Coaches

Head Coach Greg Smith

Coaching Experience
Coach Smith is entering his second year as head coach of the York College Wrestling program. His dedication to the consistent growth and development on the mat, in the classroom, and in the social/ spiritual lives of his wrestlers serves as the foundation of his coaching philosophy. He took the reigns as head coach in August, ‘07 after serving as an assistant within the program during the 2006-2007 season. In his first season as head coach, the Panthers qualified six wrestlers to the 2008 NAIA National Tournament while securing a top ten finish (8th) in overall team GPA among the nation’s NAIA wrestling programs. The panther named three NWCA All-Academic team members, and one Daktronics All-America Scholar Athlete. Coach Smith firmly believes wrestling is a sport that promotes growth and development of qualities leading to success in every aspect of life.

Education/ Athletic Career
Prior to his coaching responsibilities, Smith earned his Bachelor’s degree as a student-athlete at York College. While wrestling under head coach, Russ Dudrey, he was a 2 time NAIA National Qualifier, earning All-American honors his senior year at 125lbs in 2006. He also was honored as a Daktronics-NAIA All-America Scholar-Athlete his senior season. Before transferring York College, Smith attended school and wrestled for the always tough, Labette Community College. As a wrestler under head coach Joe Renfro, Smith gained valuable experience competing for two seasons (’03-’04). He spent the ’02 season as a red-shirt under Hall of Fame head coach Jody Thompson also at LCC. During his stay at Labette, Smith earned his Associates in Arts degree, and gained recognition as a 2 time Academic All-American. As prep, he graduated in 2001 from Concordia High School in Concordia, KS. During his high school career, Smith was a 2 time state placer under the leadership of newly inducted Hall of Fame Head Coach Doug Moore.

Family
Coach Smith is the son of Kent and Julie Smith of Concordia, KS. He has two sisters, Andrea and Leah, both of Baltimore, MD. He recently married his wife Jaclyn in December ‘07. Jaclyn is currently completing her Bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Math and Special Education. She will be student-teaching in the spring of 2009. Coach Smith and his wife Jaclyn reside in York, NE.

Assistant Coach Brandon Pigorsch

Coaching Experience
Coach Pigorsch is entering his first season as assistant coach for York College.  His knowledge of the technical side of the sport brings another dimension to the room.  Intensity and hard work are underlying values that stem from his philosophy, and are what he hopes to provide for his wrestlers.  Coach Pigorsch believes any wrestler can achieve success with the right mindset and work ethic. “His passion to help those around him combined with his lifestyle on and off the mat, provides a solid foundation for the overall development of the men on this squad.”     - Coach Smith

Education/ Athletic Career
Coach Pigorsch is currently student teaching at McCool Junction Public School.  At the close of this semester he will have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Secondary Education in History.  While at York Pigorsch wrestled under Head Coach Greg Smith and Jordan Nichols where he was a 2 time NAIA National Qualifier.

Before transferring to York College, Coach Pigorsch spent one year at Wartburg College.  Prior to Wartburg, Pigorsch attended and wrestled at Labette Community College in Parsons, Kansas.  At Labette, Pigorsch was a National Qualifier for the 2004-05 NJCAA National Champion wrestling team.  He was also selected as a NJCAA Academic All American in 2004-05.

As a prep, he graduated in 2000 from Herington High School in Herington, Kansas.  During his high school career he was a three time state placer.

Family
Coach Pigorsch is the son of Rolinda Martin and Brad Pigorsch.  His brother Brock was a teammate on the 2007-2008 wrestling team before he was tragically killed in a van accident.

Student Assistant Coach Ryan Kromer

Coach Kromer is a student assistant coach for the York College Wrestling program. He will graduate in May 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education with a coaching endorsement. He is looking forward to gaining valuable experience from a coaching aspect and has high hopes for the team this season.

Coach Kromer wrestled for the Panthers during the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons and qualified for nationals both seasons. He was also a member of the NWCA NAIA All Academic Team for both seasons and was honored with the NAIA Champions of Character Award in 2008. Prior to transferring to York College he was an assistant coach for the Andale Indians in Andale, KS where he helped lead the team to its first state championship season. The previous year, he wrestled for the University of Nebraska at Kearney Lopers. Kromer graduated from Garden City High School in Garden City, KS. He was a three time state placer earning a state title along the way. “Coach Kromer’s has solid mat experience and is a passionate student of the sport. When you couple that with his consistent lifestyle and work ethic, he brings out the best in our guys.”     - Coach Smith