Coaches Mission Statement

Promote excellence in wrestling and positively influence the lives of kids in the White Bear Lake communities, by developing a commitment to wrestling through a fun and affordable team-oriented experience at practices and competitions, emphasizing sportsmanship, teamwork, skill building, physical conditioning, goal setting, a competitive spirit, hard work and a winning attitude.  

Our goal is to help guide our athletes to become the best and prepare them to face all of life’s challenges.

Coach Jeff Isaac has been involved in wrestling since 2003 with over 10 years of coaching experience. He has been a part of the White Bear Wrestling program both as a wrestler and coach and has worked with wrestlers of all age levels. Following graduation in 2007, Isaac served ten years in the U.S. Air Force, forging a distinguished military career.

Athletic Accomplishments:

• 2x Captain // 9x Varsity Letter Winner (3x wrestling)
• All-conference Champion/All-section Hon. Mention
• 2x USAW Folkstyle National Champion/Finalist
• Played Men's D1 Rugby MRFC
• Midwest Open IBJJF GI Champion
• Ironman finisher (w/Coach Bates)
• GORUCK 50-Mile Finisher

Coaching:

• 2024 Assistant Head Coach of the Year 
• 10-year service award winner
• USAW Bronze/Copper Certified
• USAW Silver Coaches College Enrollee
• EMT Certified (2008)

Coach Isaac still competes in the Masters/Veterans division for USA Wrestling Folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco-Roman. After winning a Folkstyle National Championship, his goal is to capture a triple-crown in all three styles and represent the USA at the UWW Veteran's Worlds Championships.

When Coach Isaac isn't at wrestling, you can find him doing Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, running Ironman triathlons, and tackling 50-mile ruck sack races supporting  U.S. Special Forces.

Coach Bates started wrestling in 8th grade in the WBL Middle-school program. Inspired by his older brother, Donovan,  Dane excelled as a multi-sport athlete throughout high school and successfully played football at Augsburg College. 

Dane started coaching within the WBL Wrestling program in 2011 and has continued serving many roles on the team. Dane loves the opportunity to 'give back' to this program and to his community. 

Get one percent better, everyday; on the mat and off. 

Coach Jon started wrestling at a young age and would go on to be a state-level wrestler for Highland Park and later, wrestled for Saint Johns University. 

Jon serves in the MN law enforcement community and when he's not spending family time, he loves the sport of wrestling and offering different perspectives and techniques to the team. 

Coach Longendyke has been involved in wrestling for 18 years with 10 years of coaching experience. He has been a part of the White Bear program both as a wrestler and as a coach and has worked with wrestlers of all age levels.

During his high school wrestling tenure, he claimed 187 wins and two state championships. In college, he was a 3x National finalist and the 2015 national champion for Augsburg college at 285lbs. He has continued on with his wrestling career as a senior-level Greco Roman Wrestler. Recently he claimed a silver medal at the 2021 Pan-American Wrestling Championships.

He is also the Assistant Coach of the United States Deafylmpic wrestling team. He approaches wrestling with a wide skill set and knowledge of many different styles of wrestling. He is also the Assistant Coach of the United States Deafylmpic wrestling team. He approaches wrestling with a wide skill set and knowledge of many different styles of wrestling. His philosophy as a coach is to utilize strong positioning and low-risk high-reward offense.

Promote wrestling by teaching discipline and fostering a love for the sport in a safe and fun environment.