Brandon Surrency takes over Archbishop Shaw Wrestling program

Archbishop Shaw is turning to one of its best to head its wrestling program.

Former Eagles state champion wrestler Brandon Surrency has been named the new head coach at his alma mater, succeeding Paul Hatty, who is departing for Jesuit to become an assistant wrestling coach under Sheridan Moran and offensive line coach in football under Mark Songy.

A graduate of Archbishop Shaw in 2009, Surrency was a four-year All-State wrestler, winning a state title in his senior season and served as captain of the team.

“I’ve been a coach for six years,” Surrency said. “Being a former Shaw wrestler, understanding the amount of hard work, determination while thriving in academics is important. It is about being strong, being a leader, doing the right thing and growing as people, not just as wrestlers.”

Shaw begin competing in wrestling in 2003.

“We want to take it to the next level and win a state championship,” Surrency said. “We have had 20 individual state champions in the history of the program so we have enjoyed success. We’ve finished second in the state previously.”

Shaw finished fifth in the state in Division II this past season at the state meet in Bossier City. The Eagles were second in the state in Division II in 2008, 2009 and 2015, finished third in 2014 and came in fourth in 2016.

Shaw has 20-25 participating in wrestling presently.

“We really want to grow that number, that is a clear goal,” Surrency said. “Our goal would be to build that to 30-35 kids and to place in the top three in the state every year. We want to be a consistent contender. That is very important to us.

Surrency has been at his alma mater for the past two years, serving as the Director of Institutional Advancement while also serving as Assistant Wrestling Coach and Director of Public Relations. He has both an undergraduate degree and Masters degree from Southeastern Louisiana.

Surrency recently started The Eagle Academy, a youth wrestling club at Archbishop Shaw last year.

“We had about 15 last year and we are trying to grow and develop,” Surrency said. “That is an obvious key, to get kids interested in the sport at a young age, learning the techniques and growing up in the sport.”

Surrency believes that the latest responsibility he is taking on is a divine calling.

“It’s a calling from Don Bosco and the Salesian tradition of Archbishop Shaw,” Surrency said. “It is important to grow personally, athletically, academically and as a Christian. That is what we will strive to do daily.”