Courtesy of John Harrison
One of the greatest wrestlers in Penn State history, Kerry McCoy won NCAA Championships in 1994 and 1997 and finished third in the country in 1995. He was a team captain and served as Chairperson for the NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. He was also the President of the Penn State Student Athlete Advisory Board. He graduated with a degree in Marketing and plans to get an MBA. Kerry won the 1993 and 2000 Pan-American Championships and was a World Cup Champion in 1999 and 2000. He will be representing the United States as its heavyweight freestyle entry in the 2000 Olympics. In his time off Kerry plays the cello, is an avid tennis player and golfer and is a computer enthusiast.
Kerry, what are your best memories from your high school wrestling years?
Winning …
- a cadet world silver medal
- a section title my junior year
- a state title my senior year
- the junior world championships
What are your best memories from your years as a PSU wrestler?
- winning NCAA’s 94-97
- winning the varsity spot as a freshman
- getting pounded by Greg Haladay
- chocolate pie with the booster club after the 93 NCAA tournament
- becoming a part of the PSU wrestling family
Best memories outside of sports?
- my mom always being there
- the birth of my sisters and brother
- the friends I made during my time at Penn State
What are the characteristics that you have which led you to a successful career in wrestling?
Determination, drive, dedication, humility and sacrifice.
What does it take to become an elite athlete?
Belief in yourself, dedication to being the best, hard work,sacrifice.
There are so many positives with regard to Kerry McCoy that it’s hard to come up with just a few lines. Kerry was one of the most determined wrestlers I have ever coached. He had a great ability to learn from each experience whether it was a win or a loss. He constantly improved because of his ability to look ahead and stay focused on his goal….most of all though, Kerry McCoy is a tremendous individual who has a great perspective on life. He is always willing to help young wrestlers experience the same things he did. He relates so well to others because he is genuine and he makes them feel important.
-former PSU head coach, John Fritz
What is the key to success in life?
Never giving up, no matter what…
What (if anything) is the downside of being an elite athlete of your caliber?
You get no real freedom-you have to be focused and dedicated 24-7 (24 hours a day and 7 days a week).
You are training with some of the best wrestlers in the world and preparing to meet some of the best in the world-what(if any) difference do you see between getting mentally and physically ready now (both you and other teammates) to face the best in the world vs. when you were in college getting ready to face the best collegiate wrestlers in the country?
It’s basically the same, just one level higher, so the preparation is still geared to try to make me the best I can be and to be ready for anything and anyone.
Hypothetical question: you aren’t an athlete-you are a professional cello player; what do the Olympics mean to you?
No matter the person or background, the Olympics will always symbolize the pinnacle of achievement in amateur athletics.
Hypothetical situation: its 2010-give us an ideal synopsis of the previous 10 years of your life.
I won the Olympics, received my MBA, coached a few NCAA champions, got married and had a few kids, hopefully in that order.
Did you ever think you’d be where you are today?
As far as the Olympics go, yes. I have dreamed about being an Olympian for years. As far as not being at PSU, no, I thought I would be there for a lot longer.
Kerry McCoy has all the elements of being a champion. He is extremely smart, dedicated, hard working, and focused. Of all the wrestlers I have known, Kerry knows how to “enjoy” competition and pressure. He thrives on it. I know he has done everything he can to prepare for this moment. When I first met him on his recruiting trip, he talked about wrestling for the United States in the Olympics. I have heard people talk about doing things many times. I think it is wonderful he was able to not only talk about it, but to do it. I wish him the best of luck and will be following his progress with great interest!
-former PSU assistant coach-Hachiro Oishi
How do you stay motivated?
My desire to be the best in the world keeps me motivated.
Comment on this statement “good athletes train as much as they can, while great athletes train and train…”.
It rings true, there is no overtime. If you want to be the best you do not train Monday through Friday and take the weekends off, you have to have 24-7 commitment and focus. One moment of doubt can equal a life time of regret.
Thanks Kerry!
