Beaschler, Yahrmarkt to participate in 4th annual NWCA Leadership Academy
By Tim Glon
ADA — Ohio Northern head wrestling coach Ron Beaschler and assistant coach Rob Yahrmarkt will participate in the Fourth Annual NWCA Coaching Leadership Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on August 1 and 2.
Beaschler is one of 11 coaches nationally to be selected to serve as a mentor during the academy, while Yahrmarkt is one of just 45 coaches representing all collegiate divisions that have been selected to receive full scholarships to participate in the academy.
"This is an outstanding opportunity for young head coaches and assistant coaches to get additional training on how to be a successful head coach at the collegiate level," Beaschler said. "The academy provides instruction on nearly everything associated with being a head coach, both on and off the mat. It is a tremendous honor that Rob was selected to receive a full scholarship to this event."
The purpose of this Academy is to utilize peer group discussion among college coaches, athletic administrators, and CEOs to develop "best practices" for protecting and strengthening intercollegiate wrestling programs through this challenging economy. Further, the NWCA wants to help coaches better align their programs with educational values.
Nationally renowned coaching development expert, Dr. Dan Gould from Michigan State University along with his staff, will be facilitating these discussions.
The NWCA is able to cover the airfare, lodging, meals and convention registration fees for all participants due to the generosity of several wrestling benefactors.
"With the success of the past three Academies, we are looking forward to mentoring another group of outstanding head and assistant coaches," said NWCA President Brian Smith. "This is the second largest group of coaches that we have accepted to the Academy, last year there were 60 coaches enrolled, this continues to show the need for this type of leadership program."
"Over the past three years, several of our very generous donors have collectively contributed $850,000 toward our CEO Leadership Academy," Beaschler said. "These funds were used to develop the Academy curriculum and/or to provide full scholarships for 90 head/assistant college coaches to complete the Academy each year. As of this August, approximately 220 college coaches will have completed the Academy."
The Academy consists of having each coach complete a program assessment survey, 360 evaluation, and then view 10 online educational modules that address CEO skills and/or best practices for strengthening the alignment of their programs with educational values. All coaches who complete the pre-requisites are then invited to attend a 2 day workshop.
The Polar Bears finished the 2011-12 season with a 12-4 overall record, won the Ohio Athletic Conference Regular Season title with a 5-0 record and finished the season on a high note when junior Kyle Kwiat won the 174-pound NCAA III Tournament title.