By Derrick Smith

There is more to being a coach than just teaching athletes the specifics of a sport. You also serve as a role model, encourager, and someone that helps the athlete be the best they can be. Will Delk, who is the head wrestling coach for Edmond Memorial high school says that the best part of his job is watching the kids become the best they can be. 

“I enjoy watching kids develop over time,” he said. “They do this through hard work, dedication, and proper goal setting. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing one of your guys accomplish a goal that they’ve been working for.”

Delk is in his third season of leading the Bulldogs wrestling program. He also serves as a coach for the junior high football team. 

The decision to get into coaching was based on the coaches that impacted Delk’s life as an athlete. 

“I decided to get into coaching because of the coaches I had growing up,” he said. “They have hands down molded me into the person I am today. I wanted to do the same by giving back to the wrestling community and being that positive role for young men as well.”

As he looks back on his athletic career, both as a player and a coach, Will has a long list of coaches that have shaped him into the person and the athlete he is today. 

“Bishop Chandler and Merle Kellogg both coached me in little league,” Delk recalled. “Chandler coached football and Kellogg coached baseball. Richard Akin was my junior high football and wrestling coach, and Robert Park was my high school football and wrestling coach. Now that I have been a head coach for a few years, Matt Surber of Tuttle and Erik Ford of Piedmont have helped me along the coaching path.”

While he enjoys the wins and great moments, Will says that there are other moments that make him really proud as a coach.

“I enjoy seeing my past athletes become husbands, fathers, and productive men of society.”