An Unexpected Inspiration…

When I first hear or read the name, Mike Poeta, on the B1G 10 network or the social media platform X, I instantly think of the 2007 Las Vegas Invitational. My mind goes right to that moment because in that epic finals match, he defeated one of my high school wrestling coaches, Gregor Gillespie. And not only did he impressively get the job done in a 4-3 victory, but it’s considered one of the best finals matches and scrambles in folkstyle wrestling – I’d recommend watching it, if you haven’t already. But, from this moment on, when I hear or see the name Mike Poeta, that match will no longer be the first thing that comes to mind.

I have never met Coach Poeta in person. I’ve actually only had two interactions with him, both of which occurred within the last week or so: a thirty-minute Zoom call and a six-minute phone call. Let me back up; I submitted an application for a position in the University of Illinois wrestling program (thinking I didn’t have a shot) and received an email about an upcoming interview – I immediately accepted the invitation. I prepared thoroughly for the Zoom call (more than usual), and it showed; I was on point. At the beginning, I brought up to Coach how I really enjoyed his hiring video (where the A.D. made him call his wife to tell her the big news), and that turned into a quick story of Seinfeld and a few tears shed – it was awesome. And yes, I’ve seen every Seinfeld episode. Like I said above, though, the Zoom call went exceptionally well, and the hiring committee let me know that I did well, too. I felt good after we all hung up – I knew I laid it all on the line, got out everything I wanted to, and really emphasized my experience and what I can bring to the table. Which, by the way, is very hard for me because of a stutter, but I survived (I always do).

A week goes by, and I thought to myself: why don’t I call his office phone and leave a message? You know, just to see where things are in the process. So I did; I left a message and gave Coach Poeta my cell phone number. Within a few hours, he called back. I missed his first attempt (because I just got to practice at Revolution Elite Wrestling Club), but I instantly called back after seeing who it was – I didn’t care that the club’s wrestlers were warming up, I had to find out and see what Coach had to say, I couldn’t wait.

Truthfully, that phone call ended up being one of the most impactful, inspiring, and special six minutes of my life in recent memory — Coach wouldn’t let me hang up. I won’t go into complete detail of everything that transpired (although I wish I could transcribe the call), but it was really remarkable: from my impact and impression on him and the committee, my professionalism, the qualities that I had to offer to the world, and a lot more. But this article isn’t about me, it’s about Coach Poeta. 

What Coach Poeta showed me during that conversation wasn’t just your typical “standard, follow-up phone call” to tell me that I didn’t get the position; it was a pure display of authenticity, genuineness, and a warmheartedness that I can’t quite put into the words I want (even though I’m trying). It made me feel so internally good and grateful that I smiled and just felt different during the remainder of that practice, and even on my hour-long drive back home (while listening to Metallica, of course). You see, I’ve been hustling from wrestling practice to wrestling practice for about a year and a half now, just to make ends meet, and I haven’t felt like myself lately. I love coaching wrestling, but I’m getting beat down; beat down by the struggle of not having a steady income, you know? A good friend of mine said it must feel like I’m in “career purgatory”, and he’s right; it does feel like that. But, following disappointment, after disappointment, and then a hundred more disappointments, I didn’t feel disappointed at all after hearing that I didn’t get the job with the University of Illinois. Surprisingly, I hung up the phone, content and delighted; how does that happen? It must say a lot about who Coach Poeta is as a person and a leader. 

I let Coach Poeta into my personal life near the end of the call and told him a little bit about my unemployment and the tough road it’s been. What he responded with was something only a true giver and motivator of this world would say: Coach splendidly articulated his honest belief and support in me, my skills, and what I’m capable of achieving (and I believed every word). And, essentially, hit me with the “everything will work out because of who you are” motivational speech (which meant even more coming from a Head Coach of such a prestigious caliber). The entire conversation was exceptional, but the last minute was something that will live in my head forever. I’m grateful that I experienced that interaction.

You know, I told my wife just a few weeks ago that I think I’m finally finished applying to collegiate wrestling opportunities – my heart just couldn’t take the break anymore. But after interacting with Coach Poeta, that has changed once again. I’ll keep applying and wait for the right fit and right position, whatever that may be. He gave me back my belief that I am good enough, just by saying meaningful words that I can’t remember ever hearing.

After impacting and inspiring many student-athletes, families, parents, wrestling clubs, and high school programs within the last 18 months, I kind of forgot the feeling of being inspired by somebody better at what I currently do for a living. I thought about that powerful conversation during my entire training run this morning (while somehow pulling off a new PR in the half-marathon), and knew that I had to write about it and release it to the world. Coach Poeta gave me his attention, time, and effort, and I’m willing to reciprocate.

So, if you’re a talented and hard-working student-athlete who’s not quite sure which B1G University you want to attend, or if you’re just a fan of NCAA wrestling seeking a new program to support, look no further. Because when I hear or read the University of Illinois’s Head Wrestling Coach, Mike Poeta’s name, I no longer think about that 2007 Las Vegas bout, but, who the real man is leading one of the best cultures and programs in the country — and can only imagine the amount of positive and uplifting energy, mentorship, guidance, and impact that he provides the Fighting Illini wrestling program with. I not only found unexpected inspiration in Coach Poeta, but a new program to cheer for, and a friend; and that seems to be enough for me right now.