Louden Gordon to be next Wadsworth wrestling coach, replacing Mike Wenger

When a program is as tight-knit as that of Wadsworth High School wrestling, it’s not hard to find viable coaching candidates to run it.

The Grizzlies let due process run its course to allow as many attractive candidates apply for the job left vacant by Mike Wenger .

When all things were considered, athletic director Brad Musgrave hired one of Wadsworth’s own, Louden Gordon , pending board approval.

"Louden came [and] presented himself in a very organized manner," Musgrave said. "He came across as very knowledgeable in wrestling. He's been around some great people that he's learned from. It isn't all about his background at Wadsworth.

"He's taken some things from places he's been. I just think he presents himself as someone who can grab the reins that have been handed down at Wadsworth. He can pick it up and not miss a beat."

Gordon was a beast on the mat at Wadsworth, Notre Dame College

Gordon comes to the Grizzlies by way of Walsh Jesuit, but is a 2010 Wadsworth graduate who helped the Grizzlies win two state duals titles and one state tournament championship.

A state champion, two-time state placer and national All-American for Wadsworth, Gordon also was part of the three national championship teams at Notre Dame College. He was a two-time national qualifier and All-American for the Falcons.

All those accolades aside, Gordon is happy to be named the coach at Wadsworth.

"I didn't start wrestling until I moved to Wadsworth at a young age," Gordon said. "At the time I didn't realize it, but all my friends and family are from there. It's led to where I am now. I associate that with Wadsworth because it all started with Wadsworth wrestling."

He’s the second member from the 2010 championship team to coach the Grizzlies after teammate Clay Wenger was the lead man of the program from 2018-23 .

"It obviously helps him, but it just wasn't what he experienced at Wadsworth," Musgrave said. "That's a huge piece. It means the world to him or he wouldn't want to come back here. He literally has other things that he's experienced elsewhere that he wants to bring into the program. Combine that together so that it's Louden Gordon's program and not a continuation of somebody else's."

Louden Gordon returns to Wadsworth wrestling with solid resume

Gordon was an assistant coach at Barberton for two years, head coach at Copley for two seasons and has been at Walsh as an assistant to Dave Mariola Jr. from 2019 to the present.

He’s also taught at Battlezone, which is the club owned by Wenger and is operated out of Wadsworth.

In his nine seasons and eight state tournaments, Gordon has helped coach 15 state qualifiers, seven state placers and a state runner-up in Dy’Vaire “Boots” VanDyke of Walsh.

At Copley he also coached Antwon Pugh, who was a two-time national All-American and national runner-up.

"I've always been confident and believe in myself," Gordon said. "It's a unique opportunity because I know the traditions. I know the standard that takes place at Wadsworth, but I've been lucky enough to be outside of it, which other people haven't been.

"I've had good experience elsewhere. I've coached with Dave Mariola. He's one of the best coaches I know. To be with Dave seven of the nine years I've coached, I don't think I could have become who I am now without him."

Contact Brad Bournival at bbournival@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter at @bbournival

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Louden Gordon to be next Wadsworth wrestling coach, replacing Mike Wenger