Ok, before I start, YES, I know Coach Peck personally. I do take the comments made in his direction as offensive, but only because of my interpretation. Yes NC wins alot of matches, and yes alot of NC kids have enormous records....... their state titles, or lack of, has nothing to do with peck "inflating" the schedule. Peck and the AD build their schedule in order to develop kids skills on the mat, and in order to get the most out of each kid and improve his potential. Records be damned, NC kids know how to compete.
Some years back, I met Peck when I was a College Sophomore, on holiday break. I asked if I could come in and work with his kids over break, as I was a wrestling for my junior college, and needed to stay in shape over the holidays. Peck invited me and my brother in to work out, and we became friendly. Shoot, we learned a few things. After transferring to Ball State, I approached peck about volunteering my time, to come in and work out, and hone my skills as a coach, and to learn a thing or two about a thing or two. Being a Coaching Minor, and having heard about how great NC was from my uncle, i figured this guy must know something. over the next few years, i got to be very close to Peck. I learned that he had not only coached many a kid to a successful season, but that he had even done the unthinkable with some. Kids who became state qualifiers during the most unlikely of times; Peck taught me that it wasnt about how many matches a kid won, or state titles he brought home, but how they applied themselves to be a solid contributor to their society and to be a stand up citizen. Go to New Castle, and ask around. Pecks name isnt one that you hear and people say "oh, yeah, isnt he the wrestling coach?' or "oh yeah, he can get a kid to the finals, bu he cant win it!" No, hes just as recognizable in NC as any other indiana towns head basketball coach, and not because of his stature, "inflated" record, or the Die Nasty. No, hes respected as a member of the community, for having mentored countless young men to better lives. No they may not be state champs, millionaires, or even all college graduates (although Im sure many a NC wrestler has gone on to graduate college at the advice of Peck), but plenty of them are doing quite well- within society. IT managers, Professional MMA Fighters, Coaches, Teachers, Military veterans, and business men. I never wrestled for peck as a HS kid, but I learned more in my short apprenticeship under his tutelage than most will in a lifetime.
Last I heard, most coaches arent in the sport to win titles, or to become immortalized, but to make a difference, give back to a sport that gave something to them, and to influence young men and women to become something more than they are or think they are. Peck not only tries to help these kids, he succeeds. Hes been there for births, weddings, military homecomings, (he was at my wedding, and was one of the first non-family members to hold my daughter when she was born, and my first homecoming from Iraq). he is a father to many, grandfather to their kids, and many a parent, even my parents who have probably only spoke to Peck on the occasion they run into each other in town consider him as one of the most influential persons in their kids lives. He serves the community, and many are thankful for the positive influence peck has on New Castle and its residents. I would put a good bottle of Dr Pepper...... ok, Jamesons... that Peck would trade every victory, every record, every state qualifier, just to ensure that his kids have the skills and tools necessary to go out and be productive in life, ready to tackle any task head on, and prepared for success.
Love Ya Peck! Hope to see y0u soon!