Joliet Junior College's Winningest Wrestling Coach Henry "Hank" Pillard's Winning Philosophy: Mentoring with a Purpose:

Wrestling with Goals: The Conceive, Believe & Achieve Show, a podcast for Athletes and Coaches that want to elevate their performance in sport

Send us a text

Welcome to the latest episode of the Conceive, Believe, and Achieve Podcast, your home for inspiring stories and insightful conversations. Today's guest is a true legend, a name that resonates deeply in the world of NJCAA – Coach Henry Pillard.
Coach Pillard's journey began in Anamosa High School, but it was at Dubuque University where his collegiate involvement took root. From there, he embarked on a coaching career that would shape the lives of countless individuals.
In his early coaching days at Blue Island, Coach Pillard spent 7 years as the Sophomore Coach and 1 year as the Varsity Coach. Then, in 1965, he made a pivotal move to Joliet Junior College, where he served as the head coach for an impressive 19 years, amassing a remarkable record of 268 wins, 43 losses, and 5 ties.
But Coach Pillard's legacy extends far beyond numbers. His achievements at Joliet Junior College are nothing short of extraordinary. Under his guidance, 46 All-Americans emerged, including 8 National Champions. Some of his proteges went on to become Division I and NAIA All-Americans. One of his graduates even defeated four American Olympic Champs, a testament to the caliber of athletes he nurtured.
Henry Pillard's impact on wrestling reached into various facets:
- He initiated the Kids program in Joliet and founded the Kids Tournament, a precursor to the present State Junior High Tournament.
- He introduced wrestling at the State Penitentiary in Joliet, overseeing matches against visiting teams.
- He hosted international exchange teams from countries like Holland and Japan.
- He initiated the Joliet International Tournament, serving as its director from 1978 to 1983, making it the world's largest international tournament.
- He launched the National Clinics, offering graduate credit, covering everything from Scholastic to Sambo, significantly influencing the approach to the International Style.
- He contributed to pairing at tournaments, officiating, and directing.
- He managed the Mayor Daley Club, which became National Champions in both Greco and Free Style during his tenure.
- He served as Vice-President of the Daley Foundation from 1971 to 1974.
- He assumed the role of President of the National Junior College Association in 1976.
- He coached the Junior College Qualifiers to the Olympic Trials in 1968 and 1972.
- He led the National Junior College USA Team on tours to Iran and the Pan Am Games in Mexico City in 1983.
- He was named Coach of the Year in Junior Colleges in 1975 and 1978.
- He was recognized in the Congressional Record Book for his contributions to wrestling in 1981.
- He earned a place in Who's Who in Midwest Professional and Administrative Recognition.
- He was inducted into the National Junior College Hall of Fame in 1985.
In this episode, Coach Pillard shares his insights into the mental, psychological, physical, and spiritual dimensions of wrestling. He delves into the importance of positive reinforcement, instilling belief in young athletes, and helping them realize their potential. His wisdom is a roadmap not just for wrestling but for life itself.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights from a true wrestling legend. Download this episode now and be inspired by the incredible journey of Coach Henry Pillard on the Conceive, Believe, and Achieve Podcast.

Support the show