wrestling program, but they simply couldn't win a match no matter what they did or how much they practiced. So Coach Tony and Coach Willy decided to run an experiment...they decided to hold an extra practice that was shaped more like school with an emphasis on positive support, so that the kids could see that wrestling is simply applying learned techniques, including mental toughness (also a learned skill), while changing the goal of "winning," instead to "improvement."
The results came quickly and in a few short years the kids went from not winning any of their matches to now winning State titles and crushing their goals. And...most importantly...the kids are having a blast in the program.
Coach Tony
Coach Tony is the head coach and teaches the advanced wrestlers in the room. He is a decorated Iraqi Freedom military veteran who spent several years in Spec Ops with the Recon Marines and has a Bachelor's Degree in High School Teaching. Before moving to Kansas City he lived in Columbia, MO, where he coached the wrestling phenom J'Den Cox (3x D1 National Champion, as well as an Olympic bronze medalist and World Champion) during his high school reign of terror -- four state titles at four different weight classes.
While coaching for another club, his wrestlers won the 8U and 10U State titles as well as helping the club set the Missouri record for the most youth state champions by one team in one year (14!).
Coach Willy
Coach Willy runs the novice section of the club. He has coached in several clubs the last few years and all have improved immensely because of his presence, including doubling the amount of State Qualifiers in his last club. He has personally overseen the physical and mental development of several kids that went from not winning a match their first few years to winning a State title.
Coach Thomas
Coach Thomas coaches the advanced level and brings experience preparing and coaching athletes of all levels in both boxing and wrestling. He's a 2 x regional Golden Glove champion and a 2008 Ringside World's runner-up. He has two kids on the team and values the tight knit family environment that Team Hammer offers. Coach Thomas is always searching for the most cutting edge training and teaching methods that make a positive impact on young athletes' lives.
Coach Alan
Coach Alan heads up the Team Hammer strength and conditioning department and is the head coach of the Park Hill South Panthers (where Team Hammer is located). He's coached high school football for the last 14 years and has led teams to a State finals appearance, 3 x final four appearances, 7 District Championships, and 7 Conference Championships. He's also the Powerlifting Coach for Park Hill South and has coached the notable athletes: Calvin Munson (NFL Linebacker for the New York Giants), Montee Ball (Runningback for the Denver Broncos), and Connor Flynn (wrestles for the University of Missouri).
Coach Josh
Coach Josh is also a military veteran who spent four years in the Army and has combat deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan. He has coached youth wrestling for the last six years. He is also Team Hammer's tournament coordinator.
Coach Nick
Coach Nick was a nationally ranked competitive boxer and fought professionally for seven years. He was ranked 15th in the nation at one point in his fighting career. He has coached youth wrestling for the last five years.