Licata’s two main duties will include the oversight of the NWCA State Chairman Program which is designed to help ensure the NWCA is receiving important feedback on the unique needs and challenges of high school wrestling coaches in each state across the nation. He will also work closely with the NWCA College Coaches Leadership Academy, where he will serve as the primary oversight person for the mentoring component of the Academy.
“I have always admired what the NWCA has done for the sport of wrestling and what it stands for. I believe that coaching development is one of the key factors in growing wrestling at all levels and the NWCA has put a lot of time and effort into making programs readily available for that exact purpose,” said Licata.
“Throughout my business career I have remained very involved with wrestling. I have come to realize that many of the CEO principles that apply in the business world are very applicable in the coaching profession. Conversely, many of life’s great lessons are learned on the wrestling mat and have served me well in business. I am excited to be able to share this knowledge with many of our young, aspiring high school and college coaches who are now coming through the ranks.”
Licata’s educational background started at Pittston Area High School (PA) along with a prep school career at Wyoming Seminary (PA). He attended West Chester State College (West Chester University) where he received his Bachelors of Science in Health and Physical Education. Following that he completed his Masters of Education at James Madison University in Health Education.
While at West Chester State College, Licata was the wrestling team captain, a conference champion and an NCAA Division I Qualifier. He served as an assistant coach at James Madison University for five years and then continued his coaching career at various high schools in northern Virginia, the most recent at Westfield High School.
Licata currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Virginia State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. He is also part of the alumni group that is working to support wrestling at West Chester University.
Licata owned and operated one of the largest North American Van Line companies in the nation, which he recently sold and now wants to apply his business expertise toward helping coaches strengthen their CEO skills.
“Having someone with John’s experience in both wrestling and business is going to be extremely beneficial for everyone involved. He will be able to relate to coaches in his daily interaction, along with provide them with the insight that is necessary to help coaches think outside of the box,” said NWCA President Jim Beichner.
Licata will be working remotely from Virginia and can be reached by email at jlicata@nwca.cc.
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