SOURCE: www.niagara-gazette.com

July 05, 2024

NEW @GNN_Sports_:

Teaching how life and wrestling go hand-in-hand is Rick Sweney's passion. And for over 40 years, Sweney has turned grapplers into champions, on and off the mat, as executive director of the Niagara Falls Power Cats Wrestling Club. https://t.co/EdXiTD20IV

— Joe Kraus (@ByJoeKraus) July 5, 2024

No matter where Rick Sweney looks in his office or down the hallways, there are faces staring back. And, there's a story or two behind every wrestler in the photos hanging on the walls.

Helping the youth in Niagara Falls and later across Niagara County drove Sweney into coaching high school wrestling 47 years ago. Part of his influence comes during the school year as the varsity head coach with the former Power Cats and then at Niagara Wheatfield since 2001.

But the work doesn't end for Sweney once the final champion is crowned at states in Albany. Helping youth wrestlers grow is a year-round approach for Sweney and his team of volunteer coaches on Niagara Street.