BRICK FACTORY WRESTLING
Northwest Indiana's Nonprofit Wrestling Facility
For the month of December we'll be practicing at our high school until the facility is ready for wrestling
Northwest Indiana's Nonprofit Wrestling Facility
ABOUT US
Brick Factory Wrestling is operated by HWC as a nonprofit training facility for wrestlers of all levels. Our mission is simple: create a space where athletes can grow in skill, discipline, and character while building a strong community through practices, camps, and events.
COACHES
At Brick Factory Wrestling, our coaches are the heart of our program. Each brings years of competitive experience, expert knowledge, and a passion for helping athletes grow—both on and off the mat.
Zack Johansen has been a cornerstone of Hobart Wrestling for over a decade. He's now in his 12th year with the program and entering his third season as Head Coach. Under his leadership, the Brickies have upheld a strong tradition of excellence. Most recently, he guided the 2025 squad to a runner-up finish at the IHSWCA 3A Team State Championship. Before becoming head coach, Johansen played a key role in achieving four additional team state placements. He has coached numerous IHSAA state qualifiers and state placers, and proudly served in the corner of a state champion. His coaching was recognized in 2023 when he earned the IHSWCA Randy Helfrich Assistant Coach of the Year award and was part of the NWCA Indiana Coaching Staff of the Year. Beyond Hobart, Johansen has served as Team Leader for Team Indiana's Junior Dual squad. In 2025, Team Indiana made history—becoming the first Indiana team to place at the Junior National Duals with a strong fifth-place finish. Away from the wrestling mat, Coach Johansen treasures life at home with his wife, Cheyenne, and their daughter, McKenzie.
Frankie Porras is in his sixth year of coaching and currently leads the beginner program at HWC. His experience spans youth, middle school, and high school levels—including four years at the high school level and one year with HWC's Middle School Duals State team. He has coached multiple state qualifiers and placers, and led a team to a 3A Team State Runner-Up finish.As a wrestler, Frankie was a two-time Indiana High School State Champion, four-time state qualifier, two-time NHSCA All-American, and Cadet Fargo All-American. He competed collegiately for three seasons at Purdue University.Born in East Chicago and raised in Hobart, Indiana, Frankie is a proud graduate of Hobart High School and Purdue. He now lives in Hobart and is passionate about developing confident, skilled wrestlers from the ground up.
Coached by the legendary Coach David Maldonado at Merrillville High School, Anthony had a tremendous HS Wrestling career. He was a 3x State Qualifier wrestling at 119 & 125 pounds and a 2x IHSAA State Placer his sophomore (4th) and Junior (5th) year. Anthony currently has a son that wrestles at Brick Factory Wrestling. His energy and passion for wrestling is noticeable as soon as he steps on a map and we are excited to have him on our coaching roster this year.
Our Pee Wee class (ages 4–6) focuses on basic wrestling movements, coordination, and fun. For slightly older new wrestlers, our Beginner class builds the core skills and techniques needed to enter tournaments with confidence.
Designed for wrestlers with at least three years of experience. This group expands on our foundational technique with advanced positions, higher-intensity drilling, conditioning, mental toughness, and match strategy.
Offered once per week, this practice provides a dedicated space for female athletes to train together. Wrestlers may attend this in addition to—or instead of—Beginner or Advanced classes. Our goal is to support and grow Girls Wrestling throughout the region.
TRAINING OPTIONS
We offer year-round opportunities for wrestlers to train, compete, and grow. From youth programs to advanced sessions, our flexible options fit every season and every athlete's goals. Whether you're preparing for competition or building skills in the offseason, there's a place for you at Brick Factory Wrestling.
SPONSORS & COMMUNITY
We're stronger together. Sponsors help us keep training affordable and accessible to families across Northwest Indiana.
