Jim Tonte knows what it takes to win wrestling titles. As the head coach of the Perry Meridian wrestling team, Tonte’s boys brought home three consecutive state titles (2011-13), plus a slew of sectional, regional, and semi-state titles. He was at Perry Meridian for 18 years, where he settled his family, and made strong connections in the southside community. But earlier this year, Tonte got an offer he felt he couldn’t refuse.
“I had accomplished what I wanted to do at Perry,” he said. “Warren was our biggest competitor in Marion County, and this position opened up.” Former wrestling coach Danny Williams, had left the state, and they called Tonte. “I got the call while we were in church. That might have been a sign,” he laughed.
Uprooting his family to move to the east side this summer wasn’t easy, but Tonte, his wife Tina, and children have made the transition. “I have to say, everyone at Warren Central, the community, just everyone we’ve met has been very welcoming and made this transition much smoother.” Three of his children are attending Warren Township schools (the fourth graduated from high school). His son Tristen is on the football team, as well as the wrestling team.
“I’ve always believed that, to be a successful coach, you have to surround yourself with hardworking people. And I have that at Warren — I have a great support staff, great facilities.” With a coaching staff of six to eight, a few of which volunteer, and a strong work ethic, Tonte is looking forward to this year’s wrestling season to begin in early November. About 100 student-athletes participate in the Warren wrestling program.
“Most of what I want to do is to reach out to blue collar kids, teach leadership skills and hard work. We believe in strong citizenship, good grades, and a a good work ethic.” He noted that he is an educator first, and bursts with pride when former students come to him. “The biggest thrill for me is when I get past students who come by and say ‘Hey Coach, let me talk to the team. I’m an attorney now,’ or a doctor, or any other profession. That just makes my day.”
The Warren wrestling program has always been one of the best in the area, supported by the school and the Warren Wrestling Academy. The academy offers different programs based on age and experience level, with sessions that run November through February, and February through May. Tonte says that even after the wrestling season is over in February, he works with the kids in the offseason. The Warren Wrestling Academy also sponsors fundraisers and other events, such as the upcoming Elementary Fun Day November 7 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Warren Central Fieldhouse. The first elementary practice will be November 4 at Warren Central in the wrestling room. Registration for events can be done online at www.warrenwrestlingacademy.com or at 5:30 on the first day of practice, or at the Fun Day.
The first meet of the season will be a match-up between Warren Central and Perry Meridian. Tonte said that it will be “bittersweet” to see the families and kids he worked with, competing with the new family he is building at Warren.
“That might be a little tough,” he said. “Looking over there and seeing old friends.” Nevertheless, Tonte said that he, and the young men in his care, will give it their all.
