Eric Kopsch
Lifetime Service to Wrestling

Eric Kopsch has worked as a volunteer coach throughout the Detroit area serving YMCA, AAU and MI USA clubs and programs for over 20 years. He his well known for his use of “visualization” in sports psychology. Years ago Eric found his way to Dean Rockwell and the MI Wrestling Club; he competed briefly and successfully before realizing his future was in coaching and officiating. As an assistant, he played an important role in the development of John Matthews, Rudy Williams, Mike Rodriguez and Steve Fraser. Eric served as President of the Detroit Chapter of the Amateur Athletic Union for five years and not only coached but directed and hosted cultural exchange programs with Japan, Canada, France, Germany, Turkey, Russia and Greece. Eric also took Michigan teams to Turkey, Sweden, Japan and Germany for competitions. Additionally, Eric built quite a reputation as a top notch mat official being named USA Wrestling’s Official of the Year at the Junior Nationals in Iowa. Eric has refereed in Turkey, the former Soviet Union, Canada and France and has become one of USA Wrestling’s top instructors of officiating technique.