Meet the coaches
Corey Barber
Hudson Falls, NY
Coach Corey Barber brings a decorated wrestling background and a deep commitment to developing athletes both on and off the mat. A standout at Hudson Falls High School, he compiled an impressive 174-25 career record, becoming a two-time Section 2 Champion and three-time finalist. His dominance continued at the state level, earning the title of two-time New York State finalist. He also claimed gold as an Empire State Games Champion, showcasing his skill against top-tier competition.
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Following high school, Coach Barber went on to wrestle at SUNY Cortland, competing at the collegiate level and gaining valuable experience that now fuels his coaching philosophy. With a focus on discipline, technique, and mental toughness, Coach Barber is dedicated to helping wrestlers reach their highest potential.
Leighen Beadnell
Warrensburg, NY
Leighen Beadnell has spent the past six years coaching youth wrestling and football in Warrensburg, with a focus on developing strong fundamentals, discipline, and teamwork. On the wrestling mat, he emphasizes technique, positioning, and situational awareness—helping athletes build confidence through solid takedowns, escapes, and control from top and bottom.
Leighen takes a practical approach to coaching: consistent drills, clear expectations, and steady improvement. His athletes learn to work hard, stay composed under pressure, and compete with respect—for their opponents, teammates, and the sport.
In both wrestling and football, Leighen is committed to teaching the game the right way, helping young athletes grow not only as competitors but as individuals prepared for challenges beyond sports.
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Jason Hubert
Queensbury, NY
Coach Jason Hubert brings a wealth of experience and proven success to Old North Wrestling Academy. A proud graduate of Queensbury High School, he competed from 1993 to 1998, helping lead the 1997 team to a #1 ranking in New York State. Over the course of his high school career, he compiled an impressive record of 107 wins and 34 losses, earning recognition as a three-time sectional qualifier, two-time Section 2 finalist, 1998 Section 2 Class B Champion, and 1998 Section 2 Overall Champion.
That same year, he placed 5th at the New York State Championships and earned 8th place at the prestigious Beast of the East tournament, finishing his senior season ranked among the top wrestlers in the Northeast.
Coach Hubert continued his wrestling career at SUNY Brockport from 1999 to 2000, gaining valuable collegiate-level experience that further shaped his approach to the sport. Today, he brings that same intensity, knowledge, and competitive spirit to the mat as a coach—dedicated to developing wrestlers both mentally and physically through discipline, technique, and hard work.
John Payne
Queensbury, NY
Coach John Payne brings a deep competitive background and passion for the sport to Old North Wrestling Academy. With over 150 career high school wins, Coach Payne built a standout wrestling résumé, earning recognition as a 2x New York State place finisher in folkstyle and a 4x Section 2 finalist, claiming the Section 2 title twice during his career.
His success extends beyond the traditional season, with achievements in multiple wrestling styles. Coach Payne is a New York State Greco-Roman Champion, freestyle state runner-up, and a 4x qualifier for the Freestyle and Greco-Roman National Championships. He also competed on a national stage as a 3x Team New York member at the National Duals, gaining invaluable experience against top-tier athletes across the country.
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Currently serving as a coach for Glens Falls Youth Wrestling, Coach Payne is committed to developing young athletes both on and off the mat. His technical knowledge, competitive drive, and mentorship make him an asset to the Old North Wrestling Academy coaching staff.
Matthew Ryan
Hudson Falls, NY
A 2001 graduate of Hudson Falls High School, Matt Ryan is a two-time Section 2 Class C Champion and a two-time top-four finisher in the overall Section 2 championships. His competitive career laid a strong foundation for a lifelong passion for wrestling.
Beyond his time on the mat, Matt has coached in the South Glens Falls K–6 Recreation Program, where he helped young athletes develop both skill and character.
He now proudly coaches his two sons, Eli (2nd grade) and Mac (Kindergarten), both NYWAY Regional Champions. This year, Eli finished 2nd and Mac finished 3rd at the NYWAY State Championships — a testament to the work ethic and coaching at home.
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At Old North Wrestling Club, Matt is dedicated to growing the sport in the North Country, fostering discipline, toughness, and a love for wrestling in the next generation.
Jason Terry
South Glens Falls, NY
Coach Jason Terry brings a proven wrestling background and a passion for developing athletes through discipline, technique, and consistent growth. A South Glens Falls standout, Jason finished his high school career with a 104-16 record, earning honors as a four-time Class B place finisher, two-time Class B Champion, and two-time Section 2 Champion during an era when section titles required competing against the top wrestlers across all classes. He also held the single-season win record at SGF and is a proud member of the SGF Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Jason currently coaches the South Glens Falls Youth Wrestling Program and has also coached at the varsity level. He emphasizes strong fundamentals and believes that while practice makes progress, perfect practice makes perfect. He challenges athletes to learn something from every match and every practice—building the mindset that leads to long-term success.
Our
Standards
All Olde North Wrestling Academy coaches are NYWAY background screened and approved.
Prior to working with athletes, our coaching staff must:
• Successfully complete NYWAY background screening
• Meet NYWAY eligibility standards for youth participation
• Adhere to NYWAY’s Coaching Code of Conduct
These measures are in place to ensure a safe, accountable training environment for all athletes.