Nicacio Brings Wrestling To New Levels - By Donovan Quintana

The Richland Bomber wrestling team is led by head coach John Nicacio. John comes from a very deep wrestling background. He and all of his brothers wrestled right here for the Richland Bombers as well. They all had success in their high school season, but John came as close to 3rd place at state, just one match away from making the finals and having a chance at being a WIAA wrestling state champion. He is currently a successful physical therapist and the head coach of the Bombers' wrestling team. 

Photo: Boo Leavitt

I had a chance to interview Coach Nicacio, and I asked him just one simple question, “Do you feel any pressure going for your third-in-a-row coach of the year award?” His response was great. He replied, “I like pressure. I’ve always been one to invite and throw myself into tough situations. I don't necessarily think it is any more pressure; it is actually less pressure to me than where I was four years ago rebuilding this team and program and installing a 'winning attitude' into a team that didn't know a whole lot about winning. And now we are starting to win, and it's easier for the kids to see all of their hard work and sacrifices paid off, so I feel like it is actually less pressure on me. But every time I feel any bit of pressure, I love it I do; that's why we are wrestlers, that's why we are different we have a 'bring it attitude,' and it's always been that way, and it is never going to change so no I don't feel any extra pressure on me.” This type of response and attitude from John shows a lot of character and lets other people know how passionate he is about what he does, but he always tries his best at whatever it is. No matter what is in his way, he will always strive to come out on top. I can't wait to see what he brings to the wrestling team this season and the progress they make to strive to be Mid-Columbia Conference Champions and a shot at being team state placers.

Photo: Boo Leavitt

I also got the chance to interview Armani Quintana, a freshman on the team who has wrestled in John's summer program, and I asked him how John has impacted his wrestling career so far. He said, “I’ve kind of been around this program since, like, fourth or fifth grade, and he’s been there every step of the way for me. He pushes me every day, and that alone lets me know that he cares about me and believes I can be something great. He’s the type of coach to reach out anytime and not just when it feels convenient. He’s always asking me how I’m doing and checking up on me. He will send me videos on wrestling to help me learn and give me drills to improve my wrestling game. He has a big impact on why I still wrestle. He not only improves me as a wrestler but also as a young man, and I am very thankful for that.” Hearing this come from just a freshman, someone who has not even spent one full high school wrestling season with him, shows a lot of volume from John as a coach and someone you can rely on. I have had the chance to communicate with some other wrestlers on the team and even some who have wrestled for him before. Every single one of them only had good things to say about him, and all said that Coach John has impacted their lives for the better, and they are very grateful for having the opportunity to learn under John and his program. 

Photo: Boo Leavitt

I am excited to see how the Richland High School Wrestling team does this season, knowing that they have a lot of high hopes and a lot of great talent on the team. Rumors have been that this year's boys and girls team is one of the best, if not the best, teams in Richland history. With their coaching staff and the number of talented athletes on the team, there is no question that they have a season to remember for the books; we are all looking forward to it. 

Photo: Boo Leavitt