Every Wednesday, TCNJ Athletics will profile a coach from one of its programs. Today, its head wrestling coach Joe Galante '07. Galante will be entering his 10^th season in 2020-21. He has produced a career record of 120-57 in dual matches and has led the Lions to three top-10 finishes at the NCAA Division III Championships. The 2019 NCAA Mideast Regional Coach of the Year and 2020 NWCA Mideast Regional Coach of the Year, Galante has coached 20 All-Americans, including two NCAA Champions. In 2020, he coached TCNJ to its first ever NCAA Regional Championship.

You are now entering your 10^th season as head coach at TCNJ following your wrestling career at the College. What is it about TCNJ that keeps you coming back year after year?

• TCNJ is a healthy environment filled with motivated individuals who are focused on improvement and success. I love being a part of that culture and helping to make it stronger.

You have coached three teams to national top-10 finishes, athletes to 20 All-America honors, and two National Champions. What has been the key to that success?

• Having fun and wrestling hard. Our team enjoys the sport and aims to get a little bit better each day.

What is it about TCNJ that sets itself apart from other colleges and athletic programs?

• TCNJ is the perfect home for the true student-athlete. Our college and department values academics and athletics. We want our student-athletes to aim high and succeed in all their endeavors, which mirrors life after college.

What are some of the top memories and moments from your coaching career?

• Coaching in the NCAA Finals with my best friends will always be something I remember fondly. Being mentored by legendary coach Dave Icenhower was very special to me and is more meaningful as time goes on. My wife bringing our son to practices and matches is something I have always wanted and now it is a reality. I feel blessed!

 
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your coaching career?

• Early in my career, creating an identity as a coach and trusting that the process will work was difficult. Now I try not to fix things that aren't broken while making sure we improve each year.

Who are some of the people that have helped you the most in your career?

• You know, if I start naming people it is almost certain I will miss one. I would never be where I am today without the help of so many. My life is filled with remarkable people who assist and support me in many different ways. Special shout out to my entire Family- I love you all!

All ten of your seasons have featured a returning All-American. How does that leadership help push the team forward?

• Having an All-American in the room is important and something we value as a program. It is also important to have a coaching staff that can push each individual to improve daily. Shout out to our amazing coaching staff who push our underclassman to achieve All-American status.

Outside of coaching, what would people find interesting about your day-to-day life?

• Since June, I have done Crossfit five days a week. I love to play with my son, nieces, and nephews. My ping pong game has gotten considerably stronger since the start of COVID.

Is there anything you would like to say to all of the student-athletes that you have coached?

• Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and positive attitude. Always remember that progressive improvement is better than postponed perfection. Get a little bit better each day in all that you do!

Extra Point: (From Matt Goldsmith) Rank the top three local pizza establishments in the area and please explain why they are ranked in that order.

• Mama Flora's- The owner, Gary, is our guy and has been since 2004.
  DeLorenzo's- Shout out to Joe Russo.
  Piccolo- BBQ chicken slice is awesome.

 
Pose a question you would like to hear answered by our next coach.

• Rank the top three apps on your phone and explain why they are ranked in that order.