Built Different.
Train Different.

Hallee Milot is the Strength Program Director for Backyard Bullies Wrestling Club. She is a homeschool mom of three boys, and fitness has become a huge part of her life.

She earned her CrossFit Level 1 certification and has been training, competing, and lifting for over five years. During that time, she developed a passion not only for fitness, but for helping others discover what they are capable of.

One of the biggest lessons she hopes to pass on to young athletes is that they can do hard things. Whether that is lifting a challenging weight, pushing through a tough workout, competing in a wrestling match, staying disciplined with school, helping at home, or choosing to do the right thing when it is difficult, growth happens when athletes embrace challenges.

As Strength Program Director, her goal is to help athletes build strength safely, develop confidence, and create habits that will benefit them both on and off the mat.

Coach Dale Schmacht was born in Rock Island, Illinois, and graduated from Cambridge High School in Cambridge, Illinois. As a high school wrestler, he was the 1978 Illinois Class A state runner-up at 138 pounds and the 1979 Illinois Class A state champion at 145 pounds.

Coach Schmacht continued his wrestling career at Augustana College, where he became a three-time NCAA Division III All-American. After college, he earned both a PhD in Physiology and a Medical Degree before building a career in academic medicine and surgery.

Coach Schmacht has remained active in local coaching for many years, including Head Wrestling Coach at Seigler's Karate Center since 2008 and Folkstyle Program Director at Backyard Bullies Wrestling Club since 2024.

Hard work, self-discipline, and achieving established goals have shaped Coach Schmacht's path in life, and he teaches with that same mindset.

Coach Sean Houston is a dedicated wrestling coach and accomplished competitor who brings high-level experience and passion to the mat. A native of Augusta, Georgia, Sean developed his wrestling foundation at Harlem High School before continuing his collegiate career at Brewton-Parker College, where he competed at 174 pounds.

As an active wrestler and coach, Sean has competed in national-level events, freestyle competitions, and collegiate wrestling, consistently demonstrating a commitment to technical excellence and continuous improvement. His experience competing against some of the nation's top athletes allows him to provide wrestlers with valuable insight into both the physical and mental aspects of the sport.

At Backyard Bullies Wrestling Club, Coach Sean serves as a Lead Mat Coach, helping athletes build strong fundamentals, develop confidence, and cultivate a relentless work ethic. Known for his positive coaching style and attention to detail, he focuses on teaching proper technique, mat awareness, discipline, and the competitive mindset required for success on and off the wrestling mat.

Coach Sean believes that wrestling is more than a sport: it is a vehicle for developing character, accountability, and resilience. His mission is to help every athlete reach their full potential while fostering a culture of hard work, respect, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Coach Dusty McKinney brings a wealth of wrestling experience, military leadership, and a passion for youth development to Backyard Bullies Wrestling Club.

Born and raised in North Carolina, Coach Dusty's wrestling journey led him to compete at the collegiate level for George Mason University. He also represented the All-Navy Wrestling Team, where he earned All-American honors through his dedication, toughness, and competitive success on the mat.

In addition to his wrestling accomplishments, Coach Dusty has competed on American Ninja Warrior, showcasing his athleticism, determination, and commitment to pushing his limits.

A proud husband and father of two young men, Coach Dusty served his country honorably in the United States Navy for 20 years. His military career helped shape the leadership, discipline, and work ethic that he now brings to coaching young athletes.

Coach Dusty has a deep love for wrestling and is passionate about helping the next generation develop confidence, resilience, and a strong work ethic while discovering a love for the sport.

Born in Würzburg, Germany to U.S. Army parents, Coach Daniel Bange has spent his life pursuing excellence through discipline, consistency, and hard work. While he did not begin wrestling until his own children entered the sport, he quickly became a student of the sport and a coach who leads by example.

Long before stepping onto the mat, Daniel built a reputation for commitment and perseverance through competitive bird dog training. As a teenager he trained Boykin Spaniels professionally and won National Championships at ages 15 and 16 with his dog, Louie — early experiences that taught him success is earned through preparation, consistency, and daily effort.

Professionally, Daniel serves as a Critical Care Registered Nurse, where he is known as the teammate others can count on — stepping forward when help is needed and leading with a steady presence. Those same qualities of service, reliability, and composure under pressure are at the core of his coaching philosophy.

As a coach, Daniel believes that what an athlete puts into the sport is what they get out of it. He teaches that discipline and consistency will always outlast talent alone, and he strives to model those values in the wrestling room, at work, and at home.

Outside of coaching, Daniel enjoys hunting, fishing, dog training, and spending time outdoors with his family. He and his wife have been married for 11 years and are passionate about helping young athletes develop the character, work ethic, and resilience needed for success both on and off the mat.

Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Coach Rachel Bange brings a lifelong passion for athletics, competition, and personal growth to the wrestling community. A former wrestler who competed in high school and represented Team Ohio, she understands firsthand the dedication, discipline, and resilience the sport requires.

She also spent many years as a competitive ballroom dancer, developing a deep appreciation for athleticism, body awareness, and the pursuit of excellence — experiences that help her connect with athletes of all ages and abilities.

