October 9, 2024
Wrestling is often called the toughest sport in the world, but it also builds the toughest athletes—on and off the mat. At Severance Middle School, this ethos is embodied by the new head wrestling coach, Kurt Felker. With three years of assistant coaching experience at Severance Middle School, as well as previous roles at the Windsor Wrestling Club and as a high school assistant coach in Kansas, Felker brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the program.
"...Most of all, I want to bring consistency to the program and build it into something special."
When asked what he hopes to bring to the team as the head coach, Coach Felker said, "Most of all, I want to bring consistency to the program and build it into something special." His coaching philosophy is rooted in not only teaching wrestling but also imparting important life lessons. “There are no losers in wrestling—just winners and learners,” he emphasizes. His approach focuses on teaching wrestlers' life skills through the sport, preparing them for more than just competition.
Felker’s personal connection to the sport runs deep, having wrestled since he was five years old. "I have a passion for coaching young people," he shares. "There are so many lessons learned from the sport of wrestling. I often joke this world would be much better off if everyone had to wrestle." This passion is something he works to instill in his athletes, creating an environment where every wrestler knows they are supported and valued. "The kids can expect that I will believe in them and will be one of their biggest fans—not just during the season but throughout their entire journey."
As a father to four boys—three of whom wrestle competitively—Felker understands the dedication required to succeed. His sons’ experiences in high-level wrestling have shaped his coaching philosophy, particularly in emphasizing the importance of loving the sport. “I know this sport isn't for everyone, but if you're in our room, my goal is for you to love the sport by the end of the season,” he explains.
Coach Felker is particularly excited about the upcoming season, having worked closely with many of the current 8th graders for the past two years. “To see where they started to where they are today is nothing short of amazing!" he says, adding that the team is poised for a breakout year. He highlights athletes like Brayden Lucier, Malia Bornhoft, Jaxon Siefert, and others as key players to watch, but insists, “I think there are going to be a lot of breakouts.”
A typical practice under Felker’s leadership will evolve throughout the season, starting with a focus on technique before moving into more live and situational wrestling as competitions approach. His practices balance drilling and conditioning, with the goal of developing well-rounded athletes who trust in the process. Felker believes that "hard work, dedication, and trusting the process" are the three traits that define a top wrestler, and he instills these values in every athlete under his guidance.
Looking beyond the middle school program, Coach Felker sees the Severance Wrestling Club as a critical partner in growing the wrestling community. “The most important thing is getting people to the duals and tournaments,” he notes, underscoring the need for community support. He also emphasizes the importance of fostering a connection between middle school and high school athletes, a bond that helps motivate the younger wrestlers. “Having the high school wrestlers at our duals would be huge for our program,” he says. “I will heavily urge our entire MS team to attend all of the high school home duals to cheer on the Knights!”
As the Severance Wrestling Club continues to expand, Coach Felker is confident that the middle school program will contribute to the future success of the high school team. “This year is going to be successful on many fronts—not only on the mat but also in terms of seeing these athletes grow into something bigger than just the sport of wrestling,” he explains. With a dedicated coaching staff by his side, including Seth Neeley, Adam Lucier, and Mitch McElmeel, Felker is excited about what lies ahead for Severance wrestling.
In Felker’s words, "We have assembled a great coaching staff… the future of the Severance wrestling community is bright!" With his leadership, dedication, and passion, the Severance Middle School wrestling program is in excellent hands. Whether it's teaching technique, instilling life lessons, or building a strong wrestling culture, Coach Felker is poised to take the program to new heights.
Blog Post Written by Jeremy Carter for this website and Blog.
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