Wrestling for coach Yabui and the whole team is more than a sport. Wrestling has a long history in this school that’s been going on since 1969, for over 50 years. Coach Yabui himself is a graduate of the class of 2004 and brings a lot of passion and respect to wrestling, now as the head coach for the St.Mary’s wrestling team.
From a member of the wrestling team to head coach
Coach Yabui first started wrestling in his freshman year. “I was a 4-year varsity letterman, 2-time Kanto champion, and 3-time Far East champion. My teams in 2003 and 2004 won Far East as a team too. So, wrestling holds a very special place in my heart and when looking at the amazing coaches St. Mary’s had in the past and the great wrestlers we have had in the past, it’s an honor, privilege, and a lot of pressure to be head coach now” said Mr.Yabui. Coach Yabui’s first experience coaching was as an assistant for his coach, coach John Rhodes in the 2005-2006 season. He became the head coach for the middle school team in the 2009-2010 season and became the head high school coach for the high school team from the 2013-2014 season. In total, he has been coaching for 17 years and is a very experienced wrestling coach. “Wrestling is everything to me. It’s what my St. Mary’s career was mainly about. It’s what made me who I am today. Everything that’s important to me, I learned from wrestling. Almost every aspect of my life revolves around wrestling”. Wrestling is more than just a sport to coach Yabui and is a significant part of his life.
Achievements and goals
“St. Mary’s wrestling currently has a total of 19 Far East championship titles (second in the league to Kubasaki with 27), 30 Kanto titles (second to Kinnick’s 34), and has produced 92 Far East champions (second to Kubasaki’s 114). There have only been three 4-time Far East champions in the history of Far East; 2 of them are from Kubasaki and 1 of them is St. Mary’s, Chang Young Lee (’17). St. Mary’s has exceled significantly; winning 13 Far East titles (of the 19) and producing 42 Far East champions (of the 92).” Said Coach Yabui. There will also be a “Beast of the East” tournament held at St.Mary’s on January 11. Coach Yabui is especially looong forward for this tournament, since “This tournament has always been hosted by Kinnick. We are excited that we get to host this significant and special tournament. It’s going to be a great day; and even better if we can win it!” When asked about ultimate that coach Yabui has for the team, he said that the main achievement is getting to the far east. “But, most importantly, I want the wrestlers to have a fun and good time whatever the outcome.” Said Coach Yabui. “Wrestling is not even listed on our school website. We’ve had to work really hard and put extra efforts to be promoted and celebrated. But, the fans we have are really passionate about it. I hope one day, wrestling becomes an important and valued sport for St. Mary’s for everyone.” coach Yabui wants more people to value wrestling, and make the team a more important part of St.Mary’s.
A final message from Coach Yabui
Wreslting is a big and significant part of Coach Yabui’s life, and encourages everyone to join wrestling team. A final message
from Mr.Yabui: “Do it! Wrestling is the fairest and greatest sport in the world! We don’t have tryouts and cut. Everyone can join. Most people start learning in high school, so it’s a fair start. Because of weight classes, it gives a fair chance whether you weigh 45kg or 130kg. It’s all about technique and conditioning, so whether you are physically weak or not good with sports, it doesn’t matter; natural athletic abilities play little role, tall or short, slow or fast, strong or weak, everyone will find a technique that’s going to work for them. We have an amazing coaching staff from former national team members to former NCAA D1 wrestlers; there will be great coaching and support for everyone. Most importantly, wrestling will give back what you put in. The harder you work, the better the person you will become developing respect, resilience, humility, work ethic, determination, and compassion; all important life skills to be successful in life”.
