My name is Coach Varona, and I am the Head Coach & Founder of Garage Boyz Wrestling. I started wrestling in 1979 at Kinloch Junior High School. I later went on to wrestle at Coral Gables Senior High School. After graduating high school, I was sitting in my living room watching the Goodwill Games. The announcers spoke of a young man who was only 19 years old and the next Olympic hopeful. His name was John Smith. I remember thinking to myself… "I’m 19 years old and I didn't know I could accomplish that." When I was a high school wrestler, I never knew there was anything past the state tournament.  That day I promised myself if I ever coached, I would educate athletes on ALL the opportunities available.

      I am a firm believer that we should all lead by example. I have raised two biological sons and I am now raising a step-son, practicing the same discipline and structure model I used with my own. I think it is important to surround children with successful coaches and like-minded parents. In doing so, I strive to educate myself on how to be a better father and an effective coach. I also learned that it is only a sport, and my job as their dad is to make sure they have fun. I have found that when children enjoy the sport, they will keep working hard and commit to it for a long time. During their journey they will learn commitment, sacrifice, consistency, discipline, dedication, respect, humility, and how do deal with adversity in life while building their character. Technique, strength, speed, flexibility and agility are basic needs in our sport but the key ingredient for success in wrestling (as in life) is CHARACTER.