The Directors
Brothers Kurt and Brad have been joined by Ryan Howell-Conkey in directing the Howell System Camps. All three have a lifetime of experience with coaching, teaching and directing youth and high school athletes. Here are their bios:
Brothers Kurt and Brad have been joined by Ryan Howell-Conkey in directing the Howell System Camps. All three have a lifetime of experience with coaching, teaching and directing youth and high school athletes. Here are their bios:
Kurt was a four time Delaware state champion. He is the only wrestler in Delaware history to complete his prep career undefeated (108-0). He was also a Junior National Champion and a World Schoolboy champion. He competed at Clemson, where he was a Division 1 All-American. Kurt won a University National freestyle title and was a member of three national greco-roman teams. He also competed in the World Cup in 1992 and placed second in the Olympic Trials that same year.
Kurt has coached at all levels. His coaching career started in 1992 at St. Cloud State University. He coached at Selbyville Middle School and started the Indian River Little Indians program. Then, Kurt came to Smyrna where he coached the Smyrna High School team for fourteen years. His coaching credentials have landed him in the Delaware Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Brad Howell also competed collegiately at Clemson. He was a 2x University Greco All-American and competed internationally in Greco Roman.
Brad has been coaching at Oakland Mills High School since 1997. He has coached numerous Maryland National teams, both Fargo and age-group National USAW events. His ability to develop a rapport with athletes, coaches and referees have made him one of the most respected coaches in the region.In 2015 Brad was Maryland State Coach of the Year and, in 2017, Brad was inducted to the Maryland chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. In addition, Brad has been nominated by two of his female wrestlers for the Courage award for his influence on their life.
Ryan has been a part of Delaware wrestling for a long time, both as a wrestler and a coach. He wrestled for Newark High School and was a 2X State qualifier. As an Assistant Coach for Newark High School for 6 years, Ryan helped produce Newarkâs first State Champion since 2001. Not only does he have high school coaching experience, but he has coached at the middle school level at Stanton Middle School as well. He is now the Head Coach and President of Northern Delaware Wrestling Academy.
Ryan is best known for his ability to connect with youth wrestlers and their parents. It is rare to not see Ryan coaching kids at any Delaware wrestling event. Ryan is also working with Delaware USA Wrestling to develop youth wrestling at all levels.