Berne-Knox-Westerlo
Junior Varsity Wrestling Coach Richard Holoday has recently been named
Coach of the Year for Class D.
“I was surprised,” Holiday said. “I put in the
hard work, but I didn’t expect to get it my first year of teaching.”
Holoday was nominated by his peers, and the section coaches voted for
the winner.
“I’ve always wanted to coach wrestling,” Holoday said. “I’ve wrestled since elementary school. It’s something I have a passion for.”
BWK Head Wrestling Coach Jeff Vogel said that Holoday brought a new perspective to the program, which will help them in the long run.
“Because of his age, Holoday is able to relate to the wrestlers really well — like an older brother or young uncle. The kids aren’t afraid to open up to him or to listen to him,” Vogel said. “He’s also the first assistant I’ve had who’s been a teacher, a coach and someone who can wrestle with the kids — all rolled into one. It’s been a huge competitive advantage.”
Holoday said he believes the sport can teach more than holds and pins.
“Wrestling teaches you a lot about yourself and how to push yourself to the next level,” he said. “You can be a success without winning.”
Holoday is proud of the fact that the members of his team have never been on the ineligibility list this year.
“We have a few kids on our team that don’t have another outlet. They found something they can enjoy with friends and be a part of. They are held to a high standard, and they worked to achieve it,” Holiday said. “We try to prepare them for life, because there are so many stressors that they think they can’t overcome, and we teach our athletes that they can do it.”
Holoday is also the BKW elementary physical education teacher.
“It’s the best job in the world,” he said. “All you deal with all day is laughing kids and smiling faces. With that type of atmosphere, you can’t help but have a good time.”
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