Nick Zajac, a Hastings native who has lived in Prescott for about five years, was named the head varsity wrestling coach, as announced by Activities Director Matt Smith on May 23.

Zajac grew up in Hastings and graduated from the high school, was an All-State wrestler in 1999, wrestled at the University of Minnesota from 2000-01, was a Hastings youth coach, Eagan varsity assistant and Hastings varsity assistant. Most recently, Zajac moved to Prescott, coaching the Prescott Wrestling Club youth and middle school and learning the ins and outs of the program along the way. Zajac also took ninth at the 1998 Cadet World Greco Roman Championships in South Africa.

“There’s two keys to success no matter what you do. Always have a positive attitude and always have a good work ethic,” Zajac said. “No matter what you’re doing, go ahead with a good mindset.”

Since coaching in Prescott, Zajac has felt a tight bond with the community. He knows the program can take massive steps forward at the high school level, seeing positive signs through the youth program already.

“We have a really, really, really strong community wrestling-wise and in multiple areas. We love the City of Prescott and the people that are here,” Zajac said. “The community deserves someone that’s going to step in and make sure we keep moving forward.”

Zajac said “building blocks were put in place” already for him, as the community dedication and strong youth program are set in place. His full focus now is supporting the wrestlers year-round, as what they do outside of wrestling season has a huge impact on what they do during it.

“To have a successful team, it’s not just the winter season,” Zajac said. “It’s being visible and being available to everybody year-round. Whether it be weight room stuff or summer practices, providing opportunities… just keeping people in touch.”

He is avoiding looking too far into the future, as all the team can do is focus on the 24 hours ahead of them day in and day out.

“Take it one day at a time,” Zajac said. “I think we have a really, really good program that’s going to start feeding this high school program. It’s just getting the kids to believe in themselves, step on the mat and get better one day at a time. One percent better every single time that they’re out there.”

Smith had high praise for the new hire. He expects Zajac to be true to himself and put his decades of experience to good use.

“Everything he says, he’s going to do,” Smith said. “Genuine is the best way to describe him. He’s going to hold people accountable, he’s about strong work ethic and I think what sums up Nick is he’s a high character guy that is going to have a culture that people know that when they work with him it’s going to be hard work and no nonsense.

“He cares about everybody, and the wins are going to be a product of that,” Smith said. “We’re thrilled to have him as a head coach.”