Two experienced coaches will lead the Thunderbolt wrestling programs as Pius X High School looks ahead to a new era for both boys and girls wrestling.
John Zach ’02 has been named head coach of the Pius X boys wrestling program, while longtime Thunderbolt coach Jerry Clinch will lead the school’s girls wrestling program.
Clinch, a Pius X Class of 1986 graduate, brings a distinguished wrestling and coaching background to his new role. As a Thunderbolt wrestler, he was a two-time state qualifier and two-time state medalist, earning fifth-place and runner-up finishes at the state tournament. After high school, he wrestled for one year at the University of Nebraska and one year at Dana College. Clinch founded the Thunderbolt Wrestling Club in 1987 and has coached at Pius X for more than 30 years, including 20 years as head coach of the boys wrestling program.
“Wrestling is a great sport, and girls having a chance to be successful in a new sport at Pius X is a huge opportunity,” Clinch said. “We have smart and strong female student-athletes at Pius X, and this sport gives them a chance to be leaders and champions on and off the mat. Starting the Girls Wrestling Program here at Pius X again is a big honor.”
Zach, who served as one of Clinch’s assistants for the past 15 years, takes over the boys program after four years as head coach at Hastings St. Cecilia. A standout wrestler at Pius X, Zach qualified for the state tournament three times and placed sixth during his senior season.
“I feel very blessed and humbled by the opportunity given to me,” Zach said. “As we move forward, I am committed to raising the bar for the Pius X Wrestling program, both on and off the mat. I consider it an honor to coach these student-athletes in this demanding sport, and I look forward to partnering with the Pius community in their development as young men.”
Zach becomes the 14th head coach in the history of the Pius X wrestling program.
“He was also a successful wrestler here at Pius X, making him a perfect fit for leading our boys wrestling program,” Clinch said.
“Pius X is blessed to have two head coaches who are committed to the formation of our student athletes,” said Pius X CAO Jeremy Ekeler. “We are excited at the potential of these programs, and the good work Coach Zach and Coach Clinch will do for our wrestlers.”
Zach expressed gratitude for Clinch’s leadership and support of wrestling at Pius X.
“I’m appreciative that Coach Clinch will be the one to build the new girls program at Pius X, as he has been a champion of girls wrestling for many years,” Zach said. “He brings 20 years of coaching experience to the table.”
As the Thunderbolts prepare for the upcoming season, both programs will be led by coaches whose roots at Pius X run deep and whose experience reflects a shared commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the mat.
