OUR STORY

Built from the Ground Up

Who We Are

Team of Hardknox was founded in 2011 by a small group of former competitive wrestlers who believed the sport could change lives. We started in a borrowed church basement with three mats, a heavy bag, and ten kids who were hungry to learn.

Fifteen years later, we're one of the most respected wrestling programs in the region — but we've never forgotten where we came from. Every coach in our program started exactly where you might be standing now: nervous, unsure, and curious.

Our Mission

To develop wrestlers, leaders, and people of character. We believe wrestling is the toughest sport on earth, and the lessons it teaches — grit, discipline, accountability, humility — translate into every part of life.

Our Values

Hard work over talent. Talent gets you noticed. Hard work gets you titles.
Respect every opponent. The mat doesn't care about your record.
Family first. Our team supports each other on and off the mat.

EST.
2011
HARDKNOX

Meet the Coaches

RJ

Coach Ray "Rooster" Jenkins

Head Coach & Founder

Two-time state champion, NCAA Division I All-American. Coaching for 22 years.

MT

Coach Marcus Tate

Assistant Head Coach

Former NJCAA national qualifier. Specializes in takedowns and folkstyle technique.

DV

Coach Diana Vega

Youth & Women's Coach

State champion, USAW certified Bronze. Leads our youth and girls' programs.

SK

Coach Sam Kowalski

Strength & Conditioning

CSCS certified. Designs the off-mat program that keeps our wrestlers explosive and injury-free.

Want to Be Part of the Team?

Whether you're 6 or 36, beginner or veteran — we'd love to have you on the mat.

Get Started