The Holland Patent Central School District is pleased to announce that Mr. John Richard, the dedicated head coach of the Holland Patent High School boys wrestling program and a social studies teacher, has been honored with the prestigious National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) 2025 High School Boys Section Head Coach of the Year award for Section 1 in New York State.
This esteemed award recognizes coaches who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to their student-athletes, school communities, and the sport of wrestling throughout the 2024-25 season. Mr. Richard was nominated by the NWCA State Chair for New York, and his selection was reviewed and voted upon by NWCA State Chairs within Section 1.
"These awards recognize much more than wins and championships," said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. "They highlight the coaches who invest deeply in their student-athletes, their school communities, and the sport as a whole. We're proud to recognize the difference they make."
This latest recognition adds to Mr. Richard's already impressive list of accolades. Just this past October, he was inducted into the Section III Wrestling Hall of Fame as part of the 2024 class.
Mr. Richard's dedication to wrestling extends beyond the mat. He has served as the NYS Modified Wrestling Coordinator since 2002 and has been teaching NYS coaching classes for the past 25 years, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the sport. He has also been a past representative for the Section III Wrestling Committee and has been instrumental in the development of the Section III Girls wrestling program. Furthermore, he actively runs the Golden Knights Wrestling Club, providing year-round wrestling opportunities for area athletes. In 2020, he was also recognized with the George Peavey CNY Official's Award.
Now, as a Section Head Coach of the Year, Mr. Richard advances to the final stage of consideration for NWCA National Coach of the Year honors. The Holland Patent Central School District congratulates Mr. John Richard on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates his profound impact on our student-athletes and the wrestling community. We eagerly await the announcement of the national award winners in the coming weeks.
