Kelan Donahue / White Group Head Coach (K-2nd Grade)
I wrestled in Massachusetts under a coach who is in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. During my time there, we won two state titles. In 2010, I helped coach the wrestling team at Fruita Monument High School, but after that, I stepped away from the sport until my son, Carter, started wrestling at Erie three years ago. This season marks my third year coaching in the program and my second year as head coach for the youngest group. Although I’ve taken my daughter, Camryn, to a few practices over the past few years, this will be her first official season on the team
Nate Rapsey / Orange Group Head Coach (3rd-5th Grade)
I'm originally from Pennsylvania, where I grew up, went to school, and started my family. We moved to Colorado in 2017 and settled in Erie in 2019. I was involved in both football and wrestling throughout high school and continued wrestling for part of my college years at Penn State.
This will be my daughter Mia's third year in the program, and my second season as the Head Coach of the middle group. Outside of wrestling, we’re usually busy running one of our three kids to their various activities—soccer, swimming, kickball, and more. I'm looking forward to the season and helping the kids grow to love this sport that has meant so much to me!
Milton Taylor / Black GroupHead Coach (6th-8th Grade)
I grew up on a ranch that straddled the continental divide between Idaho and Montana. As the youngest of six brothers who all wrestled, I got my wrestling training the old-fashioned way—by being contorted into every painful position imaginable.
I now have two kids in the Erie wrestling program: my 8-year-old son, Mack, who has already surpassed my own wrestling achievements by winning the 6U 62LB State Championship two season ago, and my 11-year-old daughter, Maisy who has had some impressive season as well. I really committed to wrestling during my sophomore year in high school and ultimately placing third in the Idaho State Wrestling Tournament.
Outside of sports, our family loves the outdoors, spending time camping, hiking, and exploring the mountains in our SxS.
Our Assistant Coaches
Steven Sanchez / Assistant Coach
I grew up in the Denver metro area, primarily around Thornton, Broomfield, and Westminster. I started wrestling at age four with the Adams City Wrestling Club and continued through my freshman year of college. After college, I began coaching my younger cousins in wrestling, which ultimately led me to pursue a career in education—one I’m still on today as an educator in the Boulder Valley School District.
My wife and I now live in Erie with our two sons, and our son Lincoln is entering his third year on the wrestling team. I also coach his flag football teams, so we stay busy year-round with wrestling, baseball, and flag football. I'm excited to help our large Orange Group wrestlers build their skills and passion for the sport. As the great Dan Gable said, "Once you've wrestled, everything else in life is easy."
Thomas Oviatt / Assistant Coach
I was born and grew up in a small town in western Iowa. I grew up wrestling and became a -2x Iowa High School State Qualifier and was a semifinalist and 5th place finisher in the state tournament. I love wrestling and as I coach, I hope to encourage and inspire the next generation of wrestlers so that they can learn the all-important life lessons that come from giving yourself entirely to such an unforgiving pursuit. In my opinion, wrestling has the capacity to reveal some very deep truths about life and how to live it well. I would love to be a part of this process for others, as others in my past were a part of the process for me. I currently work as a Spanish and Biology teacher at Fairview High school where I have been a member of the FHS wrestling coaching staff.
Timothy Coven / Assistant Coach
I am a Colorado native, born and raised in Thornton. Growing up, I was a two-sport athlete, competing in football and wrestling, and I enjoy coaching both baseball and wrestling. This will be my second year coaching with Erie. My wife and I have three children, two of whom will be in the Pre-K to 2nd grade group this year. It’s my oldest son's second year in the program, and my youngest son's first year wrestling. My boys and I are excited to start the season, and I hope to instill a love for the sport in every kid who comes through the room.
Joe Demmer / Assistant Coach
Hello, my name is Joe Demmer. I’ve lived in Colorado for 40 years and grew up in the Broomfield area. While sports weren’t my passion in high school, I’ve developed a love for them over the years through coaching my three sons and daughter. This will be my second year coaching wrestling, and I’m helping out with the Black group, where my youngest son, Clayton, will be competing in his third season. I’m looking forward to working with all the wrestlers this season, as my family and I have truly enjoyed our time with the Erie Tigers Wrestling Club.
Tyler Gearhart / Assistant Coach
I am a Colorado native from Colorado Springs. My wife, Amanda, and I are the proud parents of four boys. My oldest wrestled in middle school and at Erie High School, and my youngest has been with the Erie Tigers Wrestling program for three seasons. Growing up, I played youth football, basketball, and baseball, and wrestled in city leagues as well as at Irving Middle School and Mitchell High School. Although my passion for sports soon surpassed my physical abilities, my love for the game led me to coaching as a young adult, where I found great fulfillment. Over the years, I’ve coached youth church basketball, YMCA youth basketball, and YMCA youth football. Last year was my first as an assistant coach in the Erie Tiger Youth Football program, and I’ve been coaching with the Erie Tiger Wrestling program for the past three years.
Professionally, I work as a finance manager in the government contracting division of a microchip manufacturing company.
Natalie Long / Assistant Coach
Hello everyone! I’m Natalie, and this will be my son Axel's second year in the program. I grew up wrestling, starting at about 5 years old and continuing through high school. In 2021, I was the assistant wrestling coach for Legacy High School's girls team before moving to South Dakota, where I helped coach the little league program. After returning to Colorado, I’ve continued to pursue my passion for wrestling. I truly believe the sport offers many benefits for individuals. You’ll see me coaching with the white group this season, and I’ll be attending as many tournaments as possible. I’m excited to work with your kids and help them build a love for the sport!
