Iowa high school coaching legend Tom Wilson of Dowling Catholic led his team to state championships in seven consecutive seasons before that streak ended this fall. We took a deep dive on culture-building, and Coach Wilson talked about the steps he took to establish that culture when he was hired as head coach 16 years ago.

Topics include:

The first steps he took toward creating a championship culture after his hire (3:10 ).

The questions he asks applicants when they’re interviewing for a position on his staff (11:00 ).

How he sets expectations and holds players accountable (15:10 ).

How he structures his strength and conditioning program (18:30 ).

How he designed a point system to reward players for a 12-month commitment (22:30 ).

What his networking sessions are like with other coaches (26:30 ).

What he asks players annual exit interviews (29:45 ).

Why he loves off-site team-building campus with required reading (33:30 ).

How recruiting is different during the pandemic (34:30 ).

How he set up a feeder system (36:45 ).

How his Booster Club functions (42:20 ).

A 2020 fundraiser that worked with alumni on social media (43:30 ).

His tradition of calling alumni on the night before the state championship game (45:30 ).

A new piece of technology he started using in 2021 (48:00 ).

How he monitors players’ mental health more than ever (50:00 )

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