Penn High’s Brad Harper has unique coaching history in wrestling
MISHAWAKA, Ind. — Did you know that there is an Olympic coach at Penn High School? Coach Brad Harper coached athlete and Penn High School Alumni, Sarah Hildebrandt, in her Olympic wrestling journey. Recently, Coach Harper was inducted into the Indiana Hall of Fame for his accomplishments during his own personal high school wrestling career.
Coach Harper began wrestling in second grade. He wanted to wrestle and win a state championship like his older brother. His wrestling career began through his elementary and middle school programs. He went on to wrestle for Mishawaka High School under the legendary coach, Al Smith. Coach Harper was a four-time state placer and won the state wrestling title in 1998. He went on to wrestle at Purdue University where he was a two-time NCAA qualifier, Red Mackey award winner and took third place at the Big 10 meet.
According to Harper athlete success is attributed to consistency in coaching and training. He also mentions, “We lead with positive energy focusing on the positive experiences and creating a motivational environment.” He has a passion for the sport which he feels has led to many successful and memorable moments with his athletes throughout his career.
Coach Harper believes that for success, athletes need to have the mindset that wrestling is just a small piece of the pie and that there is a bigger picture. “We push them to work hard and focus on their end goals,” states Harper. This philosophy for his athletes has helped shape some of the most productive citizens in our community.
A true highlight for Harper was being part of Penn Alum, Sarah Hildebrandt’s, Olympic wrestling career. Another highlight was leading the Penn Boys’ team to their first state title in 2015. His Women’s team has also accomplished quite a lot in its short time since inception. The women’s team was built from the ground up and has won five state titles. Harper has been a part of the women’s team since it was created. Harper states, “I want every athlete that leaves our program to be equipped to lead through adversity and be able to turn negatives into positives when faced with them in the real world.”
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