Bridgeport High Welcomes Alumnus Tino Kusic as New Wrestling Coach
A new era is beginning for the Bridgeport High wrestling program with the appointment of alumnus Tino Kusic as head coach. Kusic, a 2019 graduate, returns to his alma mater with a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the school and community.
A Bulldog Returns Home
Bridgeport High is welcoming back one of its own to lead the wrestling team. Kusic’s connection to the school runs deep, having participated in wrestling, football, and baseball during his time as a student. “I wrestled all four years, played football, played baseball three years,” he stated, highlighting his well-rounded athletic background. He recently completed his bachelor’s degree in digital media design at West Liberty University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in education.
For Kusic, returning to Bridgeport is more than just a job—it’s a fulfillment of a long-held dream. He moved to the area in sixth grade after his father, a 1991 Bridgeport High graduate, sought to provide his children with the same positive experience he had. “During my 10 years here I loved it, from the faculty to the students to athletics, everything about it,” Kusic explained. “It’s a powerful community…It gives you that real small-town feeling, which is kind of hard to beat.”
Excitement for the Future and “The Bridge”
Kusic expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing developments at Bridgeport High, particularly the construction of “the Bridge,” a new state-funded multipurpose facility. He believes the facility will significantly enhance the school’s athletic programs and overall student experience. “With the Bridge project going on, it’s an exciting time to be a part of the school district,” he said.
He brings nearly two decades of wrestling experience to the position, having been involved in the sport since first grade and continuing his engagement with the West Liberty University team through photography and digital media work. Kusic also plans to serve as part of the baseball coaching staff, valuing the benefits of cross-training for student athletes. He will also be working as a full-time substitute teacher at both the middle and high school levels, eager to learn from experienced educators and build relationships with students. “I have a lot to learn myself, but I look forward to it and I’m excited.”
Building Character and a Stronger Team
Kusic’s coaching philosophy centers on leadership and character development. “What I want to try to bring is leadership. I want to develop these kids’ character,” he emphasized, adding that he intends to lead by example and train alongside his wrestlers. He acknowledges the team is relatively small but is focused on building depth by recruiting younger students. The team already boasts considerable talent, including two state-qualifiers from the previous year.
He believes wrestling instills valuable life lessons. “It teaches a lot about character. There’s a lot of wins and losses in the sport…The character it builds is inseparable,” he noted. He encourages all student athletes to consider giving wrestling a try during the winter sports season.
District Support and Community Pride
Bridgeport Exempted Village School District Superintendent Brent Ripley expressed confidence in Kusic’s potential. He highlighted the positive recommendations Kusic received, praising his work ethic and dedication to Bridgeport. “That loyalty and buy-in is something that we value as a district,” Ripley stated. He also pointed to the benefits of the “Bridge” construction, noting that the reorganization will provide the wrestling team with a more spacious training area in the elementary school gym following the facility’s completion, eliminating previous logistical challenges. Kusic also anticipates utilizing the weight room within the Bridge’s planned health center, dubbed “the Dog Pound.”
Bridgeport High Principal Jack Fisher echoed Ripley’s sentiments, stating, “I’ve only heard great things from the staff and the community…It speaks highly of his athletic abilities, his personal characteristics and leadership and the guidance he’ll bring to our kids.” The appointment of Kusic signals a promising future for Bridgeport High wrestling and reinforces the strong sense of community pride within the district.
