Cathedral High School has had a successful wrestling program for a long time. How many state championships have the Irish won through the years? 

McGinley– 4

Why has Cathedral’s program been so successful?

McGinley– – It starts with the commitment by the school. They invest in facilities, equipment and coaching staff. However, the biggest reason we are fortunate to have really good student athletes at Cathedral.

Did you wrestle while in high school?

McGinley– Yes, all of my older brothers wrestle, so it was a natural transition.

What did you like about wrestling as a high school athlete? 

McGinley– During the 1980’s the wrestling program was one of the best teams in the state. You were very proud to wear Cathedral across your chest when you competed.

Why did you choose Coaching and Teaching for your career? 

McGinley– A coach that I highly respect said he thought I would be a good coach and should look into coaching/teaching as a career.

How long have you been coaching at Cathedral?

McGinley– 24 years

Who was your mentor when you started your coaching career?

McGinley– My old high school Coach Lance Rhodes

When did you become the Head Coach at Cathedral?

McGinley– 2001

Did you coach anywhere else prior to Cathedral?

McGinley– Head Coach at Bishop Chatard for 2 years.

What do you think makes a successful high school coach?

McGinley– Once you realize you don’t know it all. Be positive!

What values do you emphasize in your coaching philosophy?

McGinley– We emphasize doing the right thing and being a good citizen.

How do you approach mentoring and supporting individual athletes within the team?

McGinley– All our wrestlers have individual goals, but they realize they do not have a chance to reach their full potential with the help of their teammates.

Wrestling is a very challenging sport, what strategies do you use to motivate and engage your student athletes?

McGinley– Be positive! When you walk through the door into the wrestling facility you need to have a smile on your face.

Wrestlers compete individually, how do you foster team spirit and camaraderie among your athletes?

McGinley– TEAM me! Through team bonding activities, such as, Bowling, paintball or hanging out with each other after tournaments.

What do you do to develop good sportsmanship in your athletes?

McGinley– It comes from the top down. I need to be a role model for my student athletes.

What personal qualities do successful wrestlers possess?

McGinley– Mental Toughness!

What are your goals for the team this season?

McGinley– Our goal every year is to win a Team State Championship, because we know there are many smaller goals that we must accomplish in order for us to achieve our ultimate goal.

How did the team do last season? How many Varsity wrestlers do you have returning this season?

McGinley– 17-3. 9 returning Starters.

How do you measure success beyond wins and losses?

McGinley– Seeing the growth as a wrestler/adult of each and every wrestler on the team

What life lessons can the athletes learn from their experience on the wrestling team?

McGinley– That life is not going to be easy, but if you’re able to survive a year in a Cathedral Wrestling room you are up for any challenge.