Coach Jimmy May Baker University
Pictures and Content courtesy of Jimmy May and Baker University
A Legendary Nevada Coach
Jimmy May enters his 12th year on the coaching staff at Baker and his 48th year coaching overall. May has many years of experience in the sport of wrestling. As a young athlete in Henderson, Nev., May met a wrestling coach who pushed him in the sport and helped him develop a love for something that has become a lifelong passion.
In high school, May won two Nevada State Championships and was named an Amateur Wrestling News All-American. He competed in the 1971 World Team Trials and the 1972 Olympic Team Trials and earned a scholarship to Oregon State University. After transferring to Arizona Western College, he won two NJCAA Regional Championships and continued to the University of Central Missouri, where he won two MIAA Conference Championships.
After graduating, May spent 35 years coaching in the Clark County school district, creating one of best high school wrestling dynasties in the country at Eldorado High School. His program was named the “Dynasty in the Desert.” His team won 10 State titles with Jimmy as Head Coach at Eldorado and 12 Nevada State championships all together, and they were Nationally Ranked as high as 7th. Coach May had a dual record of 314-20-2 and was named NWCA Regional Coach of the Year and earned the NWCA “300 Wins Award.”
A personal coaching highlight was coaching his son Danny to becoming a 4x State Placer, 3x State Finalist, and 2x State Champion. In 2000, the Las Vegas Review Journal named him the 6th Most Successful Coach in Nevada Sports History. He has been inducted into Four Hall of Fames with his Illustrious career.
Coach May has three children, April, Danny and Heidi and three grandkids, Lincoln, Hudson and Mila.
COACHING HONORS ● Inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame ● Inducted into the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame ● Inducted into the NIAA Sports Hall of Fame ● Inducted into the CMSU Wrestling Hall of Fame ● Runner-up National High School Wrestling Coach of the Year, USA Wrestling Magazine ● Nominated for National High School Wrestling Coach of the Year, NHSACA ● Regional Coach of the Year, National Federation of HS ● High School coaching dual record of 314-20-2 ● Set Nevada record of 7 Individual State Champions in one season ● Snapped 87 dual match win streak of National Ranked Calvary Chapel, California ● Coached the First Junior Fargo National Freestyle Champion in Nevada History ● Also coached Eldorado High School football team, earned Sunrise Champions and named Sunrise Lions All-Star Head Football Coach ● Became Head Coach at Baker University in 2008 ● Inaugural Baker University team was 11-0 in duals until loss to University of Iowa ● Coached Baker University team ranked as high as 4th in NAIA and finished as high as 9th ● Won the prestigious Kansas Cup in only third season as a BU program ● At Baker, coached 2 NAIA National Finalists, 8 All-Americans, 46 NAIA National Qualifiers ● Returned to be assistant coach for both Men’s and Women’s Baker University Programs ● At BU, has coached 11 men’s All-Americans with 2 finalists, and 9 women’s All-Americans with 3 Finalists
Jimmy’s Coaching Philosophy: In our wrestling program, we don’t just aim to win matches; we aim to dominate. Our philosophy is simple: outwork the competition. We believe in instilling A SYSTEM within each wrestler that goes beyond physical prowess – it’s about mental discipline, strategic thinking, and relentless determination.
Core Principles: 1. Work Ethic: There are no shortcuts to success. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. We instill in our wrestlers the value of putting in the hours, day in and day out. Whether it’s on the mat, in the weight room, or studying opponents’ techniques; we emphasize the importance of giving 100% in everything we do.
2. Calculated Practice: Practice doesn’t make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect. Every drill, every repetition, every technique is approached with intentionality. We focus on quality over quantity, ensuring that each wrestler hones their skills effectively and efficiently.
3. Realistic Techniques: We don’t waste time on flashy moves that look good but aren’t practical. Our focus is on mastering fundamental techniques that have been proven to work on the mat. From takedowns to escapes to pinning combinations, we prioritize realism and effectiveness.
4. Integrated Strategy: Wrestling is not just about individual skill; it’s about outsmarting your opponent. We teach our wrestlers to think strategically, to anticipate their opponent’s moves, and to adapt their tactics accordingly. Our system is not just a collection of isolated techniques; it’s a cohesive strategy designed to outmaneuver and outperform the competition.
Implementation: 1. Individualized Training: We recognize that every wrestler is unique, with their own strengths and weaknesses. Our coaching staff works closely with each athlete to develop personalized training plans that address their specific needs and goals.
2. Competition Simulation: Practice is where we prepare for battle. We create a competitive environment in our training sessions, simulating match scenarios as closely as possible. This not only helps our wrestlers sharpen their skills but also builds their confidence under pressure.
3. Film Study: Knowledge is power. We utilize video analysis to dissect opponents’ techniques, identify patterns, and strategize accordingly. By studying the competition, we empower our wrestlers to anticipate their opponents’ moves and exploit their weaknesses.
4. Team Cohesion: Wrestling is an individual sport, but success requires teamwork. We foster a culture of camaraderie and mutual support within our team, where every member pushes each other to be their best. Together, we are stronger.
Conclusion: The heart of my coaching philosophy is a simple but powerful belief; the difference between winning and losing lies in the work you put in. By embracing the grind, mastering realistic techniques, and executing a strategic game plan, our wrestlers will not only achieve success on the mat but also develop the skills and mindset to excel in life.