Two years ago, Coach Bascue was leading the girls wrestling program with the idea of one day developing his own culture at TCHS; now, the third-year head coach has successfully developed a program founded on work and strong relationships.

“My goals last year were to create my own culture to develop the boy’s [team]… And be my own person and grab my own program.” Bascue said. “I like seeing the kids grow and the relationship that I’ve built with the kids.”

Bascue’s dedication to his athletes stretches beyond the mat, he cares about his students in and outside of the gym.

“He works with them in other aspects whether it is academic or personal.” Said TCHS AP Kristin Norgart. “He really looks at the whole kid, not just the athlete.”

Among the longest tenured wrestlers on campus is senior Yahiya Hussein-Said, who recently qualified for state, and has wrestled under Bascue, as well as Bascue’s predecessor.

“Back then, I feel like I just didn’t want to work out, but now, I just want to work out because you know, my teammates are having fun, everyone else is having fun, the mat room is just up there compared to two years ago, where it was just pure wrestling and working out.” Hussien-Said said.

Bascue talks about how since he has been here he has seen a change in accountability; for him and his kids.

“The kids hold each other to a different standard than I’ve seen in my time here.” Bascue says. “They call each other out, they call me out.”

One way Bascue holds his kids accountable is with a cursing rule, a way to solidify a foundation of respect within the program.

“If you swear you have to do 10 push ups per letter, and that goes both ways. If I cuss, then I’m doing pushups” said Bascue.

The impact of his student accountability is noticeable. Norgart has seen changes in the boys since Bascue has stepped into the head coach role.

“He’s done a really good job, not just just coaching the boys in wrestling technique, but also as young men,” Norgart said. “We are really starting to see that they’ve stepped up as leader in the classroom, and a lot of that goes back to Bascue and the way he is working with them.”

Bascue is very passionate about how mistakes are normal and how they are going to happen to everybody.

“Mistakes are, in fact, encouraged, but we want to make sure that we are not apologizing for every mistake.” Bascue said. “…people are going to get banged up and bruised in wrestling and as long as they are ok there is no need to apologize. I think it is very healthy, especially just in that, in that we’re not just apologizing for little things that are not a big thing.”

Senior wrestler Robert Huffman has noticed changes in the program since Bascue stepped in as head coach.

“A different attitude, I guess, to the team is probably the best word to describe it.” Huffman said about the team’s development under Bascue.

Bascue has changed the program for the better and has made wrestling a better place.

“Last year we were trash man, we were trash. The tournament, we came dead last.” Hussien-Said said. “I think this year, we have more wrestlers that are committed to wrestling.”

Bascue has, and will, look to continue The Colony’s 20-year tradition of sending a wrestler to state every year.

”I’m not trying to ruin the record. We went to state for a whole 20 years straight. I stepped up my game so we can keep that tradition on.” Hussein-Said, said.

Next years wrestlers have a big reputation to live up to, but there is confidence in the upcoming wrestlers as a result of Bascue’s solid program foundation.

“I think that this year and next year, we have more wrestlers that are committed to wrestling. The way he teaches and explains things, I think we are going to be up there in every tournament.”