Julian Martinez / Assistant Coach
My name is Julian Martinez, and I am a seasoned youth sports coach with a wrestling background, bringing six years of coaching experience across various sports. I will be assisting Group 1 this season. My passion for developing young athletes is strengthened by the active involvement of my two children, Mason and Nikko, as we continue to build a family tradition of sports excellence.
Seth Wiggins / Assistant Coach
Hardworking, passionate, and a true team player, wrestling taught me respect, discipline, and a work ethic that shaped my approach to sports. Originally from South Bend, Indiana, my family moved to Nevada when I was in middle school, where I was first introduced to wrestling. I started participating in club-level wrestling at age 12 and won my first tournament at 14 years old in the 119lbs weight class. I continued competing throughout high school, making lifelong friends, overcoming challenges, and enjoying every moment.
Now, as a kid at heart, I’m fortunate to relive some of my youth with my 8-year-old son, Xander, who is entering his second year of wrestling. I also serve as a coach for the Erie Rec Soccer league and am excited to assist Group 1 and the Erie Wrestling Club. It’s a privilege to support the influence of this great sport!
Heath Hammond / Assistant Coach
I started wrestling as a little kid and went on to place at the state wrestling tournament in high school in Nebraska. It has been a great joy to help coach my oldest, son Landon who is now a Sophomore on the varsity team at Erie High School. My youngest son Gabe is entering his third year of wrestling and we are looking forward to watching him compete and seeing what he can accomplish this year.
Nick Painz / Assistant Coach
I'm a Colorado native and a Standley Lake alum from the early 2000s powerhouse wrestling team. I was a two-sport athlete, competing in both baseball and wrestling. My son Ben and I are now die-hard Penn State wrestling and football fans (you'll recognize us by our Penn State shirts!). These days, I enjoy golf, motorcycle racing, and real estate, and I'm looking forward to a successful wrestling coaching career!
Dan King / Assistant Coach
After 12 years in the Army, our family moved to Colorado in 2016, and this area has been home ever since. I have been training and competing in submission grappling/Jiu Jitsu with my son Xavior for the past seven years, and I've also been a gymnastics dad to my daughter Olivia for the last five years. We've been part of this program since 2018, and I became an assistant coach in 2022. I’m looking forward to being part of the team again for another successful season this year!
Ryun Mendoza / Assistant Coach
I started wrestling when I was about 5 years old and continued through my senior year at Brighton High School. I was offered wrestling scholarships for college but chose to accept a college football scholarship instead. I spent about 28 years officiating high school-level wrestling and around 16 years officiating collegiate wrestling until 2019, with the last 3 or 4 years focusing exclusively on college wrestling officiating, including Division I and Division II Nationals. I'm excited to help coach within this program, especially as I have two grandsons participating for the first time this year.
Aaron Ramsey / Assistant Coach
I'm originally from Kansas but moved to Colorado when I was 10 years old. I grew up in Broomfield and participated in football, wrestling, and baseball in high school. My family and I have been in the Erie area since 2017, where I work and own Advantage 1 Insurance Agency. My wife and I have three kids, ages 7, 5, and 2. Our oldest son, Crew, will be entering his fourth season this year, and I'll be helping out with the Orange Group
Amado Sierra / Assistant Coach
I'm originally from Kansas but moved to Colorado when I was
"I was born and raised in Longmont, CO, where I attended Skyline High School. While I played a couple of other sports during my time at Skyline, wrestling truly became my passion. As a freshman, I made the varsity team but didn’t have much success in the win column. However, my subsequent years were much more successful, culminating with a 3rd place finish at the Colorado State Tournament, a 1st place finish at the regional tournament, and breaking the school takedown record.
I started coaching at another club but my family and I transitioned to the Erie two seasons ago. Currently, I’m helping with the Black Group, where my son Gabriel is entering his 6th season of competition.
Mike Wadley / Assistant Coach
My name is Mike Wadley, and I'm thrilled to be joining your community as a wrestling coach! Wrestling has been a passion of mine since I was young, growing up in Northern Illinois. I had the incredible opportunity to be part of a high school wrestling team that finished as state runner-up, and I also qualified for the state meet individually.
My family and I have called the Denver area home for over 12 years, and we recently moved to Erie. We’re an active bunch who love the mountains and enjoy mountain biking, skiing, and snowboarding together. We have two young kids, Wyatt (5) and Lyndi (1), and we're excited to become part of this community.
Outside of wrestling, I’m a professional airline pilot, and I’ve had the privilege of instructing and training new pilots. It’s a role that taught me the importance of clear communication, patience, and encouraging growth—all skills I’m eager to bring to the mat.
Cale Soole / Assistant Coach
Hello everyone! My name is Cale Soole. I grew up in Louisville and graduated from Monarch High. I played football, baseball, and wrestled growing up, and continued playing baseball through college.
My son Steele is a first-time wrestler, and I’m excited to have the privilege of helping out with the white group this season!
Jake Kelley / Assistant Coach
I grew up in Pittsburgh, where I developed a passion for sports as a grade school wrestler. Later, I transitioned to full-time dirt bike racing, embracing the thrill of competition. Now, I’m excited to step into an assistant coaching role, sharing my experiences with young athletes. I’m fortunate to have a wonderful family, including my wife, Brooke, our 6-year-old son, Axon, who is starting his rookie year, and our twin daughters, Evelyn and Vivian. We currently live in Erie, where I balance coaching with my career as an air traffic controller, fostering a love for sports in our family.