Owensboro High School has found its new head of the wrestling program in a familiar face by the name of Austin Cook.
Cook is from Louisville, Kentucky, where he wrestled for Saint Xavier High School before he took his talents to the next level.
“I started off college at Campbellsville University and I was looking to transfer schools,” Cook said. “So I was looking around at the different colleges around Kentucky because I didn’t want to move out of state. I got in contact with Kentucky Wesleyan down here and I finished my wrestling career here.”
Following his one season with the Panthers, Cook liked the area and has remained at Kentucky Wesleyan to finish school while coaching.
“I kind of always thought that I was going to do it eventually,” Cook said. “I liked helping out doing the youth clubs and going back and doing middle school and high school coaching. I’ve never had an actual coaching position other than just assisting and stuff like that, but I kinda thought it was something that I would always eventually do.”
Cook was thrilled to get the job, as this is a milestone that he didn’t expect to have eclipsed at his age.
“I was super excited,” Cook said. “It just kind of felt surreal because I feel like I’m still really young. Just getting a head coaching position at a high school just made me super super excited.”
Cook is ready to get right work, stating that he is excited to meet his players and help sharpen their skills.
“I’m just looking forward to getting in there and meeting the guys,” Cook said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what team I have and just feeling everybody out and seeing what they’re good at and what they’re not good at. Then just taking it from there and seeing what I can help the team improve on.”
Cook wants to set a precedent for the program that they win or lose the right way, have a strong mental mindset on that side of wrestling and be in good condition to go the distance every match.
