Tuscon Pride’s Howard gets to heart of ‘Why Wrestle?’
Photo: Jose Howard (top left) has worked with young wrestlers as young as age four since starting the Tucson Pride Wrestling Club.
Note: Jose Howard, the head coach of the Tucson Pride, told his story to Bill X. Barron of Rocky Mountain Nationals Events.
Tucson is where I’ve grown up, where I’ve learned, and where I’ve chosen to give back. Co-raised by my grandparents, they introduced me to faith, the foundation I carry with me every day, on and off the mat.
Since first stepping onto the mat in eighth grade, wrestling has become more than a sport; it has become the blueprint for how I live my life; biblically and practically.
The mat doesn’t lie. It has a way of exposing you, your fears, your strengths, your weaknesses and your potential. It does the same for me as a coach.
It reveals my fears, my love for the sport, the paradoxes I face and the patience I need to develop. Coaching is a journey of constant learning and self-reflection.
Every day I step onto the mat, I’m reminded that this is precisely where I’m meant to be, guiding the next generation through the lessons this sport teaches us all.
When I was a young wrestler, I didn’t have someone in my corner who truly saw me and understood the battles I was fighting; not just with my opponents but within myself. That loneliness, that deep, gnawing ache, is something I never wanted another athlete to feel.
While volunteering at Tucson High School in 1991, I felt a pull so strong it felt like destiny, calling me to something greater than myself. These kids struggled with the same fears and obstacles that had once consumed me, and it broke my heart.
I knew exactly what they were going through: the doubt, the fear, the loneliness. So, I weaved my life lessons into coaching. I wasn’t just teaching them how to wrestle; I was sharing my story, my failures, and the strength I found in God.
This new “why” gave me a purpose beyond anything I had ever imagined. It wasn’t just about winning matches; it was about helping these kids weather the storms of life.
Wrestling became the platform through which I could introduce them to the same hope and love that had saved me.
Watching a young athlete transform from someone who’s unsure of themselves into a confident, resilient champion has been the most rewarding experience of my life.
Opening the Tucson Pride Wrestling Club (TPWC) program and working with kids as young as four has deepened my sense of purpose even further.
To see these young children step onto the mat, full of potential, and to guide them as they begin to realize that potential is a privilege.
The bond I share with my athletes, the trust they place in me and the privilege of watching them grow into strong, capable individuals are what keep me going. Beyond technique or strategy, I pour my heart and soul into them.
The essence of my coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that wrestling is a powerful metaphor for life itself. It mirrors the good times, the struggles, the disappointments and the triumphs we all face.
Wrestling teaches resilience, discipline, and perseverance, qualities that are essential both on the mat and in everyday life.
But beyond these, I see wrestling as a vehicle for something even more profound: the development of strong moral character and a foundation of faith.
At the heart of our program are Biblical principles that guide everything we do. These principles, combined with the challenges inherent in wrestling, help shape our athletes into individuals of integrity and strength.
Our wrestling club has evolved into something more than just a place to train and compete; it has become a ministry.
We preach the gospel and we embody the love and sacrifice of our Lord, not just collectively but uniquely and individually for each person who walks through our doors.
When I came across RMN Events, I was immediately intrigued. Their tournaments seemed not only fun and exciting but also meticulously organized, with a clear emphasis on showcasing talent at the highest levels.
What I experienced there was far beyond what I expected. It was as if God’s spirit was flowing through that place and touching everyone there, including me.
It was a profound experience, one that cemented my commitment as a coach. I realized then that RMN Events was more than just a series of wrestling tournaments; it was a platform where faith and sport came together in a powerful way.
Each event has not only provided our athletes with incredible competition but also reinforced the values that are at the core of our program: faith, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence both on and off the mat.
Their partnership with me reminds me to stay the course in what I’m called to do: spreading God’s word and developing young athletes not just into champions on the mat but into champions of faith. God put RMN Events in our path for a reason.
Tucson Pride’s program roots are humble. They trace back to my own garage, where it all began with just two of my sons, Gabriel and Tony. In those early days, the focus was simple: hard work, consistency, and a commitment to growth.
Through wrestling, we teach them to fight the good fight, to overcome not just physical opponents but the more profound challenges that life presents, always grounded in faith and the love of our Savior.
The qualities that lead to success on the mat — resilience, adaptability, humility, and an unyielding work ethic — are the same qualities that define a person’s character in every aspect of life.
Resilience is what separates the good from the great on the mat. In life, it’s what allows my athletes to overcome obstacles, face challenges head-on and never back down; no matter how difficult the journey.
Wrestling humbles us all. It strips away ego and demands respect; not just for the sport, but also for us and our opponents.
By instilling humility in my athletes, I teach them to see beyond their victories and defeats to the more profound lessons in every experience.
Humility translates into empathy, understanding and respect for others, which will guide them in every walk of life.
I intertwine wrestling lessons with the deeper currents of life and faith. To me, wrestling isn’t just a sport. It’s a profound metaphor for the human experience.
The battles you face on the mat will be intense and so will the internal battles; those moments of fear, doubt and desolation that will challenge your very spirit.
But here’s the truth: once you’ve endured these trials, you will emerge transformed. You will become a skilled, well-prepared and strong young athlete capable of conquering the world.
With your mind, heart, and spirit aligned with God’s word, there will be nothing you cannot achieve.
Wrestling reveals who you are at your core, and through the trials it presents, it molds you into a person who can face the world with confidence, resilience and grace.
The true gift of wrestling is not found in the accolades but in the understanding you are capable of enduring and overcoming whatever life throws your way.
