Shaw, National Coach of the Year

SHAW NAMED NATIONAL WRESTLING COACH OF THE YEAR

by Dr. Bill Welker

Cody Bryant, managing editor of Wrestling USA Magazine, recently announced that Coach Larry Shaw, Oak Glen High School's (WV) ultra-successful mat mentor, has been selected as the "2008 National Wrestling Coach of the year."

This year Coach Shaw's "Golden Bears" won their 12th consecutive championship at the 2008 WV State Wrestling Tournament, a record for all sports in West Virginia. It also ranks Oak Glen tied for 6th nationally with Northfork Granby, Virginia for consecutive state team titles. For his efforts, Coach Shaw was also named the "West Virginia A-AA Wrestling Coach of the Year" six times.

Over the last 29 seasons, Larry Shaw has produced 50 state champions (including four three-time state champs and one outstanding wrestler), 162 all-state wrestlers, and has compiled a dual record of 311-92-4. This year's dual meet record was 14 -1.

Coach Shaw's squads have won five Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Tournaments. His teams have also won 12 OVAC Dual Meet Titles. Shaw has been named "OVAC Wrestling Coach of the Year" 11 times.

Other prestigious awards include: Bill Van Horne Award: OVAC All-Sport Coach of the Year (2000 & 2007), NWCA West Virginia Coach of the Year (1999, 2001, & 2002), NFHS Section II Wrestling Coach of the Year (2004), Upper Ohio Valley Dapper Dan Man of the Year (2003), and the West Virginia Sportswriters All-Sport Coach of the Year in 2000 (Coach Shaw is the only wrestling coach to receive this award.)

But Larry Shaw's coaching legacy goes far beyond the confines of his practice room, team championships, and awards. He cares deeply about the growth of wrestling in West Virginia and the Ohio Valley. Shaw has spoken at many wrestling and all-sports functions, emphasizing the many benefits of the mat sport.

Coach Shaw was also instrumental in coordinating The Wrestling Drill Book sequence-of-photo shots for each drill in the book. Furthermore, he assisted in producing an instructional video for wrestling officials for the NFHS Officiating Wrestling On-Line Methods Course.

Finally, Coach Shaw has offered his services as a wrestling clinician for years. Last fall, he worked a wrestling clinic in Wheeling with the legendary coach, Bobby Douglas, for kids in both West Virginia and Ohio.

A media specialist at Oak Glen High School, Larry Shaw, the educator and humanitarian, is highly respected by his students, parents, and colleagues. He has helped many "troubled" students and athletes over the last three decades, guiding them in positive directions.

Coach Shaw's selection will be highlighted in the May 30th issue of Wrestling USA Magazine. Larry Shaw and his charming wife Cindy (also an educator) reside in New Manchester, West Virginia.

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