Grimaldo finds way to stay involved in wrestling

While everyone is watching a match between two wrestlers, they usually don’t realize there’s a lot going on behind the scenes.

Besides the referee who decides any scores and watches for violations, there’s a table full of others working hard. From running the clock to keeping track of scoring points to letting the referee know when each period is ending, there’s usually a trio of folks responsible for making sure everything goes smoothly in a match.

Mount Vernon’s Victor Grimaldo got to be part of that on the biggest stage of Ohio High School wrestling, manning the table at the OHSAA state wrestling meet recently at Ohio State’s Schottenstein Arena.

“We have a ton of duties — the most important are tapping for full time for each match, controlling the clock and the scoring as well. It’s always a three-man rotation, sometimes four. We break things down (at the end) and set up a lot of things as well. It’s a really neat experience,” Grimaldo said. “I enjoy it a ton. It keeps me going with the sport. Seeing the refs from other districts, talking to them and learning from them as well. Of course, I get a front row seat for some really good matches.”

Grimaldo was selected for the position by the Ohio Wrestling Officials Association and had to meet a few requirements, including having to have officiated at the district level. This year was the third time Grimaldo has been part of the head table at the state championships. He’s been a full-time wrestling official for about seven years, getting his license while still coaching at Mount Vernon High School.

Grimaldo began coaching right out of high school, helping the year after he graduated from MVHS in 2006. He worked with Steve Farmer and the late John Brown for many years and got his officiating license about the time his son was born.

He knew once he started a family it was going to be tough working full-time, coaching and raising his kids. As the owner, personal trainer and sports performance coach at Gritty Performance in Mount Vernon, officiating became a way to stay involved in the sport as most of the tournaments are on weekends.

“Being part of the sport still, was a big it. Because of having kids and a job, I couldn’t be 100 percent dedicated at the time. I didn’t think it was fair to the wrestlers that I was only there part time. Officiating allows me to stay with the sport, allows me to keep a good connection with Mount Vernon wrestling and with other officials and other schools as well,” Grimaldo said. “But, I also love the stress of the mental capacity you must have to officiate, and decision making. That definitely helps and I really enjoy it.”

He started officiating JV matches while still a coach at Mount Vernon but has now worked his way up as a full-time referee, working matches at the Central District tournament as well as tournaments across Ohio. Working as a referee has opened his eyes to many things, but mainly how hard they have to work during a match and studying to stay on top of rules.

“I recommend any athlete in any sport to get into that administrative officiating part for their sport. It definitely opens way more avenues for technique and how to do things. Game planning can have a lot more effect when you’re an official,” Grimaldo said. “It makes you treat them (officials) way differently. I’ve watched from the stands and heard people complain about the refs and I’ll tell them, go out there and do it. They get a lot of crap. I’m a lot quieter in the stands now. Even as a dad, seeing my son play sports, I understand these are kids that are volunteering, these are young officials. There is no point in yelling at them. Just watch it and let them develop on their own.”

As a relative newcomer to officiating, compared to some, Grimaldo is still learning about the job and hopes to one day get his shot at officiating a state championship match.

“My goal right now is to continue to learn and get better, obviously to make it to state. But also to get out of the Central District as well, see some other schools. I want to get my name out,” Grimaldo said. “I think I’m ready, but if I’m not, I’m happy to be with the guys that are here who deserve it. Cheer them on, learn from them and give them a hard time sometimes.”