Coach's Invitation

Earl Danan

4x All-American - Team Foxcatcher

2x World Team Member

2x World Team Trial Place Winner

3x International Place Winner

Olympic Trial Alternate

The Eagle Lands

ASSISTANTS

MR. AL GUEVARA

3x Illinois Post Season Place Winner and IHSA State Contender

MR. BRIAN MALONEY

2x Ohio Post Season Place Winner and OHSA State Contender

Solid Coaching Staff

• The Grappling Gator Program will provide USA National, Collegiate, and IHSA state caliber coaching to its wrestlers. The coaches and wrestlers will have high expectations, resulting from dedication and hard work, supported by coaching excellence.

Dear Parents and Wrestlers:

I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about the Grappling Guerin Gator Wrestling program.

Wrestling is a sport that builds character, teaches a strong work ethic, self-discipline, humility, perseverance, and self-confidence.  Wrestling combines an individual sport with a team sport. Wrestling is a sport that includes all body shapes. 

You can be tall and lean, short and stout, you can be you. Wrestling is a physical but rewarding sport. Wrestling is a sport that teaches you many life lessons. 

I would ask you to keep an open mind about the sport of wrestling.  We have no try outs and we NEVER cut anyone from the team, everyone participates.  I know that there are numerous choices for teens today.  If you already have a commitment for this year, please think about wrestling in the future.  I would encourage you to ask people in the community about our program and the sport of wrestling.  I am confident of what they will say.   

The Grappling Guerin Gator Wrestling program will soon become one of the premier sports programs in the Suburban Christian Conference (Gold), state, and country.  We are proud of our accomplishments off the mat as well. 

I anticipate our wrestlers attending the following colleges and universities as they graduate from Guerin College Preparatory High School and continue their success as a student-athlete including: University of Illinois, Stanford, Notre Dame, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Marquette, St. Johns, Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, Kellogg Business School, Northwestern, Elmhurst, Harper, Triton, - the list goes on.  We have alumni who are teachers, pilots, lawyers, doctors, serve in the military, coaches, own their own business, stay at home fathers, money managers, Sargent at arms, iron workers, nurses, doctors, politicians, lawyers, educators, and many other professions.  I share this with you so you know we care a great deal about our wrestlers’ academics as well as their life after high school. 

Personally, I believe wrestling is a great sport and I can honestly say it has made the difference in my life.  If you have any questions, feel free to call me anytime. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Sincerely, 

Earl Danan

GCP Head Wrestling

edanan@guerinprep.org

New Philosophy

   We believe success in wrestling, as in life, comes through thoughtful preparation and a sincere commitment to improvement through learning. Opportunities in life are at best difficult to anticipate but preparation can be a constant achievable goal.  By working to learn we work to succeed. By growing as people we place ourselves in a position to seize opportunities and achieve personal goals. There is no pretense in such a philosophy. We are what we make of ourselves and what we give of ourselves. 

New Mission   

     The program is committed to training and mentoring the student-athlete to reach their individual excellence in the sport of wrestling, as well as developing a student-athletes’ confidence, leadership, self-discipline, and a strong work ethic for success in life.  The plan and vision for the program and student-athletes is one that will unfold over time, just as the process of creating champions takes dedication, hard work, and time.  The structure is in place to mentor student-athletes as they develop into their individual excellence as a wrestler, whether that is guiding them through learning the fundamentals or advancing the technique of a current state or national champ.  

The goal is always to build solid technique and competitive mental composure that will enhance a driven wrestler's success at any level and prepare exceptional wrestlers for success at the college level and beyond.