The rich history of wrestling in the early 2000s at Dutch Fork High School is a source of motivation for new head coach Bryan Bush.

“When I was wrestling in high school...Dutch Fork had so much respect and almost an untouchable aura around them and that is something I never forgot,” he said.

The former multi-state championship coach at SCISA school Cardinal Newman now looks to bring back that success to the Irmo school. Bush takes over a program competing in the region which has produced a state champion and 3

Lower State champions the past 5 years.

“We are easily in the most difficult region of all classifications for wrestling and usually the team who is on top of our region, is also the team battling for the state title at the end of the season,” he said. “My coaching staff and I are going to bring a lot of new ideas and techniques that we know the athletes are going to love. I am also extremely excited to bring back the youth program as well as build our middle school team. Those are key for long term success. “

Bush spent the past 3 seasons at Westwood High School. He’s most remembered for his success at Cardinal Newman, where he led the Cardinals to 4 SCISAA Class 3A titles and acknowledges its a big transition from private to public school.

“The level of dedication at Dutch Fork is higher than what I have ever seen from any school before. Wrestling is such a tough sport and to excel and be at the top, you need to focus on wrestling and these kids here do that very well.”

Bush has already set “big goals” for the winter season. He and the coaching staff are focused on “intensity, technique and mental preparation”.

“95 percent of matches can be won solely on intensity,” he said. “The ability to break the will of your opponent is something we are going to preach and work towards everyday. We will be able to wrestle and more importantly, feel comfortable, in every situation.

“Lastly, this is a very physically and mentally tough sport and we’re going to be in constant contact with the wrestlers to make sure they’re in the right headspace before each match.”

Bush acknowledged this will be a rebuilding year with senior Evan Falise as the lone top experienced returnee for the Silver Foxes. He believes the program is up to the challenge and the public are going to see a “new Dutch Fork team that hasn’t been seen in a very long time”.