![Andrew Poust.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1738160417/wsk12nyus/ewgcpcya1aaugpxlptzk/13.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1738160417/wsk12nyus/ewgcpcya1aaugpxlptzk/13.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1738160417/wsk12nyus/ewgcpcya1aaugpxlptzk/13.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1738160417/wsk12nyus/ewgcpcya1aaugpxlptzk/13.png","width":940}])
Andrew Poust has been volunteering as a wrestling coach in Washingtonville for the past five years, after his son joined the Washingtonville Youth Wrestling program. This year, he joined the high school as the school's varsity wrestling coach.
Mr. Proust’s coaching career began in 2005 at Clarktown High School South, the same high school he graduated from. He then coached in Middletown from 2009 to 2013, taking a hiatus after the birth of his first child. This year he will return to coaching at the high school level.
Mr. Poust is passionate about building community connections within the program. He often encourages the high school students to stop by the modified and youth practices, to inspire and support the younger wrestlers.
“Now that I’m the varsity coach, I’m talking to them (the high school athletes), and I’m like ‘Guys, these little guys look up to you, you’re like superheroes to them,’” said Mr. Poust. “When the modified team had their first practice, they said like four guys from varsity came by and gave them pointers. That’s what we want; we want to build this community and have everyone connected. There’s been really good energy in Washingtonville.”
As a coach, Mr. Poust puts his athletes' education first. He is dedicated to ensuring that they are successful in the classroom by motivating them to do their homework before practices and to seek help in their academics, if needed.
“I said to them, ‘My biggest goal for you guys first; I would love it, as a team, if we could make the honor roll…’” said Mr. Poust. “I understand if you guys struggle and just doing the homework is not working out, but if you’re struggling in class, let me know. I know all these teachers in the high school; they have after-school hours and you can go to those hours and still make it to practice on time.”
The district is enthusiastic about having Mr. Poust share his knowledge and expertise with our student athletes. His guidance and support will help mold the next generation to be great on and off the field.