Mike Zadick is a former Olympic wrestler who represented the United States at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China and has continued to impact the world of wrestling to this day. Today, Mike is a coach that cares deeply about his passion and has decided to make his dreams come true by opening a world-class wrestling facility and fitness center in Augusta, Montana. Watch his story below.
Mike Zadick, a Montana native started wrestling at the age of 5 under the watchful eye of his father Bob Zadick and his big brother Bill. Wrestling runs deep in the Zadick family. A four-time Montana high school state champion, Mike continued his wrestling pursuits at the University of Iowa. Following college, he pursued an international competitive career that included the U.S. National Team, World Team and Olympic Team. And while Mike brings a silver medal and the prestige of competing in the 2008 Olympic games, he'd tell you that's the least interesting thing about him. These days you can find Mike playing an active role in positively impacting and developing young wrestlers across the country. He's also planting his roots firmer in Augusta - the place where he and his brother Bill competed in their first wrestling match and where they spent most of their family time growing up - by creating Benchmark Wrestling - a future world-class wrestling facility and wellness center in the shadow of the Rocky Mountain Front.
CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
Mike Zadick
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Testimonials
Mike Zadick helped mold me in all aspects of my life. Not only was he a great coach and teacher of the sport of wrestling, but he also took it upon himself to get to know his athletes on a personal level too. Coach Zadick’s resume speaks for itself, but by getting to know you and your interested outside of the sport he is able to create a strong bond and level of trust. This bond allows him to get the best out of an athlete. Simply put he is a natural leader who guides athletes to become the best version of themselves as not only a wrestler, but as a person too.
I look forward to watching your club grow!
-Stew Gillmor
Testimonials
A lot of things come to mind when I think about Mike Zadick. He is one of those guys that you hope young men you care about will grow up to be like. He is honest, fun, and friendly, as well as focused, hard working and intense. He will do anything he can for someone, and asks for little in return. He will always strive to be the hardest worker in the room, which elevates everyone around him to be at their best. He is one of the most mentally tough men I have encountered in or out of wrestling.
He is true to himself and his beliefs, but is not judgmental of people who see things differently. His loyalty is unwavering. Anyone who has spent time around Mike is excited to be around him more. He is passionate and has an energy level that is almost unmatched. I have seen him work with athletes on the mat, and his knowledge and approach make his wrestlers jump levels at an almost unbelievable rate. He makes you want to do better. I would want to wrestle for him.
-Shawn Contos
Testimonials
When I think of Mike Zadick, I think of relentless and passionate work. No matter what he's doing: wrestling, working out, cutting trees down, or hunting. He is one that puts his heart and soul into life.
The big black beard and all can be very deceiving, but that guy would run through a brick wall for you. He's humble and hardworking. Definitely one you want to be around and have in your corner. I just love the guy and appreciate everything he did for me when I was at Iowa.
-Brett Stedman
University of Iowa
Testimonials
I would like to tell a little about Mike Zadick. I met Mike my senior year in high school. I was being recruited by the University of Iowa and he was the captain of the team. I decided to go to Iowa after I watched Mike come back from a huge point deficit, the arena shook . It was electric. Mike had the “it factor” behind him, you couldn’t put a name on it but people just get pulled to him. As I got to know him I started to realize a lot of that was because of how he goes about his business. He is relentless on even the littlest things he wants to do. He is driven and wants to do something it will get done. As he has gotten older I was able to spend some time around him as a coach, and was really impressed. He relates to his athletes, finds common ground, figures out how they tick , and impacts them with a love of wrestling. This love out side of technique and strategy that they will keep for years to come. He is one of the best and there is so much I could write a book but if you need anything specific my number is 2014697683 call me anytime.
-Steve Moco
American Top Team
2008 Olympian
NCAA Champion
Testimonials
Building a relationship with Coach Zadick during my time at Iowa came easily. A particular quote comes to mind when I think of him. Theodore Roosevelt said, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Zadick exemplified this idea in the way he approached coaching me and others. He laid the foundation for me as well as countless friends/teammates by building a healthy relationship with us. He was then able to bring out the best in me as both a competitor and a person. For this, I am grateful.
-JJ Krutsinger
University of Iowa
Testimonials
Coach Zadick was one of my assistant coaches when I was on the Iowa wrestling team. He is one who would push you, believe in you, fight for you, and treat you like family. I’m extremely grateful to have had him as a coach, mentor, and friend while I was at Iowa. His passion for the sport of wrestling and helping kids become successful adults is something I admire about him and truly shows the type of guy he is.
