On Tuesday, June 16th the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) announced its national and regional recipients for Coach of the Year honors as part of the organization’s annual Awards Program.
The assistant coaching staff of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Division II state champion Falconer Golden Falcons has been named the 2020 NWCA Section 1 Scholastic Boys Assistant Coaching Staff of the Year, one of only eight such units to receive this honor nation wide.
“Our wrestling program wouldn’t be anywhere close to where it is without the hard work and selfless dedication of these coaches,” said Falconer head coach Drew Wilcox on his staff’s national recognition. “The wrestlers, parents, and Falconer & Cassadaga Valley communities are really fortunate to have this group of coaches leading their sons and daughters. They are all positive role models both on and off the mat.”
The assistant coaching staff honorees are Trevor Delahoy, Dan Morales, Travis Hummel, Kevin Strong, Chris Fiasco, Scottie James, Jake Youngberg, Mike Smith, and team trainer Andrew Lanphere.
The Golden Falcons captured the 2020 NYS small school dual meet title in February in the team’s third straight appearance at the state tournament in Syracuse. Falconer ended the 2019-2020 season with a 33-1 overall dual meet record, the team’s ninth consecutive Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Division I title, it’s eighth consecutive Class tournament title, the team’s third consecutive Section VI Division II dual meet title, and the #1 ranking in the NYSSWA small school final poll. Since the current coaching staff has been organized, the Golden Falcons hold a 180-19 overall record, good for a winning percentage of 90.5.
“The NWCA is proud be able to provide a platform to help recognize outstanding coaches at both the state, section, and national levels,” said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. “Coaches have the ability to positively impact the lives of their athletes and ultimately change the fabric of a community. While we are recognizing these winners, we also want to thank each coach out there as they give so much of themselves to their program and athletes.”
