Middle School Coaching Staff

In the Fall of 2024, Dexter’s (Mill Creek) Middle School Wrestling Team was returning only four kids from the previous season.  This is a problem when there are 21 weight classes!  Four local dads, led by Coach Ryan Dinius, accepted the challenge to change the face of Dexter Middle School Wrestling.

 

The coaches began by mailing letters home; they introduced themselves and invited all kids - no matter their skill level, out for the team.  They spent their lunch hours at the school getting to know the kids, building positive relationships, and recruiting them to join the team. 

 

Once the season began, the coaches raised expectations in everything the kids did.  It all centered around a three-pronged approach:

                    1. Be a good person

                    2. Be a good student

                    3. Be a good athlete

 

To boost academics, the coaches hosted a weekly study hall.

On the days of meets, all wrestlers wore a shirt and tie to school. 

 

Through their hard work, the kids began to gain confidence during the season; they carried themselves with more pride in everything they did.   Twenty-six wrestlers finished that resurgent season in 2024, and the program has been growing ever since.