Hypothetical Coaching Question...

[pm01]

Assume a coach has an outstanding blue chip freshman entering his program. The coach has a decent wrestler at the same weight but the blue chip is significantly better. Scattered around the conference and country are several outstanding upper classmen wrestlers…defending champ and A.A.s.

It would be in the blue chip’s best interest to red shirt as by sitting out a year he will gain maturity and some experience and the upper classmen will graduate giving him a real chance at being a four timer.

It would be in the team’s best interest to wrestle him because he will score more overall points and possible bring in a nation team title.

Question 1: What does a coach do? Is his first responsibility to the team and so wrestle the kid for a shot at the team title, or, does he have some responsibility to follow what’s in the blue chippers best interests to collect the most possible individual titles?

Question 2: What if a conflict surfaces and the blue chipper demands to redshirt but the coach demands he wrestle? How is this issue resolved?

[NoMoreLies]

Most coaches let the wrestlers decide whether they will redshirt or not. They will definitely "advise" the wrestler and give their two cents, but most of the time its the wrestler's decision.

This is how I would do it as a coach... I did coach at a DIII school last year, so no redshirts.

A 1. The coach presents everything to the kid, telling him positives and negatives of each choice. He can definitely go to early season opens and test his skills there while not being 100% certain of redshirtting. This would be the best gauge for his ability at the collegiate level. If it looks like the blue-chipper would be a significant improvement over the other guy then I'd push for the blue-chipper to start.

The coach has a responsibility to both parties, the individual and the team. You aren't going to help team chemistry if you have a few guys that aren't happy. Remember, college teams are together a lot and a couple bad apples does not help the team. In the end it should be the individual's choice whether or not to redshirt, with consideration given from the coach on what he thinks should be done.
A 2. If the blue-chipper wants to redshirt, I would let him do it. Afterall, it should be his choice in the matter. Wrestling is an individual sport and you really don't want to upset your blue-chip recruit.

[odh]

wouldn't most blue chip recruits know what the coaches plan is for them when they arrive on campus?

They should probably get it in writing.

[neverwrestled]

odh is right, the kid should know what the plans are for him coming in. That is how I handle my kids. I also am one who likes to let that kid make a decision, given my persuasion one way or another. Another aspect to look at, is this year's team senior loaded, and probably our only chance at a title over the next few years? There is always the option to insert him this year if he gives your team the best chances, recruit a junior college stud to fill the gap while your current kid takes the red-shirt the next year, then let the two battle it out the following year or put one on a weight program that will allow you to have them both in the line-up the following year. That said, ultimately the coaches responsibility is to put the line-up out there that will give them the best chance at success this year, and next, and next.............Ultimately, it is the coach's decision, but rarely will you see a coach make a kid go against what he is dead set on doing.

[RYou]

Fundamentally, wrestling is a team sport that also offers individual title opportunities, no differnet than basketball and football. We often think of it as an individual sport since their in but one team member on the mat at a time. The coach's first obligation is to the team and in your hypothetical example, he would use the wrestler to possibly gain the team title. I would, as I may not have the same team opportunity next year given teh quality of the seniors in the line-up. Doesn't the coach have an obligation to the senior team members that also want a title? As a wrestler I'd be PO'd if my chance for a team title was harmed because the coach wanted to redshirt the wretler that may garner the points needed.

Redshirting is a coach's decision and as previously mentioned should be discussed and understood before signing the LOI. his intent should be made known and if the wrestler objects, it should be expressed openly.

[sgallan]

Question 1: What does a coach do? Is his first responsibility to the team and so wrestle the kid for a shot at the team title, or, does he have some responsibility to follow what’s in the blue chippers best interests to collect the most possible individual titles?

Well if the team has a legitimate shot at a team title, with the chance of a couple of rebuilding years to follow, and the kid has the ability to be a good student at this level (known by GPA, test scores, and maturity), then you win that title.

Question 2: What if a conflict surfaces and the blue chipper demands to redshirt but the coach demands he wrestle? How is this issue resolved?

Different issue. If the kid really, really, wants to redshirt, and the coach says no, despite all of the legitimate arguments for the redshirt, and this kid is truly a blue chip wrestler, then the coach is taking the risk of the kid sabotaging the coach by not working hard, wrestling hard, or doing well on the academic side. They are often very much still kids even at 18/19 and this can happen. And ultimately you may lose the kid to another school, or as a viable blue chip athlete at your school.