SEATTLE- The 2023-2024 O'Dea High School wrestling team is gearing up for an exciting post season, and at the heart of their journey is head coach Joseph Balinbin ’07.
A distinguished alumnus of O'Dea, Balinbin brings a wealth of experience to the team, having been a 4-year starter and letter winner in wrestling during his time as a student. His dedication to the sport continued as he became a faculty member, teaching theology, English, social studies, and eventually transitioning into an assistant coaching role at O'Dea from winter 2012 through spring 2021.
Coach Balinbin's impact on the team goes beyond the mat. Over the years, he has been instrumental in O'Dea's success, contributing to numerous Metro and Regional Titles and playing a crucial role in the training of multiple state champions. In recognition of his outstanding coaching abilities, Balinbin earned the Metro League Assistant Coach of the Year and the WIAA Region 1 Assistant Coach of the Year awards in 2017.
The wrestling team had almost all of their experienced seniors qualify for regionals after the grind of the metro tournament last week. Such as Hamilton Wisen (‘24), who has given the team tremendous amounts of effort this season.
He encouraged freshman to go out for wrestling even though they might not have thought about doing so without his input. He also leads by example with all his hard work. even taking underclassmen under his wing such as Adian Alley (‘27) who also qualified for the state tournament.
Chris Ceja is another name to call home about. The senior has had an amazing season personally, but he cannot stop talking about his teammates and the experience he has had with the O’Dea wrestling program.
He says that going to state and encouraging his teammates had a big impact on him.
“It has made me a better person and leader because of the position I have put myself in”.
With their combined efforts, the team looks forward to an exhilarating season filled with growth, camaraderie, and hopefully championship victories.
The coaches have used the brotherhood tremendously to build their program and it shows with the experience people walk out with. Its inspiring to hear how their experience exemplifies the O’Dea brotherhood in the best light, encouraging each other to do well no matter what.
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