The strategy for success is not complicated, however it will require effort.  It is simple, but it is not easy.  For the NSCIF to produce wrestlers who will attain success at the CIF level it really only requires more time on the mats with better training partners.  While it certainly won't hurt to improve the technical ability of our coaches, or to recruit better athletes, (or a host of other factors for that matter) the most effective way, and the most essential factors, are these two: 1) Mat Time, and 2) Training Partners.  Everything else is inconsequential by comparison.

There are multiple things that a coaching staff must bring to the table in order to build a successful program, particularly as we are defining success (CIF medals).  A deep reservoir of wrestling knowledge and the ability to teach that knowledge are two important skills that a coach can offer, but much more important is the organizational leadership needed to build a feeder program, operate a HS program, organize a booster club, or operate a wrestling club.  The skills to handle these tasks do not need to come from one person.  A team approach is a much more effective strategy: one coach focuses on the technical instruction and practice planning, while another coach focuses on creating the organization that keeps wrestlers on the mats outside of the HS season, and for years before and after their HS careers.

Indeed, these efforts don't even need to come from the same program.  We need to build a collaborative model in the NSCIF.  Programs in Gilroy, or Los Angeles, or San Diego have the concentration of people and wealth that allow them to build highly successful programs within the insititutional structure of a single school.  The North Section is vast, but rural.  We have few schools, and even fewer dollars.  But effort and ingenuity can stretch those dollars, and multiply the impact of every program.  Our HS programs need to find ways to put our best wrestlers on the mat with each other as often as possible throughout the year.  We need to take advantage of the three college programs in our section.  And we need to be investing leadership and other resources into our clubs and youth programs.

Here are some specific strategic recommendations:

1) Recruit current college wrestlers and/or graduates to your program to train with your wrestlers.

2) Find ways to get your recent alumni in the room to train with your wrestlers.

3) Send your better wrestlers to practices where other great HS wrestlers, or college wrestlers are present.

4) Find ways to get some of the better youth wrestlers in the area to work out with your HS wrestlers.

5) Encourage your wrestlers to participate in club wrestling, summer training, and camps.

6) Look for competitive opportunities outside of the NSCIF.

7) Coordinate with your local feeder programs, ensure they feel supported and included.

8) Many of these recommendations cannot be done within the context of a sanctioned HS practice without violating CIF rules.  However, this is where creating and operating clubs (or collaboration with existing clubs) can be very helpful.