WARDEN - It is no secret that the Warden Cougars have one of the more dominant wrestling programs in the state.

Seven state titles at the Class 1A and B levels since the 1980s and in line for a possible other one this weekend in Tacoma at Mat Classic XXIII, the Cougars have been led by national Hall of Fame coach Rick Bowers.

But Bowers is the first to acknowledge the importance of having  strong, competent, and knowledgeable assistants.

One of those who aid the Cougars in their hunt for consistent success has been John Voss.

A 1972 graduate of Warden and former wrestler under Darrell White - he himself a Hall of Famer - Voss attended college, married his wife Janice, and began a teasing career in 1980 working in Rigby and Harrington, Idaho.

"I was just teaching but coaching always there," Voss said. "But mainly I was trying to raise a family at the time. I wanted to coach but I knew there was no opportunity down there."

Soon he was back home teaching math and assisting as a basketball coach while also holding down a middle school football assignment.

When he got back to Warden he met up with a familiar face - Bowers.

After a couple of years on the hardwood, Voss went back to his sporting roots and joined the wrestling team in 1986 as an assistant to Bowers.

"I got to know Rick when I started teaching here and got to know the wrestling program and was excited about it," Voss said. "I liked the enthusiasm and the way the program was structured. The dedication in Rick was very high and it was passed on to his wrestlers."

The two not only teamed up on the mat but also on the other side of the educational slate - as students.

"John and I went through Eastern Washington University's Master in Education program together and won a state championship in the same year," Bowers said. "We had to juggle teaching, coaching and family life for nearly two years.  Neither of us could have done it without the support of our wives and family."

By 1995 he was honored as the district and regional Assistant Coach of the Year for his contributions to the program and is currently nominated for a chance at his second winning of the award.

"John has been with the team for through five of our state championships and in 2003 his "white" team scored enough points at state to place second to the blue team at the Dome, " Bowers said. "Unfortunately he could not enter a separate team. He has helped to develop 16 state champions and 133 state placers. He has been instrumental in our winning of over 20 league titles, 16 district championships and has helped the team to 18 top ten finishes at state."

Bowers may be the face of the program but according to the big boss, Voss may be the backbone.

"He has been the foundation on which this program has been built," Bowers said of Voss. "He comes to every practice, on time and ready to go.  He has sacrificed to make the team better, for example not going to the Dream Duals for the past several years to take our younger wrestlers to tourneys to help prepare them for the post season. The team would not be the same without his influence and help."

Voss' main responsibilities include working with the heavier wrestlers and doubling up as team trainer, which includes keeping an eye on injuries, taping, and medical consultant for Bowers pertaining to a Cougars' condition at the time of potential injury.

Voss' influence also runs along bloodlines as his grandson, senior Scott Henderson, will attend Mat Classic as a serious state title contender.

"My son also wrestled in the past," Voss said. "We have had nephews involved in it. It tears me up to watch Scott. You want him do well but you know things can happen. Sometimes you want to get out there for him yourself but I am getting too old for that."