Wrestling.... Strictly Business!
For a Cincinnati high school wrestler, to qualify for the Ohio High School Athletic Association's State Wrestling Tournament is an arduous task at the very least. Attaining and maintaining a given body weight-class, wrestle-offs, intense practices, managing a disciplined approach to nutrition, continuing the in-season strength training and conditioning program goals, and of course..... lots of winning, especially in the district and regional tournaments that are along the way to Columbus, Ohio where the OHSAA State Wrestling Tournament is conducted at St. John Arena on the campus of Ohio State University.
And that's the way it went for ASAP~Athletic Strength And Power Podcast guest Greg Strochinsky, a Cincinnati Oak Hills High School Hall of Fame wrestler who had the privilege to be coached by an Ohio High School wrestling coaching icon, Dick Roche. The coach, a stoic military veteran, was a strict disciplinarian who didn't veer off course too much when it came to following and enforcing rules. He was the Woody Hayes of Oak Hills High School who despised losing and demanded that his wrestlers felt the same. Conversely, Strochinsky was the loose, fun loving student athlete who oozed self confidence 24/7. His self-given nickname was ''strictly business', which he prominently displayed on his shoes, his pick-up truck, t-shirts, chains, etc. However, 'Stroh' shared the same desire for victory as did his coach. And, Coach Roche and Assistant OHHS Wrestling Coach Ken Hauck, a Championship Miami Redskin defensive lineman and former OHHS wrestler himself, knew that they had themselves a potential star in the making and didn't alter the "strictly business" mojo.
Unlike a lot of today's high school wrestlers, Strochinsky never stepped onto a wrestling mat until he was a seventh grader. In fact, it was by chance that his junior high school gym teacher, Randy Owen, announced and encouraged the lanky twelve year old to explore the sport at an after school practice session. It wasn't long before the hook was set and Strochinsky was well on his way to becoming an Oak Hills High School wrestling star. Upon leaving junior high, he entered high school 10th grade, bringing a shiny winning record along in tow. Initially, Coach Roche wasn't greeting him with hugs and adulation. But, the two figures combined their passion for winning. Stroh felt a bond to Roche and never wanted to disappoint the legendary coach. Finally, as an undefeated senior and state qualifier making the two hour drive to Columbus and walking into an arena packed with thousands of wrestling fans and supporters, Strochinsky met the sting of defeat against a well skilled, experienced state meet opponent in the semi-final match. And, not one to sulk or mope from the loss, he'd only felt the emotions of thinking that he'd let his coach down.
... Coach Roche passed away at the age of 73. Greg Strochinsky became instrumental in starting the Dick Roche Memorial Scholarship which can be awarded to dedicated wrestlers from the school.