All my best coach with your continued support for these young athletes in the sport of wrestling. And all the success with this incredible journey of building one of the greatest and historic programs!
- Ben Stedman
University of Iowa
Testimonials
He has always been a stand-up coach, friend, and mentor. He is the first person to lend a hand in times of need. There have been so many moments where I have watched him selflessly help others. Whether that be on the wrestling mat or mowing the neighbors grass always, lending a hand. His infectious positive personality is something I’ve always gravitated towards. I will forever try to always “be like Mike.”
-Charlie Falck
University of Iowa
2x All American
Testimonials
Coach Zadick is one of the best humans I know. His deep knowledge and overall passion for the sport of wrestling coupled with the character everyone knows the Zadick family to have, should make him one of the most sought-after coaches in the country at any level. The wrestlers at Benchmark Wrestling are extremely lucky to have one of the best coaches, mentors, and overall men in their corner. I’m a better person for having that guy in my life.
-Nick Moore
University of Iowa
Testimonials
Mike Zadick taught me how important building relationships is to coaching. He always had an amazing ability to connect with his athletes and get the most out of them. It’s a true talent I am still trying to get better at as I coach my own athletes. Truly a great person and a great friend that leads by example.
- Phillip Keddy
University of Iowa
3x All American
Testimonials
Coach Zadick is one of the greatest mentors I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. His dedication and passion for the sport of wrestling is not only seen by the fierce competitor that he was, but it shines more intensely in how much he pours into those around him. There’s no doubt in my mind that without the steadfast support and guidance from Coach Zadick, I wouldn’t have developed into the wrestler/coach I am today.
-Tyler Clark
University of Iowa
Testimonials
My journey as a wrestler at the University of Iowa under Coach Mike Zadick was transformative, both as an athlete and a person. During my three years with Coach Zadick, I achieved significant milestones, including placing 5th at the Junior World Championships in 2009, remaining undefeated during my redshirt freshman season, and securing a memorable victory over Jordan Oliver. These successes were a testament to Coach Zadick's rigorous training, strategic acumen, and unwavering support. Beyond the mat, he instilled in me principles of perseverance, mental fortitude, and a strong work ethic, which have profoundly shaped my approach to life and my career. Now, as a coach at the University of North Carolina, I draw upon the invaluable lessons and philosophies I learned from Coach Zadick, striving to inspire and guide the next generation of wrestlers with the same dedication and excellence he exemplified.
-Tony Ramos
University of Iowa
3x All American
NCAA Champion
Testimonials
Mike Zadick made lasting impacts on me that redirected the course of my life and emboldened me to dream bigger. He wants to create an opportunity for himself to make the same impact on others in his local community and has come a long way to making that dream a reality.
-Ty Walz
Virginia Tech
3x All American
Testimonials
My name is Joe Moore and I had the good fortune of being coached by Mike Zadick at the University of Iowa from 2007 to 2011. Coach Zadick obviously had a lot to offer as a top international competitor at the Senior level. He knew technique, he had a tenuous mentality, and he would gladly hand out a needed butt whooping. But more importantly, Mike had a huge heart and a friendly personality. I wasn't really a "household name" during my time at Iowa, but Mike still treated me with the same respect, attention, and belief as our top contenders. We spent a lot of time talking about things other than wrestling, he was a good listener, and funny to boot. An all around great guy, still doing great things. Thanks, Coach Mike Zadick!
-Joseph Moore
University of Iowa
Testimonials
I had the privilege of being coached and mentored by Mike Zadick as a young collegiate athlete. As a freshman, there was no better role model around us. He was disciplined and worked harder at his job and relationships than anyone around us. He was truly what being a wrestler and a man was about. I could go on and on with anecdotes but I would run out of space. What really makes him unique, is the fact that the only way he changes is for the better. As an adult, I still see the same attributes in him today that I idolized as a young man. There wasn’t a change in him when he wasn’t my coach or involved in my life, it’s just the person he is.
-Mike Evans
University of Iowa
3x All American
Testimonials
Mike Zadick sets a precedent for passion, commitment, work ethic, & love in all that he does. Zadick is the first to answer when others call for help, & leads by example from the front. Zadick‘s integrity, toughness, & resiliency are uncommon. His accolades, skillset, & resume were built through his hard work & character. Zadick's ability to connect with others, instill confidence, & push people to strive for better have made a global impact among many both on & off the wrestling mat. Even more impressive than Mike’s Olympic caliber accomplishments, are the way he loves others, stands up for what is right, & represents the best of what defines family. All Love !
-Colin Strickland
Iowa State University