Coaches

Wrestling runs deep in the Burton family, and Coach Dustin Burton proudly continues a legacy that began in the 1950s when his grandfather, Don Burton, introduced the sport to North Louisiana. His father, Donny Burton, carried that torch as a standout wrestler at Oklahoma State University, later coaching for over 30 years—a career that earned him induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Today, Coach Dustin Burton honors and expands that tradition as the head coach of both North DeSoto Wrestling Academy (NDWA) and North DeSoto High School Wrestling. Married to his wife, Amy, and father to four children—Bryson, Easton, Colton, and Abby—Coach Burton’s life is rooted in family and the sport he loves. Under his leadership, NDWA has become a powerhouse program, capturing five Louisiana USA Wrestling Team State Titles, producing 457 USAW state medalists and 132 USAW state champions. His athletes have gone on to win over 20 high school state championships, culminating in a 2024 LHSAA Team State Title. Coach Burton’s expertise is shaped by both heritage and personal achievement. As a high school competitor, he was a three-time All-American and nationally ranked as a junior. His collegiate career took him to Neosho Community College and later Lindenwood University, an NAIA wrestling powerhouse. From his earliest days on the mat to his current role mentoring the next generation, Coach Burton’s mission has remained the same: give back to the sport that has given so much to his family and community. North DeSoto Wrestling is fortunate to have a leader whose  passion, knowledge, and dedication are matched only by his deep respect for the sport’s traditions.

Coach Josh Sarpy has firmly stamped his name among North DeSoto’s all-time greats. Known for his unmatched knowledge of the sport and relentless drive for excellence, Sarpy’s journey has inspired countless young wrestlers in North Louisiana. A proud DeSoto Parish native, Coach Sarpy comes from a

strong, supportive family and was part of the very first generation of wrestlers in the North DeSoto program. Before ever stepping onto the high school mat, he had already built an impressive résumé—winning multiple Louisiana USA Wrestling State Titles and earning USAW All-American honors. At North DeSoto High School, Sarpy became a two-time LHSAA State Champion and

consistently competed at the national level, proving himself as one of the state’s elite. His dedication and success opened the door to history—he became North DeSoto’s first-ever wrestler to compete at the NCAA Division I level.

Sarpy continued his career at The University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where he competed in the PAC-12 Conference and helped the program secure multiple conference championships. His collegiate career was defined by the same grit and determination that marked his days as a Griffin.

Today, Coach Sarpy gives back to the sport that shaped his life, mentoring the next generation at North DeSoto Wrestling. His journey from a small-town mat in Louisiana to the national stage is a blueprint for young wrestlers to follow—and a reminder that with hard work, discipline, and belief, anything is possible.

Coach Matt Rabinowitz is a lifelong product of North Louisiana wrestling and brings a wealth of experience and leadership to our program. During his competitive career, he achieved numerous historic milestones, becoming the first four-time Louisiana Classic Champion, a three-time LHSAA State Champion, and earning All-American honors at both Fargo and the NHSCA Nationals. He continued his wrestling career at Baker University, an NAIA program, where he further developed his skills and competitive experience.

As the head of our middle school program, Coach Rabinowitz has guided his teams to multiple state championships, helping lay the foundation for long-term success at every level of our program. His dedication to developing young athletes emphasizes both technical excellence and character growth, ensuring that each wrestler is prepared for challenges on and off the mat.

Coach Rabinowitz and his wife, Tabitha, are the proud parents of three children—Livi, Lilly, and Luke. His commitment to family, combined with his outstanding wrestling background, continues to inspire the athletes and families he serves.

Coach Andrew Gonzales is a proud DeSoto Parish native and a graduate of North DeSoto Wrestling, where he first made his mark as a standout competitor. During his high school career, he was a two-time LHSAA State Finalist, an Adidas All-American, and a multiple-time Greco-Roman State Champion.

Following high school, Coach Gonzales continued his wrestling journey at the University of the Ozarks, where he competed at the NCAA Division III level. After gaining valuable collegiate experience, he returned to his hometown to invest in the next generation of athletes.

Known for his leadership both as a wrestler and now as a coach, Coach Gonzales brings a high level of skill, discipline, and passion to the program. His commitment to developing wrestlers on and off the mat makes him an essential part of the North DeSoto coaching staff.