10 Questions with…Wrestling Coach Marcello Luna

2022 WHS alum Marcello Luna was a highly-ranked wrestler throughout his high school career. He placed in the state multiple times and was always someone to watch out for. You never knew what he was going to do on the mat, whether that be a backflip or a 360 in the middle of the match. Luna decided to end his long career after going out on a win at states where he placed 7th.  Although his personal career ended, his love for the sport did not. This year he became the assistant coach at Woodhaven and continued serve the wrestling community he came up in.

What do you miss most about wrestling?

There are so many things I could say that I miss about the sport. The main thing is the brotherhood and all the friends I made throughout my wrestling career that will stay with me forever. 

Do you regret anything after coming back?

Of course, there are things I regret. I wished I paid more attention to my coaches and taken the time to listen to what they had to say because they were only there to help me. I always thought they were trying to make it harder on me, but in reality, they were only looking out for me and trying to get me to my full potential.

How was stepping back out on the mat? 

Stepping back onto the mat was a very different feeling for me. Not just because I am not the one wrestling, it is because I am viewing it from a different perspective. Now I understand why my coaches would get so mad and frustrated at me, same with my family. It is easy to say score a point, but it is not that easy when you are not in their position, trust me.

Would you coach or wrestle now that you have done both? 

I can proudly say as a coach we all wish we are the ones on the mat, but for most of us our time is done. We can only pass the knowledge we know onto the younger generation, but to answer the question, yes, of course, I wish I was still wrestling

How did your eyes open from athlete to coach? 

I appreciate how much I could understand the wrestler’s point of view, especially since that was me not too long ago. As a coach, I take my time and try my best to understand the kids. I coach a lot of kids, and sometimes it is not easy, but I can understand where they are coming from. I try my best to break down whatever situation so they can understand in words from one wrestler to another 

Do you think you will continue coaching? 

Only time can tell. I love coaching and everything about it, but I am still a young adult and I need to do what’s best for me. In the long run, it makes me so happy to give back to the school that taught me everything I know. I’m still planning my future, and I don’t know what the road ahead has for me. At the moment I believe I will continue coaching for a little longer.

Will you ever branch off and have your own club?

A couple of years ago we had an amazing Jr program, but sadly that came to an end. I believe that program shaped me into who I am today. It taught me so many life lessons as a little kid, which still stick with me to this day. I would be happy to start a program for the youth. I believe our city needs it, and it can help build future championships. Not just for Woodhaven high school but for individuals themselves.

What would your goal be? 

I feel like it is only right to give back to the community that helped me turn into the man I am today. My only goal is to help show kids how much potential they have in themselves, and how much further they can go. When I was in their position they would always say “You can always do one more no matter what it was, one more sprint, one more push up, pull up, sit up. You’re always capable of doing one more.

How does it feel being one of the youngest coaches ever? 

I would’ve never believed I would be in this situation, but I’m so happy I had this opportunity. I believe all coaches of every sport should have at least one or more staff members that are close to the younger generation. It doesn’t only help with understanding the kids, but it helps the kids build an amazing bond with their coaches that will last a lifetime. I will say it helps the kids feel more comfortable talking about things, from questions they have about the sport to things that are going on in their life. As a coach, we’re not just here to show kids how to play the sport and win. We’re here to show kids how to beat obstacles in life and appreciate the best moments, and learn from the worst moments. I will say it’s an amazing feeling being a young coach.

Would you ever consider being Woodhaven’s Head coach? 

Wow, that’s a big question, but I’ve thought about it a lot and I believe one day I can become the head coach of Woodhaven High School. It will take some time, and this is only going on my second year being a coach, but nothing would make me happier than being the one running the team I was once a part of.