“It’s All About the Kids”

Talking Hoops with Catoctin’s New Boys Basketball Coach

Alisha Yocum

Meeting Coach Mike Wagner for the first time, you’re instantly struck by his warm and approachable demeanor, which naturally puts those around him at ease and leaves them smiling. Many believe this energy could be exactly what Catoctin’s Boys Basketball program needs. However, his journey to Catoctin is anything but ordinary.

Relocating from the bustling city of Los Angeles, California, to the quiet town of Thurmont is certainly a big adjustment, but Wagner has led quite an adventure on his path to becoming a Cougar. Originally a career banker for 17 years, it was in 2001 that Wagner decided it was time for something different. At the time, he was coaching a 13-year-old boys basketball team, and he decided that this was something he wanted to do more of. He started applying to private schools, where he would eventually be hired by the Pacific School in Los Angeles and where he would meet his wife, Dr. Ann Wagner. There, he wore many hats—certified college counselor, assistant basketball coach, and, eventually, co-director of the school alongside his wife, Ann.

In 2018, the couple would hang up their hats and pursue their desire to travel the world. The Wagners would sell everything (Yes, everything!) to take a job at the Boston International School in Wuxi, China. Two years later, the COVID-19 pandemic hit China, and schools shuts down. Their next move was to Cambodia, where Ann would take a job as Head of School. It took 11 months for the pandemic to hit Cambodia, forcing the couple to return to the United States.

It wouldn’t be long until the Wagners were off again, this time for Mike as Director of College Counseling at an international school in Ethiopia. Ann would later be hired as Head of the School, but civil war had taken over, and they had to evacuate. Shortly, after arriving back in the United States again, Mike was offered a job at an all-girls equestrian school in Maryland, which had been in existence since 1867. As fate would have it, the school would close down just a few short months later, which would bring the Wagners on a short move to Frederick County after Ann was hired as Head of The Banner School.

Shortly thereafter, Mike received a request to become a long-term substitute at Catoctin High School (CHS) and, well, you might say the rest is history. At CHS, Wagner would fall in love with the staff and students and, with a little arm twisting, decide to apply for the Boys Basketball Head Coach position last spring. Mike was later offered the position and now also works as an instructional assistant in the Guidance Office.

Bringing Global Experience to the Court

Throughout his international adventures, Wagner coached basketball in diverse settings. From state-of-the-art facilities in China to makeshift courts with plywood backboards in Cambodia and Ethiopia, he gained a deep appreciation for the game’s universal appeal. Now, he’s channeling those experiences into his vision for Catoctin’s program.

Impeccable Sportsmanship

“My vision is that when people come to CHS, this is a community event and the boys will understand they represent themselves, their families, the school, and the Catoctin community as a whole,” said Wagner.

Wagner has already started to develop a relationship with the players through working at the school, and they know he is someone who truly cares, but he plans to hold players accountable for their actions, which includes a no foul language policy.

Teamwork Above All

Wagner believes basketball is a team sport in every sense. “No individual will rise above the team,” he said. Every player will have a role, and while those roles may differ, the goal is always the same: to work together to outscore their opponents.

Back to the Basics

Wagner’s style of coaching may be different from what the boys program has been used to in the past. While today’s game often emphasizes long-range shooting inspired by players like Stephen Curry, Wagner aims to focus on bringing the game back to the rim. A strong believer in fundamentals, he starts each practice with basic dribbling.

He stresses the importance of teaching proper fundamentals early, noting that many players reach high school without a solid grasp of these basics, which creates challenges, especially if players want to play at the college level.

Building Community

For Wagner, basketball is more than just a sport—it’s a way to bring people together. He plans to engage the next generation of players by involving the Catoctin Youth Association Basketball players. At each home game, two youth players will get the full game-day experience. They’ll warm up with the team, sit on the bench, and feel what it’s like to be part of the high school program. This initiative not only creates excitement for younger players but also strengthens the bond between the school and the community.

A Positive Experience for Every Player

At the heart of his coaching philosophy is a simple yet profound idea: “It’s all about the kids.”

Wagner wants every player to have a positive experience, regardless of wins or losses. “It’s an adrenaline rush,” he admits, “and I love being around the boys.”

With his wealth of experience and commitment to fostering a sense of community, Wagner is poised to make a lasting impact on Catoctin’s Boys Basketball program.

Whether on the court or in the classroom, his focus remains unwavering: Help students to succeed and grow, both as athletes and individuals.