PSU Wrestling Spotlight on former Penn State Wrestler: Tim Flynn

Tim was a team captain for Penn State and garnered All-American honors for the 1986-87 season. After graduating he earned an M.B.A. and now is in his 14th year as the head coach at Edinboro University. He has been named EWL Coach of the year five times, PSAC Coach of the Year eight times and his teams have finished as high as sixth at the NCAA Championships.

Tim was a fierce competitor. He has a great love for the sport. He has a tremendous personality and a good sense of humor. As a wrestler I admired him because he was such a hard working guy who just kept getting better and better. As a coach, I admire him as a coach because he pays such attention to details. He makes sure no stones are left unturned. He teaches life lessons as they should be taught to his wrestlers at Edinboro. -Rich Lorenzo, former Penn State head coach

Tim, how did you get started in wrestling?

I got started in wrestling through the Navy Junior program. The first year my brother wrestled and I “redshirted”….I played on the sidelines. The second year I wrestled and finished undefeated as a 55lb county champ. It was all downhill after that! Ha! I remember Coach Perry helping out as well as Coach Wicks. Those guys put extra time in even for the little guys!

Tell us about your high school wrestling career.

I had a decent HS career. My junior year I placed 4th in the state of California at 98lbs for Vista HS in Oceanside Ca. Then my Dad got transferred to the East Coast where I attended Annapolis HS. I was undefeated heading in to the state finals, but dropped a decision to 3x state champion Brian Crane. I always wanted to see him in college, but it never happened.

Talk about the process that brought you to Penn State.

My father was in the Marine Corps and had residency in PA. I had visited Lock Haven and didn’t have a good feel about going there. The second I stepped out of the car at PSU I knew it was the place for me. Meeting Coach Lorenzo that day sealed the deal.

Who was the toughest guy you ever wrestled in college?

Probably John Smith or Barry Davis. Both were great wrestlers and both had already achieved success on the international level while in college! Smith was already a World Champion and Davis was an Olympic Silver Medalist when I wrestled him at Rec Hall my sophomore year. John was so good everywhere….especially on his feet. Barry was so strong, in such great shape and so old! Both were a handful.

Talk about your college coaches.

Along with my father, they made me who I am today. Coach Lorenzo was a perfect father figure for me while away from home. We had a big family growing up (3brothers, 2 sisters) and I needed that family atmosphere. I needed someone to care about me on and off the mat. He also had such strong character that it was easy to follow him. John Fritz helped me soooooo much. Fritzy was always willing to work out, put you through a drill, whenever. His passion for the sport is unparalleled. His enthusiasm was infectious….and like Coach Lorenzo, a great, great person! Hachiro was awesome. He trained us hard! So many chin ups….great technician….so many chin ups…did I say that already? Like Fritzy and the Bear, a quality person as well. Their passion and character were 2nd to none.

What are your best memories from the years you spent as a Penn State Wrestler?

Beating Iowa in 1986-87…walking through all the people sitting on the floor was cool! Tying Oklahoma State at the National duals was memorable for the team…but I lost to Smith, so that day wasn’t so great for me. I remember all the friends I made…..Koser, Elinsky, Seckler, Brugel, Turk, Chad, Mayo, CBev, Jimmy, Kenny, Hadgey etc. etc. Snowball fights at the Rat House …lots of memories…..Penn State is a very special place.

Talk about the satisfactions/rewards of being a college wrestling coach.

There is nothing more rewarding professionally than watching a young man reach his goals. Seeing a kid grow on and off the mat is very rewarding as well. I really enjoy the day to day interaction….they really keep you young! I appreciate the journey, not just the destination.

How has your college wrestling experience impacted your life/career?

My experience at PSU and interaction with Coach Lorenzo, Fritzy, and Hachiro has really impacted the way I coach….a little of them comes out each day here in Edinboro! I still stay in touch with many teammates and friends from Penn State and I love seeing all the friendly faces at the NCAA’s and other events.

What advice do you have for collegiate wrestlers today?

Listen! Pick a school that is right for you, surround yourself with good people, and listen. Most kids want to reinvent the wheel…..not necessary. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. Finally, enjoy the years in college wrestling….it all goes by so fast.

What makes wrestling such a great sport?

It’s a 1ong battle….like a fight with rules. You have no one to blame but yourself. The discipline it takes to be great at this sport is second to none!