Orry Elor

My wrestling career includes illustrious accolades such as being a 2x University National Champion for Northern Michigan University and a 2x Fargo National Champion. As a 4x All-American, my accomplishments underscore my profound understanding of the sport and my ability to perform at the highest levels of competition.

Moreover, my experience as an NCAA D1 athlete at The Ohio State University allowed me to gain a firsthand understanding of the unique challenges, pressures, and rewards that come with college-level sports. This has equipped me with the capacity to support student-athletes both on and off the mat.

In terms of coaching, my experience is broad and diverse, having held positions at College Park in California, Las Lomas in California, and Lincoln High in Ohio. These roles have involved working with various age groups, from young novices in their formative years of training to more advanced high school athletes. This broad experience has allowed me to develop a nuanced and adaptive coaching style that respects individual development rates and goals. Currently, I am a Ph.D. student at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), specializing in pharmacogenomics and therapeutic sciences. This field of study gives me a unique perspective on athlete training, health, and wellness, particularly as it relates to optimizing performance and recovery through an understanding of the most up-to-date information in the literature space.

As a seasoned wrestling professional with over 16 years of hands-on experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge, strategic approach, and an unwavering passion for the sport. My involvement in the wrestling world has spanned the globe, seeing me compete internationally for a decade, a journey that has honed my skills, resilience, and understanding of the competitive landscape.

One of my proudest achievements is securing a place as an alternate in the 2016 Olympic team, where I finished in the 4th place at the team trials. Such a position required an intense level of discipline, resilience, and commitment, attributes that have since informed my approach to coaching. My philosophy as a coach centers around the belief that every athlete has an inherent potential that can be unlocked through hard work, tailored training, and psychological resilience. Drawing from my rich wrestling career and academic background, I am committed to fostering an environment where each athlete can strive to be their best.

A session with me is thoughtfully planned, thorough, and tailored to the athlete's current skill level and personal goals. It commences with a comprehensive warm-up, including mobility exercises and sport-specific drills, designed to prepare the body and mind for the intensity of the session ahead.

Understanding the individuality of each athlete is crucial in my approach. No two athletes are the same; hence, I design personalized training plans for each individual. I take into account their strengths, areas for improvement, and personal goals. Each plan includes a range of techniques and drills aimed at building strength, agility, technical skills, and mental resilience.

The body of the session typically revolves around two or three specific techniques or maneuvers. As a coach, my primary focus is on the mastery of fundamentals and gradually introducing more complex techniques as athletes progress. As an example, we might work on leg attack techniques or par terre defense. Each drill is carefully demonstrated and explained, before athletes are given time to practice and refine their technique under my guidance.

I encourage an environment of continuous learning, inviting athletes to ask questions and provide their insights during sessions. Each drill is followed by a debriefing session, in which I provide constructive feedback and engage in dialogue with the athlete to evaluate their performance. In this way, I can ensure their technique is not just effective, but safe and efficient, preventing injury and fostering longevity in the sport.

I believe in the power of live wrestling, so a part of every session involves live or situational wrestling drills. These exercises allow athletes to apply the techniques they have learned in a dynamic, competitive context. I adjust the intensity and duration of these drills to match the athlete's skill and fitness levels, ensuring they are always challenged, but never overwhelmed.

Throughout each session, I place a particular emphasis on developing mental toughness. Wrestling is as much a psychological battle as it is a physical one. Therefore, I use various tools and techniques to help athletes build confidence, learn to manage their stress and anxiety, and stay focused under pressure.

At the end of each session, we conclude with a cool-down period, incorporating flexibility exercises and relaxation techniques to facilitate recovery. I also take this opportunity to discuss the athlete's overall progress and plan the focus of our next session.

Outside of our sessions, I encourage athletes to engage in appropriate strength and conditioning programs, as well as recovery strategies like proper nutrition and sleep. I often provide resources and advice in these areas to complement our training sessions.

The key is that each session builds upon the last, and the training plan evolves with the athlete. As an athlete's skills, strengths, and goals develop, so too will the focus of our sessions, ensuring their training remains relevant, challenging, and geared towards success.