"Having two assistant coaches from the Duke wrestling program identified as emerging leaders in college wrestling demonstrates how highly our peers feel about both Coach Lanham and Coach Leen," head coach Clar Anderson said. "The NWCA contacted me about both of them earlier in the year and expressed the sentiment that both have developed great reputations and that both are guaranteed to be head coaches someday. Both Lanham and Leen have proven to be outstanding leaders on and off the mat for the Duke wrestling program and this Leadership Academy will just give them even more tools to lead with."
The third-annual leadership academy will take place on August 3-4 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Lanham and Leen both were awarded scholarships that cover, airfare, tuition, hotel and convention registration. The Academy is uniquely designed to help coaches strengthen their CEO skills that include fundraising, marketing and overall general leadership capabilities. The program also focuses on the best practices to improving retention and graduation rates.
"With the success of the 2009 and 2010 Academies, we are looking forward to mentoring another group of outstanding head and assistant coaches," said NWCA President Brian Smith. "Being able to double the Academy in size this year, shows that there really was a need for this type of program at the college level."
The purpose of this Academy is to utilize peer group discussion among college coaches, athletic administrators, and CEOs to develop "best practices" for protecting and strengthening intercollegiate wrestling programs through this challenging economy. Further, the NWCA wants to help coaches better align their programs with educational values.
Lanham and Leen, both in their second year at Duke, have been instrumental in the continued development of Duke's wrestling program. Both have mentored the Blue Devils wrestlers on and off the mat, pushing each student-athlete to excel in the gym and in the classroom. Outstanding student-athletes in their own right, both coaches have a bright future in collegiate coaching.
For complete details about the Academy, visit www.NWCAonline.com.
-d-u-k-e-
