Wrestling with Responsibilities

Feature image courtesy of Friends School of Baltimore.

As relative newcomer to the independent school world, I’ve been quick to embrace the dedication to community that characterizes our industry by leaning into “other duties as assigned.” In my role as chief financial and operating officer at the Friends School of Baltimore, those “other duties” have included serving as an assistant varsity wrestling coach. Though the two roles may seem worlds apart, I’ve found surprising parallels and invaluable lessons in balancing my responsibilities. 

A former wrestler at the NCAA Division I level, I have looked to pursue my passion for the sport beyond my competitive career. And since entering the coaching world, I have been thoroughly bitten by the “coaching bug.” I obtained my Silver Coach certification through USA Wrestling’s National Coaches Education Program, and I’ve had the privilege of coaching athletes at the U.S. Olympic Training Center. More recently, I served as a volunteer coach with the North Baltimore Stingers Wrestling Club, a youth program for kids ages 5-14, where my son competes. Upon taking my job at Friends, I was thrilled at the possibility of supporting their wrestling program, time permitting, of course. 

When moving between my CFO and wrestling coach roles, my focus shifts from managing budgets and overseeing risk management to developing student-athletes. I guide young wrestlers through drills, strategize for matches and instill values like discipline, resilience and teamwork. Balancing these two roles requires intentionality and a willingness to embrace the unpredictability of school life. Here are a few strategies I’ve developed to better balance my roles.

Time Management and Prioritization 

In the business office, I live by my calendar. Board meetings, vendor deadlines and capital projects all require careful scheduling. When wrestling season begins, I layer in practice schedules, match days and travel time for away meets. To avoid conflicts, I’ve learned to be transparent about my coaching commitments with colleagues and to lean on my team during particularly busy seasons. I have similarly communicated my work commitments with the team’s head coach and the athletes. By delegating effectively and protecting key time blocks, I can ensure that neither role suffers. 

Wrestling has also reminded me of the importance of patience and long-term planning. Just as a wrestler doesn’t master a takedown overnight, organizational change requires time and persistence. 

Communicating Boundaries 

My colleagues understand that my coaching duties mean I may occasionally leave the office earlier during wrestling season, but they also know I’m accessible for urgent matters. Conversely, the wrestling team knows that my CFOO role might occasionally pull me away from practice or competitions. Setting and maintaining these boundaries ensure expectations are managed on both sides. When setting boundaries, with young people or adults, it is critical to lead with empathy. 

Embracing Flexibility 

No matter how well I plan, unexpected challenges arise. A last-minute facilities issue might coincide with a big wrestling match or a student-athlete might need extra coaching right before I’m due to finalize a board presentation. In these moments, flexibility is key.

The beauty of wrestling is its variability — there is no singular correct way to wrestle, which allows athletes of all sizes and body types to develop personal styles that allow them to be successful. 

Wrestling has taught me how to pivot and adjust my approach under pressure, a skill that’s equally valuable in the business office. The beauty of wrestling is its variability — there is no singular correct way to wrestle, which allows athletes of all sizes and body types to develop personal styles that allow them to be successful. The result is that individual matches are often incredibly dynamic affairs that require each competitor to quickly adapt to different styles, positions and in-match situations. 

Resilience Training 

Wrestling is a sport where setbacks are inevitable, and success depends on how quickly you recover and adapt. A grueling practice can be more even challenging if the wrestler cannot see past the present difficulty to their ultimate goal. A resilient mindset is also useful in navigating competing financial priorities, whether it’s addressing an unforeseen expense or managing stakeholder expectations during difficult decisions. 

Remember the “Why” 

Any school leader taking on other duties will inevitably feel pinned down at times. In those moments, I strive to remember that every role I take on strengthens my connection to the school’s mission. Wrestling puts me in direct contact with students, allowing me to witness firsthand the transformative power of a Friends School education. It’s a reminder that every budget line and facilities project ultimately serves the goal of shaping well-rounded, resilient young people. Students see me not just as an administrator but as someone who invests in their growth outside the classroom, and parents appreciate my dual commitment to their children’s athletic and academic development. These connections build trust and credibility, making me more effective in my primary role. 

Role Through 

Budgeting and financial forecasting have honed my ability to analyze data and make decisions based on both short-term needs and long-term goals — skills I bring to the mat when scouting opponents or serving as a coach.

Just as coaching informs my work in the business office, my CFOO experience shapes my approach to coaching. Wrestling requires strategy, as does running a school. Budgeting and financial forecasting have honed my ability to analyze data and make decisions based on both short-term needs and long-term goals — skills I bring to the mat when scouting opponents or serving as a coach. The career of any high school wrestler is only four years, but my responsibility as a coach is to lay the groundwork for continued growth and success of the program for years to come. 

Two Hats, One Mat 

While the demands of wearing two or three hats can be challenging, the rewards are immense. All my roles require leadership, adaptability and a commitment to continual improvement. They allow me to contribute to the school’s mission in meaningful ways, and both keep me constantly learning. 

In the end, being both a CFOO and a coach has taught me that success isn’t about perfect balance. It’s about integrating your passions and leveraging them to serve the broader mission. In that sense, I’m not just stewarding our resources or coaching athletes — I’m helping to build a stronger, more resilient school community, one takedown and one budget at a time.