MANHEIM, PA - The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) and the United States Marine Corps are proud to announce the eight Section winners of the 2026 NWCA/USMC "Battles Won" Girls Head Coach of the Year Award. The Section winners advance to consideration for National Coach of the Year honors and reflect the rapid growth, competitive depth, and leadership that continues to define girls high school wrestling across the country.

"Congratulations to our eight Section winners. These coaches represent the very best of our profession. They are leaders who pour themselves into their student-athletes, their schools, and their communities every day. We are proud to recognize them, and grateful to the U.S. Marine Corps for their continued partnership."
Mike Moyer, Executive Director, National Wrestling Coaches Association

2026 SECTION WINNERS

Section 1, Maine: Michael Hansen, Mt. Blue High School
Michael Hansen of Mt. Blue High School (Maine) is the Section 1 winner. In nine years at Mt. Blue, Hansen has built an 85-18 career dual mark and a 26-1 record this season while leading Mt. Blue to its 2026 girls team state championship, the program's third top 2 state finish in four years. Two of his wrestlers reached 100 career wins this season, and the Cougars produced six state qualifiers, three place winners, and two individual state champions.

Section 2, Ohio: Steve Ramos, Massillon Perry High School
Steve Ramos is the Section 2 winner after delivering the 2025-26 OHSAA Girls State Team Championship in his first year as Massillon Perry High School's (Ohio) girls head coach. The 15-year veteran wrestling coach produced three state qualifiers, three place winners, and three individual state champions, was recognized as Stark County Coach of the Year, and continues to be credited for elevating girls wrestling in northeast Ohio through a culture built on athlete development, mentorship, and program alignment.

Section 3, Tennessee: Doug Badon, Clarksville High School
Doug Badon, in his third season at Clarksville High School (Tennessee), earns Section 3 honors. The 29-year coaching veteran led the Wildcats to a 15-1 dual record, the state runner-up team finish, while producing 10 state qualifiers, seven place winners, and one state champion. This year's squad also captured 11 first-place tournament titles, and a 7th-place finish at the Wonder Women Tournament, the largest girls event in the country. Badon began coaching girls in 2014 and helped create Team Tennessee with USA Wrestling.

Section 4, Iowa: Dustin Roland, Ankeny High School
Section 4 winner Dustin Roland of Ankeny High School (Iowa) closed his fourth season at the school with a 23-3 dual record, eight state qualifiers, six place winners, and two state champions. The 22-year coaching veteran also serves as the Iowa/USA Wrestling 16U Director, the IWCOA Central Girls President, and an IGHSAU Advisory Council member. Ankeny ranked No. 31 nationally a season ago and continues to be a state leader in athlete development.

Section 5, Kansas: Paul Lappin, Garden City High School
Paul Lappin of Garden City High School (Kansas) is the Section 5 winner after delivering a state championship by 29 points. In his 22nd season at Garden City, Lappin guided the Buffaloes to top-three finishes at every tournament they entered, an undefeated 4-0 dual season, and 11 state qualifiers, 10 place winners, and two state champions. A long-time KWCA member, Lappin currently serves on multiple state rule committees that help improve the sport for student-athletes.

Section 6, Arkansas: Willie Wright, Rogers High School
Willie Wright of Rogers High School (Arkansas) earns Section 6 honors for an undefeated 11-0 dual season that resulted in conference, dual state, and individual state titles, along with eight individual state championships. Wright's program has now claimed four consecutive dual state championships. The third-year Rogers head coach assembled one of the deepest girls rosters in the country, producing 14 state qualifiers, 10 place winners, and an incredible eight state champions.

Section 7, California: David Ochoa, Northview High School
David Ochoa is the Section 7 winner in his 47th year of coaching and 37th as Head Coach at Northview High School (California). The 2018 California Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee and 2019 NWHOF (CA Chapter) honoree finished a 10-0 dual season as league, division, and Masters champions, with seven state qualifiers and five state place winners. Northview's third-place state finish in 2026 marks its ninth state-podium team, and the program has produced 60 state placers and 12 state champions under his watch.

Section 8, Wyoming: Marcie Lane, Sheridan High School
Marcie Lane is the Section 8 winner for her trailblazing work at Sheridan High School (Wyoming). In 10 seasons at Sheridan and 15 years in coaching overall, Lane has been a foundational leader in the launch and growth of girls wrestling in Wyoming. Her 2025-26 squad produced eight state qualifiers and three place winners, and Lane continues to be a respected advocate for opportunities for female wrestlers across the Mountain West.


 

Section	State	Coach	School
Section	State	Coach	School
Section 1	Maine	Michael Hansen	Mt. Blue High School
Section 2	Ohio	Steve Ramos	Massillon Perry High School
Section 3	Tennessee	Doug Badon	Clarksville High School
Section 4	Iowa	Dustin Roland	Ankeny High School
Section 5	Kansas	Paul Lappin	Garden City High School
Section 6	Arkansas	Willie Wright	Rogers High School
Section 7	California	David Ochoa	Northview High School
Section 8	Wyoming	Marcie Lane	Sheridan High School