Saarland Wrestling Experiencing a Resurgence Under new Leadership and Coaching
A wave of optimism is building within Saarland’s wrestling community, a sport that has seen limited success in the region in recent years. Driven by a young,motivated president and the strategic appointment of a new national coach,the Saarland Wrestling Association (SRV) appears poised for a meaningful turnaround.
A New Era for Saarland Wrestling
At the helm of this revitalization is SRV President Daniel Koppey, who assumed leadership in 2022. Koppey’s vision, coupled wiht the arrival of Nicolae Ghita as the federal base coach in January 2025, has injected fresh energy into the program.
Ghita’s Impact: from European Championships to olympic Ambitions
Ghita’s appointment followed the departure of Kai Nöster, and has already yielded tangible results. According to a senior official, “Nico Ghita is an absolute stroke of luck for us.” Ghita’s coaching prowess was immediately evident as Saarland athletes once again competed on the European stage last summer, with freestyle wrestlers Franziska Blaumeiser, Nico Altmeyer, and Emma Steuer representing the region.
The impact of Ghita’s guidance was notably noticeable with Steuer, who secured qualification for the European Championships in Skopje, Macedonia, through a challenging replacement round. While Steuer faced a tough defeat against Italy’s Sophie Ritter, a bronze medalist, her participation marked a significant step forward for Saarland wrestling.
Securing the Future: Beyond 2028
Koppey emphasizes the importance of this progress, particularly in relation to the long-term stability of the SRV’s Olympic base. “Our Olympic base is secured until 2028, but beyond that it is indeed shaky,” he stated. “With Nico Ghita and the fact that we now have federal squad athletes again, we see ourselves equipped to keep the base beyond 2028.” The recent successes are viewed as crucial in demonstrating the region’s commitment to the sport and securing continued funding.
A Legacy of Excellence: Ghita’s Storied Career
Ghita brings a wealth of experience to his role, having enjoyed a distinguished wrestling career of his own. He debuted with the Romanian men’s national team at age 17 and remained a member for over two decades. His accolades include a European silver medal in 1997 and participation in four Olympic Games, culminating in the 2004 Athens Games at the age of 37.
Following his active career, Ghita transitioned to coaching, serving as the Romanian national coach from 2009 to 2013 and the German national coach from 2013 to 2017. He then found success as the national coach in Switzerland from 2017 to 2023,bringing home numerous medals before bringing some of his top protégés to Saarland.
“Not a Magician,” But a Dedicated Coach
Despite his impressive track record, Ghita remains grounded. “I’m not a magician,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication. “To achieve something, you have to train hard and invest more time in sport than before.” He praises the training environment in Saarbrücken, noting the proximity of schools, homes, and the training hall, as well as the collaborative spirit among colleagues. “This enables us to train two or three times a week more than others,” he added.
Ambitious Goals for emerging Talent
Ghita has set ambitious goals for Saarland’s rising stars, Nico Altmeyer and franziska Blaumeiser. “My goal is to win at least one medal with them at the Junior european Championships next year,” he stated, acknowledging the challenges but expressing confidence in their potential. “Of course it’s tough and I don’t want to put any pressure on them. But if they stay healthy, it’s possible. And that’s why it’s my goal.”
If Ghita can guide Altmeyer and Blaumeiser to success, it will undoubtedly confirm the upswing currently underway at the SRV and solidify Saarland’s position as a growing force in the world of wrestling.
