The Coach
Head Wrestling Coach Claude Weyant directing practice
with Blaze and Jesse wrestling in the background at
Bellows Falls Union High School.
Head Wrestling Coach Claude Weyant
Coach Claude Weyant began coaching wrestling at Bellows Falls High School in the fall of 1996. This is Coach Weyant's 13th season at Bellows Falls. Prior to that Coach Weyant had not been involved in wrestling since he was a senior in high school back in 1973. Coach Weyant wrestled at Susquehanna Valley Union High School outside of Binghamton, New York. This is tough Section 4 New York wrestling country. Coach Weyant states that his most successful year was his senior year when he was a sectional place finisher. Coach Weyant was offered partial wrestling scholarship's at two different colleges but never pursued those options. As he looks back, he wishes that he had.
Coach Weyant learned in 1996 that Bellows Falls desperately needed a wrestling coach. They were going to suspend the program if they did not find one. Coach Weyant went to the school to speak to the school principal. He stated that his intentions were to just talk about the position to see what it was all about. Thirty minutes later he walked out as the new head coach and has been there ever since.
Coach Weyant started out with six wrestler's. The program grew to where there were about 30 wrestlers that came out on the high school level in 1999. For two seasons Bellows Falls wrestling were the runner-ups in the Marble Valley League behind Mt. Anthony. In 2003, Coach Weyant was honored as the Marble Valley Coach of the year. In 2004, the Vermont State Tournament was held at the Bellows falls Union High School. The last match of that tournament gave Bellows Falls it's first State Champion. Heavyweight Dan Walsh beat his Mt Anthony wrestler in the heavyweight division.
Since 2004, Bellows Falls has struggled with finding students to participate. The numbers have been low. Coach Weyant has his hopes for the future as he started an elementary program in 2002. The fruits of that program are just about of age to be on the high school team. Coach Weyant stated that he at times walks the halls late at night at Bellows Falls High School after a late practice and goes back in time and reflects on his cherished experiences through the years as Head Coach.
It has been a terrific experience, Coach Weyant stated. He has had the opportunity to know a lot of wonderful wrestlers through the years. Many have gone on to be quite successful in their lives, raising families and having successful jobs. Coach Weyant often remarks what a prior famous wrestling coach stated, "After wrestling, everything else in life is easy."
Coach Weyant lives in Weathersfield with his wife Carol and five of their six children. Their youngest son Cyle, who is 16, is the team captain and has had an outstanding wrestling career wrestling with his father. Coach Weyant stated that his time and experiences with his son Cyle in wrestling are priceless.
Coach Weyant has been involved in Law Enforcement since 1982. Currently he is a Lieutenant at the Windsor County Sheriff's Department. Prior to Law Enforcement he was involved in dairy farming.
I have seen what wrestling has done in teaching many youngsters the most inportant values in life. I only wish more would give it a try.
All photos courtesy of Courtenay, Sander and Brad Houk unless otherwise noted.
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