Zach Flowers is a new assistant coach at Baldwin. Last year was his first year being an assistant coach for the high school wrestling team, but this year he is now a part of the coaching staff for junior high football. Flowers wrestled in high school but football was his main sport. He was asked by head wrestling coach Levi Green to help coach. Flowers has came a long way in the sport and continues to share his talent with others.
Q: What made you want to get involved in coaching wrestling and why?
“I only Wrestled a little in High School, but with football being my “main” sport at the time. I just didn’t understand or realize the importance and benefits that wrestling provides, not only physically but mentally. I started Competing In MMA 3 years ago. That’s when I became fascinated with the physical movement of the body, and mental confidence that only a combat sport (MMA, Boxing, Jujitsu, Wrestling) can bring forth. Things were finally starting to click for me about the importance of hip position, Something that coach Harris has always preached. That realization alone had hooked me when it came to grappling.”
“Me and Coach Green’s relationship had grown over this time and he asked me to be his assistant coach before last year’s wrestling season. I was hesitant at first because my background in wrestling was not too high or experienced. But he encouraged that he wanted me to help out. I saw it as an amazing opportunity to learn the sport more myself which would help me in MMA as well. And also to help out the students who were maybe not as experienced in the sport. As I knew the basics and could also relate to them in a way that I wasn’t that good at first physically or mentally. I want others to understand the true power they hold within themselves, that they are able to achieve and create whatever desired life they choose. I think Wrestling is an amazing tool for doing that. Coach Austin recently mentioned to me the definition of wrestling, which is “to struggle with a difficulty or problem.” Any adversity you are able to overcome becomes a mental fortitude that you must have in order to get through life.”
Q: How long have you been coaching?
“This will be my 2nd year coaching High school wrestling, but has also been my first year coaching middle wrestling and football”
Q:What are some of your favorite memories from coaching here and why?
“One memory that sticks out is being able to go coach state wrestling this past season with the team. It was my first time being at state wrestling ever. It was so fun to watch our wrestlers go out there and compete at such a high level of competition. I’ve never been in an atmosphere like that and the energy of being around so many people that love the sport was amazing.”