Bishop O'Connell has named Alex Vergara as the new head coach of the school's wrestling program. Coach Vergara has served the Northern Virginia area as a technical instructor for a number of programs since 2010. He is an active volunteer assistant coach for the Gunston Wrestling Club located in Alexandria, VA and frequently works with wrestlers from all over the region during the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Over the course of five winter seasons, he has helped produce a total of 12 conference champions, 4 regional champions, 14 state medalists, and 2 state champions.
Coach Vergara comes to Bishop O'Connell after completing his fourth season with the Edison Eagles (Alexandria, VA) where he worked alongside his former high school coach, Scott Racek. In just his second season with the Eagles, he was named Assistant Coach of the Year for Conference 13. Vergara left the Eagles on a high note with two Conference 13 titles, three top-10 finishes at the 5A Northern Regional tournament; and two top-10 finishes at 5A States.
Before joining the Edison Eagles, Vergara debuted his coaching career in the 2011-12 season with the St. Stephens & St. Agnes School Saints (Alexandria, VA). He was an integral part of the program as he oversaw the technical development of each wrestler as they steadily climbed the ranks in the VISAA. In just one season, he helped lead the Saints to a 17-3 dual record, a City of Alexandria dual championship title, an IAC runner-up finish, and a 6th place team trophy finish at VIS States- the highest finish in a decade.
Vergara competed for the Longwood University Lancers in the NCWA (National Collegiate Wrestling Association). The Lancers were members of the Mid-Atlantic Conference. He finished in 3rd, 5th, and 5th in the MAC Championships at 133 lbs between his sophomore and senior year. He completed his career as a 3x NCWA National qualifier- a program best. He is a Bishop Ireton Cardinals alumnus and was a two-time varsity starter. His accolades include two 3rd place finishes in the WCAC and a 6th place finish at VIS States.