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20+ Seasons Coaching Experience Folkstyle/FS/GR

2x National FS/GR Finalist

4x FS/GR All American

8 Seasons Team Illinois Coach (Fargo & Duals)

Northern Illinois Women's Wrestling Representative

Assistant Coach-Montini Catholic High School

Chris Haag - Head Coach

 

Many wrestlers entertain us with their strength and competitive spirit. Then, there are those who inspire us with their ability to overcome adversity. We are especially touched by those who have rejected being told “No you can't”, yet use everything else they have to become the best at what they do. Whether it was grappling on the wrestling mat, playing football, or working full time when he wasn't training to help keep his dream alive, Chris Haag is the true picture of strength.

 

Born the son of German Immigrant Frank Haag, Chris was raised to believe he was part of the greatest nation on earth and that anything was possible.  At an early age, Chris learned that the phrase "No you can't”, was only motivation for “Yes I can". Frank Haag's relentless message to Chris to never give up can be summed up with, “If you don’t give up, you can’t be stopped.” To this day Chris has continued with his father’s message and has never stopped with his dedication to the sport of wrestling.

 

Inspired to join wrestling for the 1st time in Jr. High by one of Haag's early mentors, Ted Sieckowski , Chris was immediately drawn to the team sport, and particularly the camaraderie with his teammates. “Haag had never wrestled up until then.  It was almost like a family,” Sieckowski said. Haag's life has never been the same since that moment, he was instantly hooked to the sport of wrestling.

 

Haag's love and dedication to the sport continued to evolve into a High School wrestler for Antioch. Haag wrestled for some of the toughest teams in the school’s history under the legendary Ted DeRousse.  In 1991, DeRousse asked Haag, "Hey Christopher, wanna wrestle a little Freestyle?."  Haag accepted the challenge and instantly became a member of the Lake County Wrestling Club.

 

In 1992, DeRousse formed Greco's 1st National Dual Team, where Haag earned the chance be part of Lake County History along local greats like Al Strobl and Lindsey Durlacher. From the moment he was named to the team, he was dedicated to training for the Olympic Styles of wrestling.  The days were long, but he considers them some of the best times of his life. “It was the first time that I’d really worked for something greater,” Haag said.

 

The dedication paid off.  In July of 1994, Haag took home silver at the Jr. Nationals in Fargo.  That very same summer, Haag also wrestled in the Jr. Duals for Team Illinois, defeating future World Gold medalists, & other wrestlers who went on to be a part of the Olympic ladder. The experience was one he’ll never forget.  Haag's success continued from there with three more All-American finishes, including a another appearance in the National Finals, this time in Freestyle.

 

After leaving his wrestling shoes on the mat, Haag took a few years off.  Haag now serves a dual purpose: to promote the sport of wrestling to potential athletes and fans, and to help Team Illinois with on going success since joining the coaching staff in 2009.

 

Haag is an important part of the LCWC family legacy who he credits for giving him the support needed to accomplish his goals.  He encourages anyone interested in wrestling to give it a try, including Greco-Roman and Women's Freestyle, the two styles in particular that he actively supports to provide opportunities for future Olympians.

 

 

Illinois AA State Champion

2x State Finalist

3 Years College Wrestling

FILA Cadet All American

2x FS State Champion

3x FS Finalist

Assistant Coach - Vernon Hills High School

Jeremy Brazil - Coach

Jeremy is a Vernon Hills Graduate, in his time there he was one of the best wrestlers in the county. He is a IHSA State Champion, 2x IHSA State finalist, 2x Freestyle State Champion, FILA Cadet All American. 

He is currently an assistant coach at Vernon Hills High School.

 

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August Trexler - Coach

August Graduated from Grayslake Community High School in 2005, where he wrestled and played soccer. After wrestling at Lawrence University for two years he returned to be a varsity assistant at Grayslake Central. After years of helping out with the varsity program there he jumped into coaching the Grayslake Wrestling Club bringing the program to new levels of success. 

 

 

2 Years College Wrestling

Head Coach for Grayslake Wrestling Club

Former Assitant Coach - Grayslake Central

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