A longtime advocate for wrestling and its life-shaping impact, Joshua Tangeman joins the CJ Eagles athletic program with 12 years of coaching experience and a deep commitment to developing resilient, confident student-athletes.
“Our new head wrestling coach brings a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge to the program,” said Anthony Turner ’04, athletic director. “He understands that both individual and team goals are achieved only through commitment, sacrificing time, energy, and sweat. His leadership will help guide our athletes toward growth, discipline, and success on and off the mat.”
For Tangeman, coaching is more than a profession—it’s an extension of the transformative role wrestling played in his own life.
“Wrestling has done so much for me—teaching resilience and mental toughness. I wanted to give that back to this generation. What excites me most about the CJ community is the selflessness and support. Everyone’s willing to do for others. I wanted to be part of that.”
Over the past 12 years, Tangeman has coached nearly 20 state qualifiers and multiple state place winners. Yet, he believes the true foundation of a successful program isn’t measured solely by medals but by meaningful relationships.
“The trust you build with student-athletes shapes everything,” Tangeman said. “Showing up—whether it’s off-season workouts, extra practices, or working out with the team—this, in my experience, has generated the best results for the student athletes.”
His coaching philosophy emphasizes character as much as competition. Tangeman seeks to instill qualities that extend far beyond the mat—mental toughness, resilience, and strong decision-making.
“I believe these are important life lessons,” he said. “If our athletes leave this program stronger in mind, body, and decision-making, then we’ve done our job.”
Looking ahead, Tangeman has ambitious goals for the CJ wrestling program. He aims to help every athlete reach their fullest potential—whether through skill development, mindset growth, or the pursuit of a state championship. He also hopes to expand the sport’s presence within the CJ community, strengthening participation from the high school team through the youth club program.
With his passion, experience, and athlete-centered approach, Tangeman is poised to lead CJ wrestling into an exciting new chapter.