NAIA Preview Series: #2 Southern Oregon

Carolina Moreno at the NAIA National Invitational last year where she won a national title. Photo credit: Al Case, Ashland Daily Photo

by Jeremy Eusterwiemann
@wiems19

There are a lot of fresh faces in Ashland, Oregon home of Southern Oregon University. New head coach and first-time head coach Gabby Weyhrich brings plenty of experience to the table (McKendree University assistant). Veteran All-American transfers are already gelling and look to hit the ground running when the competition season starts and a solid recruiting class will again put the Raiders in the thick of things come March. A passionate staff looks to instill deeper confidence from within. Do not be shocked when this team competes for a title. Here is an interview I had with Southern Oregon’s Head Coach Gabby Weyhrich.

1. What have been some of the biggest transitions for you as head coach at Southern Oregon?
The biggest transition from being an assistant coach at McKendree University to Head Coach at Southern Oregon University is just learning all my athletes and where they are mentally, emotionally,
and physically. I got very comfortable with how we did things at McKendree, and it has been a big
transition learning how to apply those same things, but in a way that works here with new athletes.

2. Talk about your returning class. Who are some of the women you have high expectations for this year?
We have some real talent here at Southern Oregon University. Our returning class is made up of a tight knit group, who is willing to do whatever it takes to win a national championship this year. They are the most fun group of girls I have ever been around in my four years of coaching, but they also know when it’s time to put in the work. It is hard to talk about just one or two of these ladies because they are all such a huge part of what we are building. I have high expectations for so many of them.

3. Talk about your transfers and how it has helped your transition to have some of your wrestlers follow you?
Natalie Reyna, Joye Levendusky, and Grace Kristoff are the three transfers* who followed me from McKendree. I honestly could not have asked for a better trio to follow me. We all have a very close relationship and are constantly enjoying each other’s company. Whether that is wrestling, lifting, or just sitting around laughing, we genuinely love one another. I am beyond blessed to have them here with me, and they have been a small piece of home, away from home. These three understand what it takes to be national champions, and they can help set the tone for the team. It is nice having them around to lead by example. They all enjoy being in a new environment, and not necessarily always having to be the motivators. They are also the most down to earth people and had no trouble mixing in with the existing team/leaders.

* Reyna (109) and Kristoff (191) are both 2x NCAA All-Americans and Levendusky (170) is a 4x All-American & 2x national finalist in the NCAA.

4. Talk about your incoming freshmen class. Who are you excited about and what are some of the names that you expect an immediate contribution from?
I am more than excited for this year’s freshman class. Thankfully, the old head coach (Joel) and assistant coach (Tucker) knocked it out of the park with recruiting before I got here. They helped me get a running start, which I am grateful for. Bella Amaro is a freshman to have on your radar. She is positionally sound, works hard, understands grit and has a great attitude. I see nothing but big things from her this year and the following years. She is already becoming a leader. Another athlete to keep your eyes on is Candice Correjlo. She is a transfer from Wayland Baptist who took a gap year. She was an absolute hammer coming out of California and is excited to have her second chance.

5. How do you feel about your preseason?
Our preseason went well. It was really the first time I got to set the tone and expectations. The girls did a great job of buying in right away and really giving their full effort. Our motto this year is “We need everyone.” Meaning, if we are going to win a national title, everyone needs to be bought in. This statement alone has really brought the girls closer because this is not something they have focused on in the past. One moment that sticks out in my head is when two of our returning athletes were trying to get through one of the workouts. I continued to encourage them not to leave anyone behind, and that we needed every person. One athlete had her hand on the back of her teammate, trying to push her along. The athlete with her hand on the other girl’s back was saying, “Let’s go, you can do this, we need you.” All of a sudden the encouraging athlete with her hand on the back started throwing up. As she was throwing up she continued to push her teammate and encourage her. It was a cool moment.

6. Talk about some of your team’s goals this season. Are there any specific events you’re excited about?
Our team goal this year is to do everything right. We have really devoted ourselves to being the best in the classroom, on the mat, in our relationships, in the community, etc. We are trying to be a force to be reckoned with. I believe to do this we have to be doing the right things in every part of our lives. If we do this, there is no doubt in my mind that we will win the first NAIA team National title. And at least if we do not, we know we did everything we could to give ourselves the best chance. Missouri Valley is the tournament I am most excited for. It will be like a big reunion with all of my old teammates/coaches. It is going to be super fun competing against each other and just seeing how everyone is doing. This is the first year in nine years I have not been with Sam Schmitz day in and day out. I would be lying if I said I did not miss the man. It will be good to see him.

7. What are some things you will build into your program that you believe will bring you the success you are shooting for?
I think I have already touched a bit on this. I really just want to teach the girls to be butt-kickers—NOT
only on the mat but in the classroom, community, relationships, etc. I want them to have a killer mentality, and truly to believe they can do anything they set their mind to. Another thing that I am trying to build into this program is just relationships between me and all my athletes. I believe my coaching style is very relationship-based. I want to have a relationship which each one of my athletes so I truly understand what makes them tick. I really do not think you can coach every athlete the same. We all have our own baggage coming to college, and I think that is something to keep in consideration while coaching them. Doing this earns me their trust, loyalty, and respect. This goes a long way in my opinion.

7. Who are some of the personalities in the room that are providing leadership and shaping your culture?
Our team is full of personalities. They are constantly making me laugh and keeping me on my toes. A couple of people who impact this team’s culture are Emma Baertlein and Macie Stewart. Those two are always smiling, working hard, and dancing. Their energy is contagious. One person that has been a huge asset to the team culture is Olivia Pizano. She is one of my assistant coaches who wrestled for SOU. She has a type of personality that is very motivating, and appreciative. The girls thrive off her and I am glad she is around to do that for them.

8. Anything else you’d like to mention?
I could not make this vision I am trying to create come true without the help of my other assistant
Coaches, Anesia Rameriez and Mason Gray. They both play a huge part in what we do as well. If that
is organizing the locker room, giving advice, or even telling me to rest. Without them, this would not
be possible.

SOU begins their competitive schedule this weekend at the Mike Clock Open in Forest Grove, Oregon.