Wrestling | October 24, 2023

By Rick Bowe, C'74 and Katryn Bowe, C'08

When Penn Wrestler Doug Zapf became a captain of the team his Junior Year, he knew he needed a playbook – not in wrestling, per se – but in the art of leadership. "I wanted to understand how to lead people – to help Penn Wrestling reach its potential – and also for my future career."
 
Doug couldn't have found a more experienced guide than his mentor, Dave Pottruck, the Former CEO of Charles Schwab and Penn Wrestler (C'70, WHG'72).
 
"There is a clear reason why Dave has had much success in athletics and the business world. He is the blueprint of how to successfully lead people," shared mentee Doug.
 
Mentor Dave embraced the opportunity to mentor, relished Doug's eagerness to discuss leadership. They shared the same goals; "to help Doug with his mental approach to wrestling, encourage in good and challenging times, and provide him with some business experience."
 
Doug and his mentor developed an easy rapport with text and email communications.  They met many times in person, deepening their relationship through long and candid conversations. 
 
What could have been an intimidating dynamic for the mentee quickly became a comfortable, personable connection. Doug reflected that "Dave is so down to earth. Even though he has found so much success in this world, he never acted as if he were "above me" or as if I were a clueless college student (which I may be!)" 
 
Honesty anchors their relationship. Doug greatly admires that Dave has provided his mentee with "uncomfortable truths" on difficult topics from college to life beyond campus. From guidance to classes, futures, careers, and wrestling, Dave has found their direct conversations a  "great experience."
 
Wrestling remains a deep love for Dave Pottruck, decades after he last grappled on the mat. His love for the sport was great fun for his mentee – and a source of support. "Dave is a huge wrestling fan" shared Zapf. "He follows our team closely. Typically, after each meet or tournament we would get on the phone and talk about the performance of the team and myself. It helps me understand many aspects of wrestling – and life- much better."
 
Without a doubt, the support of his mentor and the greater Pennsylvania Regional Training Center, headed by Olympic Gold Medalist, Brandon Slay W'98, played a major role in Zapf's groundbreaking championship in the recent U23 Nationals. Zapf finished first in a packed field of 111 elite wrestlers. In Zapf's words, this support enables him to put wrestling in a healthy prospective, which enables him to excel. "I have learned not to let wrestling define who I am." And "I don't need to wrestle, I want to."
 
Pottruck meaningfully shares that getting to know his mentee "has been a highlight of my engagement with Penn wrestling over the past several years. He is a delightful guy, a serious wrestler and student. His dedication to his wrestling goals never ceases to impress me. He has inspired me in so many ways."
 
"We will certainly remain connected as friends forever."