Coach of the Year

RECOGNIZING THE BEST OF THE BEST

Beginning in 1969, the PWCA has been honoring coaches who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to wrestling. In the 51 years of the award, there have been a total of 108 coaches named Coach of the Year. The 2020 PWCA Coaches of the Year received their awards on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at the Giant Center in Hershey. For a list of all the previous winners, visit the Coach of the Year Archive page. To learn more about the selection process or to nominate a coach, check out the information below.

2023 PWCA COACH OF THE YEAR WINNERS

CONGRATULATIONS to our 2023 COY Winners. Winners will be recognized in the fall at the PWCA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Pictures pending.

AAA Head COY is Jeff Sweigard of Central Dauphin H.S.
AA Head COY is Jeremy Betz of Warrior Run H.S.
AAA Assistant COY is Dylan Caprio of Central Mtn.
AA Assistant COY is Derrick Zechman of Warrior Run H.S.
AAA Junior High COY is Carlos Montes of Parkland H.S.
AA Junior High COY is Gary Havelka of Burgettstown H.S.

Photo Credit: Tom Elling

Selection process

APPLICATION & SELECTION AWARD PROCESS

ELIGIBILITY

A coach must be a member of the PWCA. He must receive the votes for District Coach of the Year in his respective district. A coach may be nominated as an "at large nominee" if extenuating circumstances exist. For example, if he did not receive the District Coach of Year, but has had a strong team showing in sectionals, districts, regionals, and states. The nomination can then be placed on the floor at the PWCA board meeting the Thursday evening at States. He must then receive a majority vote to be considered for the PWCA Coach of the Year Award.

APPLICATION

Once a coach receives his respective District Coach of the Year Award, he will be provided the PWCA Coach of Year Application. The completed application should be forwarded to the PWCA President.

SELECTION

A booklet of all respective District Coach of the Year nominees will be compiled. The booklet is distributed to all PWCA officers and district presidents at the PIAA Wrestling Championships. The deadline for ballots is no later than the completion of the semi-final round for each classification.

Chad Shirk

Class AA

The Class of AA Coach of the Year 2022

is Chad Shirk of

Saucon Valley (left)

with presenter Pat Berzonski (right).

Brian Nasdeo

Class AAA

The Class of AAA Coach of the Year 2022 is Brian Nasdeo of Williamsport (left) with presenter Bob Crabb (right).