Coach Nicholas Long is more than just a wrestling coach. He cares about every person on the team.
He helps the wrestlers a lot, and not just in the wrestling room. He pushes them to be strong, both mentally and physically. When things are tough, he is always there to help encourage the team and make sure they are doing okay and doing their best.
After every match, win or lose, Long is always there to talk to the wrestlers. He gives them advice and goes out of his way to make sure everyone is okay. If they need to talk to someone about anything, he is there to listen. Whether it’s through text or in person, he makes sure they know he cares about them no matter what.
“Don’t worry about the score, go out there and fight, do what you know,” Long said.
One time, Long went out of his way before a wrestling meet to help one of the teammates out with a flat tire. That just shows how much he cares for his wrestlers, even outside of the sport. Long doesn’t just care about the wrestlers, though, he cares about the managers too.
There are two managers from different parts of the world that don’t know much about wrestling at all. Long made sure they felt accepted and understood, and if they struggled, he would try his best to help them understand. He makes sure everyone feels like a part of the team.
Long inspires the team to be strong in every aspect of life. He pushes them to work hard and never give up. He believes in his wrestlers when they don’t believe in themselves, and that’s one of the biggest things someone can do for another person.
“I want the best for any kid that comes my way. I want to make everyone feel welcomed,” Long stated.
Long upholds and teaches the Spartan Marks of Excellence very well. The wrestlers are expected to follow these, and Long does a great job of setting an example for each.
Love- Sacrificing oneself for the benefit of another. Long shows them how to put the team first and support each other no matter what.
Perseverance- Enduring tough situations to become stronger. Long pushes them to be their best selves and become stronger. He pushes them even when things get hard.
Faithfulness- Being responsible and staying dedicated to the cause. Long teaches them to always be faithful to themselves and their teammates, not just in wrestling but in all aspects of life.
Kindness- Using their words and actions to help others. Long is always there to encourage his teammates and teach them how to be kind.
Self Control- Staying disciplined and keeping thoughts, words and actions positive. Long helps them stay in control and think clearly to continue to be tough.
Peace- Staying calm and focused. Long makes sure we are thinking clearly and are at peace so we can continue to make more goals and reach the ones we are aiming for.
Joy- Finding satisfaction and happiness no matter what’s happening around them. Long reminds them to have fun and take pride in all the hard work they all put in.
Poise- Staying balanced and emotionally controlled no matter the pressure they face. Long helps them stay calm and composed even when the pressure is high.
Integrity- Doing the right thing at all times even if no one’s watching. Long teaches them to stay true to themselves and values no matter what.
Mental Toughness- Having strength of mind to endure pain and hardship. Long helps them build mental strength to push through the hard times and never give up.
Having Long as their coach makes a huge difference. He doesn’t just teach them wrestling and the skills you need to play the sport, he shows them that the only thing you need to have in order to succeed in life is heart, to care for people, to push through even when you think you can’t.
He helps them become better people. They are lucky to have him as a coach and in their everyday lives. Coach Long has always meant a great deal to the Spartan community and always will. He will always be remembered as a very determined grappler, inspiring mentor, and a great Spartan.
