Carroll to coach Beavers’ heavyweights

By Melanie McGee – GateHouse News Service

When Pratt Community College wrestling coach Brook Medrano was recruiting Olathe North wrestler Eric Grant earlier this year, he didn’t know he’d also end up with a new assistant coach from Olathe North.

But, ONHS assistant coach Josh Carroll asked a couple of questions, made a trip to Pratt, and quickly joined Medrano’s staff at PCC.

“I jokingly asked him (Grant) if they needed a heavyweight coach at Pratt, and he said they were looking for an assistant,” Carroll said. “I turned my stuff in, came down, and took the job the next day.”

Carroll was also a paraprofessional at ONHS, and he was an assistant football, wrestling and baseball coach during his two years at the Class 6A high school.

Before getting into coaching, Carroll was a highly successful high school and college wrestler.

In four years at Olathe North, he was a state placer every year, and brought home two state titles.

That got the attention of coaches at Appalachian State, and Carroll headed east to wrestle at the Division I school in North Carolina.

He was a national qualifier at that level as well.

After earning a psychology degree from Appalachian State, Carroll returned to Olathe North to help mentor the next wave of student-athletes.

He is excited about moving up to the college ranks, and is pleased to be part of Medrano’s staff.

“So far I think we work well together, and I think there’s good things to come for Pratt wrestling,” Carroll said.

“The community seems to back everything, and what I like about it is that it’s got a small town feel and is kinda like a family. I think if we have success, the town’s going to get behind us and support us.”

“When I first came to Pratt, people were so friendly and nice,” he added. “I could just tell that they will support us as long as we do our job and get these kids their education.”

The Beavers’ staff also includes assistant coach Bryce Bahe and student assistant coach Eric Luedke.