This week’s Life in the spotlight is a man who stresses how important it is to “never stop learning.” This mentality is what has brought him to this point in life, as an upcoming inductee into the Indiana Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Louie Kuzdas is a man of hard work and determination, and he has brought to the La Porte community a wonderful spirit, teaching his own students the importance of hard work and perseverance.
Kuzdas grew up in La Porte from the age of ten, attending the La Porte school systems. When he didn’t make the basketball team in junior high, Louie began looking for other sports in which to participate. “It’s not in my lifestyle to sit and do nothing,” he explains.
It was then that Louie was introduced to wrestling. “I was hooked. Once you try it, that’s it. You’re just hooked,” he says, smiling. Louie was a semi-state qualifier during his participation.
Upon graduating, Kuzdas attended Valparaiso University. When he graduated with his degree, he then became the assistant coach at La Porte High School for six years. When the last coach left his position, Louie was immediately moved to the position of head wrestling coach, and remains in this position today. He also teaches physical education and health classes at the high school.
This has been a rewarding experience for him. “It’s enlightening to see where I started off, and to know where I am now.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of his job is to see the development of the kids as they progress. “Coaching kids past semi-state, where I got in high school, that’s a rewarding process. Seeing them go farther on is a highlight.”
“Seeing kids come in at twelve or thirteen and leave at eighteen with goals to keep going, that’s one of the highlights of the education field.” Kuzdas explains.
Currently the wrestling team at La Porte High School is a member of the Duneland Conference. This has always been a goal and a challenge to meet for the team, and Louie hopes they to continue competing and winning in sectionals and state tournaments. “I’m proud of where we’re at.” he says.
He owes his own successes in life to hard work. “I work until the job is done,” he says, “you keep working to better yourself, your work. I finish what I start.”
Additionally, Kuzdas believes learning has helped him get where he is today. He urges others to continue learning in all things. “Keep learning your sport, learn how to get better,” he explains, “You will reap the rewards later.”
With his upcoming induction into the Indiana Wrestling Hall of Fame, Kuzdas is honored and overwhelmed. He was at a loss for words when explaining how it felt to be recognized for his accomplishments.
“You get speechless,” he says, after a pause. “All this time, effort, and energy and you’re finally recognized. It just makes you feel overwhelmed.”
Kuzdas finds his inspiration in life in his own children. He has four. He has coached or been involved in all of their sports, from cheerleading to wrestling.
Though he doesn’t have much free time as he is often coaching or teaching, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing softball in his free time.
Clearly a hardworking, active individual, Louie Kuzdas has not only made a number of remarkable achievements of his own, but he also has touched the lives of all of his students, urging them to work for what they believe in, and to keep learning, and he continues to do so. Louie is a positive impact on the La Porte community, and a wonderful source of inspiration for the children who learn from and look up to him.