Wrestling isn’t just throwing people across the mat — it’s about creating relationships new and old. This is something that business teacher Tyson Campbell is experiencing as he is now the new assistant coach for both boys and girls wrestling. 

“I feel like I’m fitting in well,” Campbell said. “I started building relationships with the students, and that’s been the most rewarding.”

Campbell has been teaching for 11 years and coaching for 14 years. He decided he wanted to become the assistant wrestling coach because of his existing passion for the sport.

“I love wrestling. Wrestling is the only sport I watch besides watching my kids’ activities…” Campbell said. “I really enjoy coaching wrestling and being around the sport. I love sharing my passion for wrestling with students.”

Head wrestling coach Benjamin Knol feels that Campbell has been a positive addition to the team as well.

“Coach Campbell is fitting in very well. We are lucky to have him,” Knol said. “He’s got great history of coaching and a passion for the sport. He is doing fantastic.” 

It isn’t just Knol who has enjoyed having Campbell join the team. Gokkhan Yurdanidze (11) said that the team has learned a lot from Campbell’s past experience with coaching wrestling, and other wrestlers agree.

“Campbell is a dog. He is tough and pushes us constantly, and it helps us improve,” Daniel Secic (10) said.

As the team starts their season, they have also set some goals to guide them.

“We just want athletes to improve on what they do,” Knol said, “and hopefully qualify for state…”