Coaches' Corner

Head Coach: Dan Collins

A 1994 graduate, Dan is considered to be the premier wrestler of his era in the state of Illinois. His work ethic and dedication to excellence set a standard that coaches appreciate and future wrestlers strive to emulate. His accomplishments reflect that commitment.

During his career, he was a three-time Mid-Suburban League Champion and a two-time IHSA State Champion. He is the only Palatine High School wrestler to accomplish that feat. After a sixth-place State finish as a sophomore, Dan went undefeated his junior and senior years, finishing with a 40-0 record. He concluded his distinguished high school wrestling career by being named the "Outstanding Wrestler" of the 1994 IHSA tournament. He also was named to the 1994 High School All-America Team.

He attended the University of Illinois where he finished 8th his freshman year in the prestigious Midlands Tournament. Unfortunately a serious shoulder injury ended his career.

Assistant Varsity: Ryan Ewanio

University of Iowa - B.S. in Sports, Health. Leisure, and Physcial Studies

Northeastern Illinois University - B.A. in Physical Education Teaching Degree, minor in Health

working on Masters from Olivet Nazarene University in Curriculum and Design

HS Wrestling

4th in state at 135 lbs. in 1994 from Fremd High School

Head Frosh: Gerry O'Brien

Assistant Frosh Coach: Jason Wodzien

2004 graduate of Illinois State University, BS in English Secondary Education

2006 Master of Curriculum and Instruction, National-Louis University

Coaching Experience

Freshmen Coach 2006-2010

Volunteer Coach: Aaron Morris

	Wrestled at Palatine 2001-2003 Graduated in 2003.
	Attended Carthage College Played Varsity soccer four years.
	Wrestled club for two years at Carthage.
	Once wrestled a bear and won.

Volunteer Coach: Josh Lahman

	Graduated from Ashton Franklin Center High School in 2006
	2004-2005 IHSA 4th in state
	2005-2006 IHSA 4th in state
	Harper College for 2 years
	NJCAA national qualifier both years

Jr Pirate WC: Javier Rivera

1994 graduate of University of Notre Dame, BS in Mathematics, Minor Secondary Education

1999 Master of Technology in Education, National-Louis University

HS Wrestling

	2x AK State Runner-up at 112 and 119 lbs in 1989 and 1990
	2x AK State Freestyle champion '89 & '90
	4 year varsity starter Dimond HS, Anchorage, AK
	Region IV Outstanding Wrestler 1989
	Team Alaska Jr. National Freestyle member 1990

College Wrestling

	Member University of Notre Dame Wrestling Team 1990-1992 (Title IX)
	Trained with Colombian National Team 1998-1999

Coaching Experience

	Head Coach Jr. Pirate Wrestling Club in 2002-2003
	16-0 Undefeated Freshman Season in 2001-2002
	JV Coach 1999-2001
	Various Levels 1994-1998