Recently I interviewed Larry Marchionda about his thoughts regarding Wisconsin Grappler. Larry is an ex-high school and college coach and is currently very involved with the University Wisconsin- Oshkosh wrestling team. As a distinguished figure in the wrestling community, and former wrestler himself, Larry has some valuable insight in promoting our sport.

Tom: Larry, as you know I have started a new multi-media Web site for all ages of Wisconsin wrestlers called WisconsinGrappler.com. Being a former high school coach with over 40 years of coaching experience and a member of the Wisconsin Wrestling Hall of Fame, how do you think this site will affect wrestling in our State?

Larry: Tom, during this age of the Internet having a Web site that provides a link between all ages and levels of wrestling is important. Web sites like yours provide a platform often the print & television media gives minimal coverage. This site will provide recognition and motivation for all wrestlers from the kids thru collegiate.

Tom: What benefits do you thing the young wrestlers will receive from this site?

Larry: Motivation, Inspiration, Dedication and Recognition Web sites like wiconsingrappler.com will provide a current updated platform for wrestlers to follow Wisconsin collegiate wrestling at all levels (Division I, II, III). Collegiate wrestling often serves as an inspiration to younger wrestlers to become Collegiate wrestlers. When this happens they are motivated to become better students so that they may continue to wrestle at the collegiate level and receive higher education. I also understand that your web site will cover World and Olympic and International wrestling as well. This makes a complete package for Wisconsin wrestlers. As young wrestlers prepare and set their goals to become olympic wrestlers they will be able to follow the example our current World & Olympic Team Members.

Tom: Do you feel this site will be of any benefit to high school coaches?

Larry: As a former high school coach for 32 years and collegiate experience for 8 years, I can honestly say that anything that would inspire my student/athlete to become more academic is most welcome. Having a web site that would feature collegiate wrestling at all levels certainly places an emphasis on higher education and another level of wrestling at Division I, II, or III. During the high school season wrestlers are not able to get to see a collegiate wrestling match because of travel, time and distance. This site will make collegiate wrestling at every level available to young wrestlers from all over Wisconsin .

Tom: Will this have an impact on Collegiate Coaches?

Larry: Usually the media focuses their coverage on the Division I teams, like the Badgers in Madison . Often high school wrestlers are not aware that there are smaller Colleges that have quality-wrestling programs. Tom, your site is unique and will give the smaller Division II and III teams exposure to our Wisconsin Wrestling Community.

Tom: What is your overall personal opinion of this web site?

Larry: From a person who has been involved with wrestling for over a half century as a wrestler, official, high school coach, collegiate coach, and now Wrestling Administrator at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh , I wish to thank you for your creativity and innovative web site. There is no doubt that WisconsinGrappler.com will provide a link to all levels of youth wrestling to levels of collegiate wrestling along with exposure to International wrestling. I can honestly say as a New York high school wrestler, I would have never been inspired to higher education, if my high school coach had not taken me to watch Syracuse University wrestle Cornell. It was watching this level of competition that motivated me to become a better student so that I could become a collegiate wrestler. Thank you for all the work and effort you are putting into the total Wisconsin Wrestling Community.