Rachel is a Registered Nurse with experience in emergency medicine and case management. Her healthcare background strengthened her commitment to service, teamwork, leadership, and staying calm under pressure — qualities she strives to model for every athlete she coaches.

Today, Rachel coaches alongside her husband, helping young wrestlers build strong fundamentals, confidence, and character. She believes wrestling is a powerful tool for teaching perseverance, accountability, leadership, and respect.

Outside the wrestling room, Rachel is the owner of Yankee Daisy Design Co., a custom apparel and embroidery business inspired by her Ohio roots and Southern home. She and her husband are raising three active children and are passionate about helping young athletes grow into strong competitors and even stronger individuals.

Coach Blaine Carter is a volunteer assistant coach who brings nearly three decades of wrestling experience to Backyard Bullies Wrestling Club.

A 2002 graduate of Lakeside High School, Blaine built a successful athletic career as a wrestler and football player. During his high school wrestling career, he was a three-time region champion at 215 pounds, a state placer at 215 pounds, and earned All-State honors in both football and wrestling.

From 1999 to 2002, Blaine won numerous national wrestling tournaments while competing at a high level. His passion for wrestling began in 1997 and has remained a major part of his life ever since.

Coach Carter enjoys helping young athletes develop not only as competitors, but also as individuals. He believes wrestling teaches discipline, perseverance, accountability, and the character traits needed to become champions both on and off the mat.

Outside of wrestling, Blaine enjoys fishing, hunting, competing in BBQ competitions, and volunteering at the local burn center in Augusta. Family is his greatest priority. He is the proud father of Isabel, Olivia, and Knox, and is engaged to Deanne, a nurse and official snack wrestling mom. His son, Knox, is passionate about wrestling and embraces everything the sport has to offer, making it especially rewarding for Blaine to share his love of wrestling with the next generation.

Katie Huitron has been involved in mixed martial arts since the age of seven, developing a lifelong passion for combat sports and athletic competition. As a youth athlete, she competed in numerous sparring and grappling tournaments, building the foundation of discipline, perseverance, and determination that she now brings to coaching and mentoring.

Her journey into wrestling began four years ago when her oldest daughter, Esperanza, stepped onto the mat. Before long, her three younger children followed, turning wrestling into a true family passion. Wanting to support their growth and the growth of other young athletes, Katie began helping coach beach wrestling and quickly discovered a love for mentoring and developing wrestlers of all ages.

One of the proudest moments of her coaching career was traveling to Greece for the World Championships with Esperanza and Josiah, where both athletes earned 7th-place finishes against some of the best competitors in the world.

Today, Katie continues to actively train in MMA, kickboxing/Muay Thai, and wrestling, leading by example and demonstrating that learning and growth never stop. As a proud member of her family's gym, Faglier's MMA, and a coach with Backyard Bullies Wrestling Club, she is committed to creating a supportive environment where athletes are challenged to reach their full potential.

Katie believes that success starts with believing in yourself. Her message to every athlete is simple: if you are willing to work hard, stay focused, and never give up, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Philippians 4:13.

Coach Ronnie Jones is a volunteer wrestling coach with a passion for helping athletes develop sound technique, discipline, and a strong foundation in the sport.

A former wrestler at Mercyhurst University, Ronnie competed at 184 pounds and earned the honor of serving as a team captain during his collegiate career. His leadership, work ethic, and dedication to the sport continue to influence the athletes he coaches today.

Before college, Ronnie was a standout multi-sport athlete from New York, competing in wrestling, football, and lacrosse. His diverse athletic background gives him a unique perspective on athletic development, helping wrestlers improve their technical skills, overall strength, competitiveness, and mental toughness.

At Backyard Bullies Wrestling Club, Coach Ronnie Jones is committed to creating a positive learning environment where athletes are challenged to grow, build confidence, and reach their full potential both on and off the mat. His experience as a high-level competitor and team leader makes him a valuable mentor for wrestlers of all ages and skill levels.

Coach Jake Kitchens is an Assistant Coach at Backyard Bullies Wrestling Club and a certified USA Wrestling coach dedicated to helping athletes grow both on and off the mat.

Jake's wrestling journey began in middle school and continued throughout high school, where he developed a passion for the sport and the values it teaches — discipline, perseverance, resilience, and teamwork. Those experiences continue to shape the way he coaches and mentors young wrestlers today.

At Backyard Bullies, Coach Jake works with athletes of all ages and skill levels, emphasizing strong fundamentals, confidence, and a relentless work ethic. He believes success comes through consistent effort, accountability, and a commitment to getting better every day.

In addition to coaching, Jake serves as the club's Facility & Maintenance Coordinator — the trusted handyman who keeps the gym operating at its best. From repairing equipment and maintaining the facility to completing improvement projects, he takes pride in ensuring every athlete has a safe, clean, and welcoming place to train.

Known for his willingness to help wherever he is needed, Coach Jake is an invaluable member of the Backyard Bullies family. Whether he is coaching from the corner, teaching technique, or working behind the scenes to improve the training environment, he leads by example and demonstrates what it means to serve others.

Coach Jake's dedication, work ethic, and passion for wrestling make him an outstanding mentor for the next generation of athletes.