In his fourth year of coaching with Central Florida, Jason looks to help continue part of the rich tradition which he helped lay the groundwork for while competing for the team. Jason is a 2X NCWA All-American in the 149 lbs. weight class, with finishes of 5th (in 2004) and 4th (2005) respectively. Jason brings a wealth of wrestling knowledge to the staff, as he focuses on highly technical and fast-paced wrestling. Originally from Minnesota, Jason relocated to Ft. Myers, FL where he was an integral part of the southwest powerhouse FMHS Green Wave. Along with many other Green Wave graduates, Jason has become an undeniable asset to the Central Florida program, first as a wrestler, and now as a coach.
While Jason was an assistant coach, he completed his M.Ed in Social Science Education with a focus on political science and constitutional studies. In 2006 Jason was named the Florida recipient of the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation grant for constitutional studies in education. After graduation Jason accepted a position at the University of Central Florida as the Sport Club Coordinator with the campus Recreation and Wellness Center and head wrestling coach. In the future Jason hopes to teach high school government in the central Florida area and continue coaching wrestling.
Jason Balma
Social Science Education M.Ed.
In the midst of a high school history lesson on World War II, Jason Balma’s teacher upturned his podium and maneuvered around the classroom in order to demonstrate the tactics of trench warfare. In that moment, Balma knew he wanted to someday teach history with the same level of enthusiasm and passion. Having already received his bachelor’s degree in Social Science Education and a teaching certificate from UCF, staying at the university to pursue his master’s degree was an easy decision. “The thing I probably like best about UCF is the opportunity for students to get involved in activities that develop student leadership and professional preparation. I like the powerful voice given to the student body,” shares Balma.
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He took advantage of the leadership opportunities available around campus and his love for wrestling. He is in his sixth year as the UCF Wrestling Club president and in his second year as assistant coach for the team. Balma also helped found the Sports Club Council, an umbrella organization authorized through the Student Government Association, and is the current president. The Sports Club Council provides funding, training, facilities, and other administrative services to eligible clubs that are a part of the organization.
Two of his graduate professors, Randall Hewitt and Michael O’Malley, have had a positive impact on Balma’s graduate studies. “Both instructors helped me understand the social factors that impact a students’ education,” he says.
He has a special interest in studying and teaching about the Constitution. In summer 2007, Balma, a James Madison Memorial Fellowship recipient, attended the Fellowship’s summer program at Georgetown University. The program was comprised of one Fellowship recipient from each state. They focused on studying the foundation and formation of the Constitution. It included discussions with political figures, as well as daily classes, tours and lectures. Balma believes what he learned about the shaping of the Constitution while attending the program will affect how he teaches American Constitutionalism.
Upon graduating in spring 2008, Balma plans to teach high school history in the central Florida area to fulfill his fellowship requirement. He hopes to continue coaching wrestling at UCF or to coach it at a local high school.