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Conch Pride with Conch Wrestling Coach Chaz Jimenez
Manage episode 511014081 series 2815313
We share how a small island built a big-time wrestling culture, and why adversity, family, and year-round work keep Key West competing with anyone. Coach Chaz traces the program’s roots, his own injury-to-purpose journey, and the rise of girls’ wrestling.
• founding of the Conch Republic Wrestling Club and early mentors
• synergy between wrestling and football for leverage, footwork and mindset
• state placers, record-setters and the validation of first titles
• injury, identity loss and returning home to coach with purpose
• coaching philosophy built on relationships and individual needs
• launch and rapid growth of girls’ wrestling
• 2025 season highlights and athletes to watch
• year-round training in folkstyle, freestyle and Greco
• balancing multi-sport goals with mat time realities
• travel distance, funding pressure and competitive scheduling
• transfers, NIL and why culture beats convenience
• Key West lineage, community support and one-town loyalty
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Chapters
1. Island Pride And Opening (00:00:00)
2. Meet Coach Chaz Jimenez (00:01:02)
3. Wrestling Program Wins And Milestones (00:02:10)
4. Origins Of Conch Wrestling (00:03:11)
5. Wrestling And Football Synergy (00:07:10)
6. Injury, Darkness, And Purpose (00:10:40)
7. Teaching Adversity And Resilience (00:15:10)
8. Choosing Home And Coaching (00:17:16)
9. Building The Girls’ Program (00:19:00)
10. Coaching Girls Vs Boys (00:22:40)
11. Evolving As A Coach (00:25:20)
12. Staff, Alumni, And Culture (00:27:25)
13. 2025 Highlights And Standouts (00:29:30)
14. Year-Round Training Rhythm (00:32:00)
15. Multi-Sport Paths And Tradeoffs (00:34:00)
16. Coaching Challenges, Travel and Funding Hurdles (00:35:20)
17. Transfers, NIL, and Competitive Balance (00:41:20)
18. Miami FSU and NCAA Football Talk (00:43:20)
19. Raising The Next Generation (00:48:00)
20. Why Key West Is Different (00:49:00)
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