The WGC Team
Welcome to the heart and soul of our team – the Coaches who inspire, guide, and lead with passion. Our coaching staff is a dedicated group of individuals committed to unlocking the full potential of our wrestlers. Each coach brings a unique blend of experience, expertise, and enthusiasm to the mat. From strategic practice plans to fostering a positive all-inclusive wrestling culture, our coaches are the driving force behind our success. Get to know the incredible individuals who shape not only victories but also the character and growth of our athletes. Meet the faces behind the game, the mentors behind the players, and the architects of our shared journey toward excellence.
Founders - The Wichern's
The Wichern family is a true wrestling dynasty. It’s not just Coach Jeff who’s passionate about the sport; the whole family is involved! Their three children—Zack (20), Jake (16), and little Mack (3)—have all grown up in the wrestling community, with Mack just starting his journey in tiny tots.
Wichern Garage Crew was born during the Covid pandemic, with the garage becoming a home for their wrestling community. The program has since expanded to Orono High School, with Jeff now leading the PK-12 program.
Coach Jeff Wichern brings a wealth of experience to the table. An accomplished high school wrestler and dedicated coach, Jeff is an alum of Roosevelt High School and Augsburg University. At Roosevelt, he distinguished himself as a 3-time state qualifier, amassing 133 wins and earning the title of 5-time Minneapolis City Conference Champion. His coaching career spans over 25 years, covering youth, club, high school, and Team USA levels. Jeff has coached alongside Gopher great Billy Pierce at Edison, worked with the Minneapolis, Richfield/Edina, and Eden Prairie youth wrestling clubs, and founded JJ Trained and JARO Wrestling Schools. In 2015, while coaching Eden Prairie, his team achieved a notable #10 national ranking at the Folkstyle MNUSA Nationals.
Wrestling runs deep in the Wichern family legacy. Jeff’s late father, Rodney Wichern, founded the Minneapolis Wrestling Club, producing 7 state champions and 14 place winners over a decade.
Jeff's Wife Amanda Wichern is the behind-the-scene worker bee. From ensuring our website is up-to-date with the latest registrations to handling team communications, planning team events and keeping our checkbook all buttoned up and tidy, Amanda keeps everything running smoothly. With three wrestlers of her own, Amanda has demonstrated her unwavering commitment to the wrestling community by helping build several programs over the past decade. Her 20 years of experience in technology and business strategy seamlessly intersect with wrestling, creating a holistic approach to challenges. This fusion of precision and strategic thinking ensures the best off-the-mat experience for everyone involved. Amanda is proudly known as Mom #2 by many of her adopted wrestlers.
WGC Coaches
"A coach is someone who tells you what you don't want to hear; makes you see what you don't want to see so you can be who you always knew you could be."
Experience the WGC Culture:
Discover what makes us unique and see our passion in action.