NorthWood Athletics is pleased to announce the appointment of Faruq Ghaffar as the next head coach of the NorthWood High School Boys Wrestling program, pending official school board approval next week. Ghaffar brings 22 years of wrestling coaching experience and a longstanding connection to NorthWood Wrestling as he takes over a program coming off an IHSAA Sectional Championship. Ghaffar succeeds Garrett Stuckman, who resigned this summer, and will lead the Panthers beginning with the 2026-27 season. For Ghaffar, the opportunity represents a continuation of years invested in wrestling throughout the NorthWood community. His coaching experience includes both paid and volunteer roles with the NorthWood High School program (both boys and girls), coaching at the middle school level, and involvement with area club wrestling. That experience has allowed Ghaffar to work with wrestlers at nearly every stage of their development from young athletes first learning the sport to experienced high school competitors. As he assumes leadership of the program, Ghaffar has established a clear standard for what he wants NorthWood Wrestling to represent: Maximum Effort. “Maximum Effort is going to be our focus,” Ghaffar said. “We have a great foundation and a strong core group of young people, and I am excited to join the current staff... Our goal is simple: maximum effort in every aspect, every day. When we commit to giving our best effort in the classroom, in the wrestling room and in life, we put ourselves in the best position to be successful. Success will not happen overnight, and it will not be measured only by wins and losses. It will be built through discipline, accountability, consistency, teamwork and a commitment to getting better every single day.” Ghaffar's philosophy extends beyond competitive results. Central to his approach is a commitment to the growth of every student-athlete in the program, regardless of age, experience or competitive level. His vision is to develop a connected wrestling program from the youth level through NorthWood High School while emphasizing the personal growth that takes place away from competition. Ghaffar's reputation as a leader was a significant part of the selection process. Those who have worked alongside him consistently described a hard-working, encouraging and high-character leader who invests deeply in young people, builds meaningful relationships and leads through his actions. “Throughout this process, it became clear that Faruq understands both what NorthWood Wrestling has been and what it can become,” NorthWood Director of Athletics AJ Risedorph said. “His 22 years of experience are important, but equally important is the way people speak about him as a leader, mentor and coach. The consistency of what we heard was remarkable. He works, he serves, he encourages and he invests in people.” Faruq and his wife, Ashley, have been married 23 years and are the parents of five children: Fatima, Naima (2x IHSAA State Champion), Faruq, Khalil, and Anissa. NorthWood Boys Wrestling begins its next chapter under Faruq Ghaffar with a clear expectation for how the Panthers will pursue what comes next: Maximum Effort. Every Aspect. Every Day.