"For years, this sport has been waiting for something like Real Pro Wrestling to come along," Douglas said as he begins to prepare Iowa State University for a postseason for the 14th time. "There are so many great things about this sport, so many great people in this sport, that it's impossible to think that wrestling couldn't be big if there was a collaborated effort to bring it to the public. That's what Real Pro Wrestling has done -- bring the wrestling community together for the first time."
Douglas is one of the coaches of the Chicago Groove, which finished a disappointing sixth place in Season 1. However, building a program is nothing new to the man that many in the wrestling consider to be the smartest technical teacher in the sport. He has written five technique books to backup that claim.
Douglas built Arizona State into a powerhouse wrestling program in the 1980's, taking the Sun Devils to an NCAA team title in 1988. ASU became the smallest school ever to win an NCAA Division I team crown, and Douglas' legacy as a coach was set in stone. Maybe his secret was locked in the fanny pack he has worn for so many years.
He then took over at Iowa State in 1992. 13 seasons and one Cael Sanderson later, Douglas took on the responsibility of coaching for a Real Pro Wrestling squad. He also wanted to use that opportunity wisely.
Bobby Douglas gives instruction to Scott Schatzman of the Chicago Groove."Those young fans are the future of this sport. They are the reason the numbers of participants and fans at events around the country continue to rise. I may know more about a takedown, but they know more about what is going to get this sport back on the map."
Douglas is one of those athletes that put the sport on the map originally. As a youth born into poverty, he became the first black Ohio high school state champion while competing at Bridgeport High School in 1960.
He continued on to a successful college wrestling career before earning a spot on the 1968 U.S. Olympic Team. From there, his coaching legacy began -- and it still continues.
Douglas plans to continue working with RPW through Season 2 and beyond. It is in Douglas' blood to see a job all the way through. His team, which included Olympian Joe Williams and his former Iowa State wrestler and assistant coach Chris Bono, finished too low for his liking.
"I think with more time, we can build a Real Pro Wrestling team that can go to the top and dominate. At Iowa State, we've had a program that has consistently been in the top five in the country since I came here, and I want to do that with whichever team I am coaching in Season 2," Douglas said.
Douglas's history within the sport, both as a competitor and as a coach, should tell us to take this comment very seriously. Douglas has never not been a winner, and he doesn't plan to change that now.
Clearly, there isn't much that Bobby Douglas couldn't tell you about the sport of wrestling. If he would only open that fanny pack, wrestling fans may get a glorious look at Douglas' knowledge. But until that day comes, he will have to try to squeeze one more chapter in the fanny pack -- the Real Pro Wrestling chapter.
For young wrestlers:
Always continue to have fun. If you aren't having fun, then you're not going to be able to drive harder towards your goals. Wrestling is a sport that takes passion and discipline, but you need to have fun.
For coaches:
Every match, every period, every minute of a match is not important. What is important is the growth of your athlete throughout the year. Some kids respond to criticism and some don't. You must constantly change how you handle situations on a person-by-person basis.
Bobby Douglas' books are available at www.Amazon.com
Book Titles:
Takedown I
Takedown II
Pinning and Olympic Technique
Take it to the Mat
The Last Takedown
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