10/04/2026
💚🐻 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, COACH VADO! 🐻💚
Norwalk Wrestling has always been more than just a program to Coach Vado — it’s been a part of his life.
Long before he was standing in the corner as Head Coach, he was the one out on the mat, wrestling for Norwalk High School at 215 lbs and heavyweight. Years later, he came back to give back to the same program that helped shape him — first as a volunteer coach from 2005–2007, and then as an assistant coach from 2007–2017.
After six years away because of work commitments, one birthday conversation changed everything.
While celebrating at Chelsea Piers with Job Fernandez, Coach Vado mentioned, “I work from home now and have more time. I’d like to see if Fred Reisch Fred wants some help in the room.”
Job looked at him and said, “Why would you do that? Norwalk High needs a head coach.”
And the rest is history. 💚
Five years later, Coach Vado is still right where he belongs — back in the room where it all started, leading the next generation of Norwalk wrestlers and continuing to build the program he once competed for himself.
From Norwalk wrestler to Norwalk Head Coach — it all came full circle.
Happy Birthday, Coach Vado! Here’s to another year of building wrestlers, building character, and building the Norwalk Wrestling legacy. 🐻🤼♂️💚
Once a Bear, always a Bear
