Scott Schulte is a former high school state champion wrestler and wrestling coach. He is also an accomplished journalist and the New York Times Best Selling author of, “A Wrestling Life: The Inspiring Stories of Dan Gable”.
- Scott, did you always know that you wanted to serve others and help today’s youth?
I always wanted to coach or maybe teach…in fact I still want to teach. However, I don’t know if it ran through my mind that I wanted to be of service per se. But, I remember some experiences where I helped people, especially the elderly when I was a kid. Those experiences made me feel happy and good as a person. I didn’t know what I was feeling, but being nice made me happy.
- Can you walk us through how you first got started in your career path?
That’s easy. My writing was something I always liked doing. I loved telling stories and would spend a lot of time doing so. Having had enjoyed a successful high school sports career and being impacted by my coaches and opposing coaches, I knew that was something I wanted to do. I have been very blessed because coaching and my writing have intersected and that is the best of both worlds.
- How did you handle the bumps in the road? Were there any moments when you wondered if all your hard work was worth it?
Sadly, those thoughts cross my mind way too often. I live in the dark world of mental illness. My depression can really beat me up when I suffer setbacks. I also have to fight feelings of insecurity. I have always admired UConn coach Geno Auriemma. He often talks about his feelings of insecurity from his childhood. I lean on people like him because if someone like him can have insecurities with all of his success, then I think I’m in good company.
- I’m wondering if you can help us understand what you attribute your success to.
My parents, Linwood and Dotty Schulte. They always encouraged me to write and compete in sports, which led to the coaching. I was the youngest of six siblings and it had to be difficult, especially when you consider my folks were 26 years of age when I was born. Somehow, with all of the chaos in our home, we were always well taken care of and I never doubted if I was loved.
- What do teens need today more than anything else?
To know someone, anyone, loves them. We all need to know we are loved. It is the foundation by which everything is built to upon.
- What would you tell a teen who was struggling?
Never give up. Now, that doesn’t mean never changing directions on their life’s journey. But, usually, if you don’t give up you succeed. For example,
one time I went surfing in Newport Beach, California. I had no idea what I was doing and I got caught in a huge wave. I held onto to that board and kept telling myself, this will pass, just hang onto the board. Sure enough, I got spit out on the shore. I share that story a lot because that is what we have to do many times in life. Just hang on to that surfboard and wait out the bad times. There is a lot of sunshine on the other side of the bumpy surfboard ride.
- Scott, what else do you want to tell us about what you do and what you want to eventually be doing?
Like many others, I am still seeking to find fulfillment in my life. I’m a father and a now a grandfather so my priorities have shifted a lot. My work is becoming more introspective. I want to use my work as a writer to be able to tell stories of my life so my grandchildren and so on will know their stories. For example, one of my ancestors, George Soule, came over on the Mayflower. His story is fascinating, exciting, and romantic. What a tragedy it would have been had there been no record kept of his life. I want my family to enjoy the stories of my life like I do with George’s.
- Can you please share with all of us something else that I should have asked you?
Recently, I have asked myself what I might have done with my life had I been given the chance or had decided to take a few risks. With that in mind, I wish I had allowed music into my life. The son-in-law of my son Taylor, Shawn Carter, was a tremendous high school athlete, but he was also a gifted dancer. He was a dancer in the High School Musical franchise. I admire that in Shawn. I wish I had music and dance into my life like Shawn did.
- How can people get in touch with you if they have additional questions?
My e-mail address is wrestling.connecticut@gmail.com
I honestly hope people will understand that I would be thrilled to hear from them.
Thanks for your time Scott and keep up the good work! Our youth needs more people like you!
Daniel Blanchard
Author and Speaker of the Granddaddy’s Secrets teen leadership book series.
* PURCHASE “THE STORM”: http://tinyurl.com/glxzjaf