The men’s wrestling team has a new head coach.
Oklahoma City University Athletics selected Nate Gomez to fill the position after Sam Hazewinkel, former head men’s wrestling coach, resigned after two years at OCU.
Gomez said he has a set of long-term goals for the team.
“We are going to create the most positive work environment that these guys have ever experienced,” Gomez said. “I believe if we can create that, our guys are going to thrive in that.”
Gomez said he plans for teammates to be champions on and off the mat.
“We are going to develop a culture where we don’t speak negativity at all, and we don’t limit ourselves at all, and because of that it wouldn’t surprise me if within a few years, we are in the hunt for a national championship as a team,” Gomez said.
Athletic Director Jim Abbott said Gomez’s passion for the team’s future and development immediately stood out to him.
“I think the first thing that struck me about Nate Gomez was his character,” Abbott said. “He is a good man, the kind of person that you can trust and entrust students to, which is very important. He has been a successful wrestler and coach in his background.”
Abbott said Gomez also stood out because of his knowledge of the sport beyond the mat.
“He has an understanding of some of the administrative aspects of the sport, and he has significant experience fundraising, which is always important for our coaches because we always need additional funds to help support our teams,” Abbott said.
Jaxen Gilmore, nursing sophomore and men’s wrestler, said he has known Gomez for years.
“I have actually known Nate for a very long time,” Gilmore said. “I grew up down the street in Yukon, so not very far from here, and his brother-in-law was my wrestling coach.”
Gilmore said Gomez’s character and spirit always stood out to him.
“As a person, I would say Nate’s energy is very hard to match,” Gilmore said. “He is so inspirational. It’s like every day he wakes up with his mind on a mission.”
Gilmore said Gomez’s Christian faith may play a role in his leadership.
“He is a soulful man who devotes his life to God,” Gilmore said. “I’m excited to learn from that, and I think the rest of the team is excited to learn from that as well. He will be a really good mentor for us.”
Gomez said his dedication to his faith is something he said he holds very dear, and he attributes his success and new coaching opportunity to his faith.
“I am a Christian, and I believe in God, and the Lord has opened this door for me and my family,” Gomez said. “I commit this season to Him, and I want to give God the glory.”
Gomez said he believes he was given this opportunity for a reason.
“I don’t want it to seem like I am all about myself,” Gomez said. “I want people to know that this isn’t something where I just decided to be a college coach. I really believe that God has given me this opportunity. He has done the work in my heart, and I am excited about working with this team.”
Gilmore said he hopes Gomez can help him work to improve himself, not just as an athlete, but as an individual.
“Nate’s mentality toward the sport is something you don’t find very often,” Gilmore said. “You don’t often find coaches who are willing to work with you both on and off the mat. With Nate, I am excited to work more off the mat. I’ve worked on the mat my entire life, so to take some time to focus on myself and our team while maintaining Nate’s goal of ‘no negative energy’ is something I am really excited for.”
Gomez said this is his first time coaching a university wrestling team, and he is excited for the challenge.
“I am looking forward to us getting to know each other and being really vulnerable with each other, and being who we are as quirky, goofy individuals,” Gomez said. “These athletes are good people, good citizens, good students on our campus, and are leaders. I am just excited to get into a room and do life together.”
For more information, visit the OCUSports website.
Leave a Reply