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Wrestling with success
By: Robin De Wind
E-mail: rdewind@news10NBC.com
01/22/2009
It is a hallway that defines the Spencerport school district. Pictures, clippings, and trophies highlight decades of dominance.
Kids in Spencerport don't grow up hoping to play football or basketball, they hope to be good enough to make it on the mat.
"It's a great deal of pressure to make the team, once you make it its worth it," said JP Hayden.
Soaked in sweat and struggling to balance their bodies, the Spencerport wrestling teams obediently work through drills under the direction of Coach Bill Jacoutot. "It's a balancing situation once you see their balance you can see if they're going to be a big timer or a pretty good wrestler."
Good teams and outstanding individuals come and go but what sets Spencerport apart, is the ability to win year after year.
In 28 years, Jacoutot has recorded 351 wins, led five nationally ranked teams and captured numerous championships. They are brought up to know that year-round hard work is required and that a starting position is earned and not a given.
Jacoutot said, "People ask if I coach any differently than I did 25 years ago. No absolutely, coaching is about developing relationships. Once you have the relationships the kid will lay down in traffic for you."
Note: You can turn the volume down.
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