coach risto
05-02-2011, 12:35 PM
I wanted to thank everyone that has made my experience with California Wrestling amazing. I have accepted a position as a doctoral student at Columbia University-Teacher's College in New York to get my Doctorate in Education. With the wrestling program coming to an end here at CSUF and getting let go (yesterday was my last day) the news couldn't have come at a better time.
I have been a part of this wrestling community since 1996 with Reza Abedi as my first coach. I have been blessed with amazing coaches through my life and am very happy to have been given the opportunities that I have had. Thanks to Forty (wish I had you for more than 1 yr as a coach in high school..i didnt have enough time for you to teach me all you knew), Reza (i was once 135lbs and he kicked my butt everyday! tremendous technician), Wigglesworth (best fundementals coach in OC) and Manley (toughest dude I know) at Dana! Also thank you to all the coaches that helped me through the years....Glabb(simply amazing-the impact you have on kids is profound!), Calentino ( although you were once a rival I wouldnt think twice to send my kids to your program...you do an amazing job), Workman(i dont know how you still kick my butt...great family...great man!), Costas (indescribable how big of an effect you've had on my life) ...too many others to list!
Wrestling under Hicks at Fullerton opened my eyes to college wrestling and I have learned endless amounts about competing, coaching, life, and leadership under him. Anyone that has spent time wrestling/coaching with Hicks can truly say what an amazing person he is. It was shown this last week when 50-60 of his former wrestlers walked into his last practice to surprise him. I wish I had one more season so I could absorb more! He is a tremendous coach that got suckered by the administration! To bring the worst team in the PAC-10 to breaking dual victory season records, top 5 placing in Reno TOC, Top 10 at Las Vegas Cliff-Keen, PAC-10 Dual Champs, and beating EVERY TEAM in the WEST is truly amazing with 2.5 scholarships!!! I am very lucky to have been a part of this program at Fullerton first as an athlete and then as a coach.
I wanted to thank everyone else that helped me throughout my career as a wrestler and a coach. I look up to so many people in the community that give their heart and soul to young athletes whether it's in high school, club or college. I think we all are in it for the same reason...to make an impact on the wrestlers.
I'm sorry to see CSUF dropped, it has been in my daily life for a decade now...I hope to see Hicks bounce back and get a program that appreciates him and gives him the support to bring a California team to the TOP 10 in the Nation.
My contact info will change.
if you need to get a hold of me email me at rhm2122@columbia.edu
Thank you to everyone that impacted my life along the way!
Thanks for the good times!
Risto Marttinen
Former Assistant Coach
Cal State Fullerton
I have been a part of this wrestling community since 1996 with Reza Abedi as my first coach. I have been blessed with amazing coaches through my life and am very happy to have been given the opportunities that I have had. Thanks to Forty (wish I had you for more than 1 yr as a coach in high school..i didnt have enough time for you to teach me all you knew), Reza (i was once 135lbs and he kicked my butt everyday! tremendous technician), Wigglesworth (best fundementals coach in OC) and Manley (toughest dude I know) at Dana! Also thank you to all the coaches that helped me through the years....Glabb(simply amazing-the impact you have on kids is profound!), Calentino ( although you were once a rival I wouldnt think twice to send my kids to your program...you do an amazing job), Workman(i dont know how you still kick my butt...great family...great man!), Costas (indescribable how big of an effect you've had on my life) ...too many others to list!
Wrestling under Hicks at Fullerton opened my eyes to college wrestling and I have learned endless amounts about competing, coaching, life, and leadership under him. Anyone that has spent time wrestling/coaching with Hicks can truly say what an amazing person he is. It was shown this last week when 50-60 of his former wrestlers walked into his last practice to surprise him. I wish I had one more season so I could absorb more! He is a tremendous coach that got suckered by the administration! To bring the worst team in the PAC-10 to breaking dual victory season records, top 5 placing in Reno TOC, Top 10 at Las Vegas Cliff-Keen, PAC-10 Dual Champs, and beating EVERY TEAM in the WEST is truly amazing with 2.5 scholarships!!! I am very lucky to have been a part of this program at Fullerton first as an athlete and then as a coach.
I wanted to thank everyone else that helped me throughout my career as a wrestler and a coach. I look up to so many people in the community that give their heart and soul to young athletes whether it's in high school, club or college. I think we all are in it for the same reason...to make an impact on the wrestlers.
I'm sorry to see CSUF dropped, it has been in my daily life for a decade now...I hope to see Hicks bounce back and get a program that appreciates him and gives him the support to bring a California team to the TOP 10 in the Nation.
My contact info will change.
if you need to get a hold of me email me at rhm2122@columbia.edu
Thank you to everyone that impacted my life along the way!
Thanks for the good times!
Risto Marttinen
Former Assistant Coach
Cal State Fullerton