2024-25 Coaches
Our instructors are some of the most experienced youth wrestling coaches in the Midwest.
Our all volunteer team of dedicated and knowledgeable coaches provide an unparalleled experience for wrestlers ranging from first year to elite level.
The BBWC is a member of the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation (IKWF) and is sanctioned by USA Wrestling, the same organization that trains our Olympic teams.
Dave Blanke (Head Coach)
Dave Stoltz
David Stoltz wrestled at John Hersey High School under IWCOA Hall of Fame coach Rick Mann. In 1995 he was crowned state champion. This was followed by a 5th place finish in 96 and a 3rd place finish in 97. David compiled a high school record of 133-9.
While in high school David had a very accomplished Freestyle & Greco career. David’s accomplishments included being a 5x Fargo Freestyle and Greco national finalist, 2x Fargo champion, 6x All American, and 3x USA World Team member. In 95, David won the Cadet Belt series, sharing this honor with current Penn State head coach Cael Sanderson. In 97, David won the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award. This award is given to recipients that show excellence in wrestling, scholastic achievement, character, citizenship, and community service.
David went on to wrestle at the University of Illinois. David was a 2x NCAA Qualifier and he graduated with a degree in Liberal Arts & Science.
In 2018, David was named to the IWCOA Hall of Fame.
Mike Gellings
Coach Gellings leads our beginners. He started wrestling in 6th grade, and graduated from Beaver Dam High School (WI) Class of 2000. He earned 2 Varsity letters in football, and 3 in wrestling
During his wrestling career, he accomplished the following:
Mike earned a Bachelor of Science degree in music from Southern Oregon University in 2012. He worked as the assistant wrestling coach for Beaver Dam High School from 2021-23. He also has worked with K-8 club kids, and ran a Freestyle/Greco summer club.
In the summer of 2023 he moved to IL to be closer to family, and to become more involved with his nephews Ben and Emmett, supporting their wrestling careers as members of the BBWC.