Scared about going into the real world after college? Maybe it’s not as bad as everyone thinks.

For Loras 2009 graduate coach Tom Drosopoulos, things seem to be working out.

He now is coaching wrestling, among other sports, at Illini Bluffs in Glasford, IL. He took over for Pat O’Connor, who started the wrestling program in the 1970s. O’Connor is one of just five coaches to ever reach 500 wins in the state of Illinois.

“I would say my dad was the one who inspired me to become a coach,” Drosopoulos said. “I saw the respect he got from everyone, how he inspired not only the kids but the coaches and referees as well. I just wanted to be that guy.”

Drosopoulos had a pretty successful first year of coaching. His 103, 119, 125, 130 and 152 pounders all advanced to the Sectionals in Illinois.

Senior Nate Fuller was ranked first in the state at 125 pounds. Going into Sectionals, Fuller had a record of 30-2, but unfortunately he was hospitalized due to illness the week before the tournament. Fuller still managed to wrestle while still recovering, but he didn’t have enough in him to make it to the state tournament. He fell just short, taking fourth place.

“The thing I like about wrestling is that you don’t have to be naturally athletic, although it helps, to be good at wrestling. There is always a move you can work on or a technique you can perfect,” Drosopoulos said. “Although this can be frusterating. Sometimes when a kid wasn’t performing well, I wanted them to tag me in and I wanted to do it for them, but you can’t. You have to let them do it on their own.”

In his area, Drosopoulos is one of the only coaches to wear a shirt and tie to the meets.

“I feel like dressing formal gives a lot of respect to the sport and to the school,” he said. “I learned this in college when all of the coaches wore dress shirts and ties.”

Drosopoulos took a lot out of his first year of experience, and is looking forward to working with the guys in the off-season and to wrestling in some open tournaments himself.