Q&A with Southern Oregon University wrestling coach Gabby Weyhrich
ASHLAND, Ore. — Gabby Weyhrich has a great saying: 鈥淒on鈥檛 just do it 鈥� do it right!鈥�
The star athlete turned coach has been doing it right for quite some time. We聽learned this recently, when we caught up with聽the new coach of SOU’s Women鈥檚 Wrestling team at a pre-dawn team practice.
What drew you to this sport in the first place?
Gabby Weyhrich: I was born and raised in Fremont, Nebraska. My dad was a wrestler, and he started my older brother in our hometown wrestling club. I was 4 years old and I would get dragged along to practices. I started by just playing with my Barbies on the side of the mat, but eventually I asked my dad and mom if I could try wrestling. At first they said no. My dad later said he had dreams of me being a basketball star, but in reality I think they were just protective of their little girl. Eventually they let me try it. The first year as a 4 year old I went 16-1 against the boys. I have never looked back.
How long have you been a coach?
Weyhrich: I have been involved with the sport now for 24 years, and this is my 5th year as a college coach. Before I came to SOU, I was an assistant coach at Mckendree University, and helped lead that team to 3 team NCAA National titles.
Who is your inspiration?
Weyhrich: My college coach/ coworker, Sam Schmitz. He took a chance on me, and turned me into the person/athlete I am today. Without him I would not have been as successful in wrestling, have become a coach, or have even been the person I am today. He showed me that wrestling was just a tool he used to minister to people in his life. He taught athletes real life lessons through the sport of wrestling and created a family at Mckendree University, all while leading us to 3 National titles.
What is your favorite thing about working with this team?
Weyhrich: My favorite part of being a coach and working with these amazing young women is getting them to believe that they can conquer anything.聽 Every athlete on our team comes to college with their own baggage. This can be family drama, substance dependency, confidence issues, etc. My job as their coach is to create a trusting relationship with them and help send them on a healthy path.聽 I have not completed my job until I get them to the point that by the time they graduate they are ready to go into society and kick butt in everything they do. That is the goal. To create great people, not just great wrestlers.
What is the advice you most often give to your athletes?
Weyhrich: Enjoy the process. Being a student-athlete is the easiest part of your life. You never get this time back.
Is there anything you would like us聽to know?
Weyhrich: These young ladies work so hard day in and day out. It is not easy being a college athlete in general, but wrestling takes it to a whole different level. These girls learn how to juggle school, wrestling, cutting weight, and friend and family relationships.聽聽They deserve the most support that they can get. If you want to support us in any way please reach out to me. Below is a link is to our foundation page. People can contribute money to help us with travel, uniforms, etc. We are constantly looking for sponsors and individual contributors to help us be successful.
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.