Enterprise High School girls wrestling coach Billy Landry talks about what brought him from his home in the northeastern U.S. to Alabama and how rewarding it has been for him personally and professionally. Landry is originally from New Jersey, but decided to come south to Alabama three years ago. He landed at Enterprise High School and immediately went to work helping with the wrestling program.
After spending last year as an assistant, Landry is in his first year as the girls wrestling head coach at Enterprise and has one of the top female wrestlers in the state of Alabama in junior Evelyn Holmes-Smith.
Q: Let me start off by asking you about your move from New Jersey to Alabama. What made you decide to move to the South and to Alabama specifically?
A: I moved from New Jersey to Alabama as I felt a profound calling from God guiding me towards a new chapter in my life. Despite being born and raised in my familiar surroundings of New Jersey, I sensed a spiritual prompting encouraging me to embark on the journey to Alabama. This decision wasn’t merely a change of location, but rather a deep and meaningful transition guided by my faith and a sense of purpose. In answering this divine calling, I believe I am embarking on a path that holds significant opportunities for personal growth, new connections, and a unique set of experiences. Trusting in God’s plan, I am open to the blessings and lessons that the move will bring, confident that it aligns with a greater purpose for my life. While leaving behind the comfort of my hometown was not without its challenges, my faith in this calling has provided a strong foundation, anchoring me in my belief that this relocation is part of a larger plan designed by God.
Q: What is your background and interest in wrestling? Did you wrestle yourself, and did you coach wrestling prior to arriving at Enterprise?
A: With a high school wrestling career marked by 63 career pins and a school record of 19 in my senior season, I have always viewed wrestling as more than just a sport. Beyond the victories on the mat, I believe wrestling has instilled valuable life lessons, teaching me the importance of self-discipline, resilience, and the continuous pursuit of self-improvement. Wrestling, for me, goes beyond the physical aspects; it serves as a powerful metaphor for the battles we face in life, emphasizing the constant struggle of “you versus you” and the strategies needed to overcome adversities. I dedicated four years to serving as the varsity wrestling assistant at my alma mater, where I also had the honor of leading the girls wrestling program there.
Q: You are now the head girls wrestling coach at Enterprise. I mentioned that you have one of the top high school female wrestlers in Alabama in Evelyn Holmes-Smith, but how many total girls have come out to wrestle? How do you plan to continue to grow interest in the girls wrestling program ?
A: I am honored to serve as the head girls wrestling coach at Enterprise High School, where we take immense pride in the achievements of our athletes, including the outstanding performance of Evelyn, who has secured her place as one of the top high school female wrestlers in Alabama. With the success of Evelyn and our other three state champions this year, it is clear that the girls wrestling program at Enterprise is thriving. I had 12 total on my roster this year.
My goal is to build on this success and continue to grow interest in the program. I’ll continue to create a supportive and inclusive environment where every girl, regardless of their skill level, feels welcome and encouraged to join the wrestling team.
One of my main initiatives is to stimulate interest in our “The Queen of the South,” the only all-girls wrestling tournament in Alabama hosted at Enterprise High. This event not only provides a platform for our athletes to showcase their skills, but also adds a unique and empowering aspect with the crowning of the champions. This tournament is a cornerstone in my efforts to draw attention to the remarkable talent within our program and around the South.
Q: The AHSAA will sanction girls wrestling for the first time beginning next season, which I am sure will contribute to the overall interest and growth in girls wrestling. What changes and advantages will come to the sport as a result of this move?
A: The decision by the AHSAA to sanction girls wrestling for the first time starting next season marks a significant and progressive step forward for the sport. This move will create a wave of positive changes and advantages, contributing substantially to the overall interest and growth of girls wrestling.
One notable change is the increased inclusivity within the wrestling community. By officially recognizing and supporting girls wrestling, the AHSAA is providing female athletes with equal opportunities to showcase their skills, passion, and dedication on the wrestling mat. This inclusive approach not only promotes gender equality, but also fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment among aspiring female wrestlers.
The sanctioning of girls wrestling is likely to amplify the talent pool in the sport. With more girls actively participating and competing, there will be a broader range of skills and styles on display, enhancing the overall competitiveness and excitement of matches. This diversity in the talent pool will not only benefit individual athletes, but also elevate the level of the sport as a whole.
