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" Boys Head Coach of the Year Award. The Section winners advance to consideration for National Coach of the Year honors and represent the highest standard of coaching, leadership, and program-building in high school wrestling.

"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, Vermont: Zach Allen, Mill River Union High School
Zach Allen earned Section 1 honors for his transformative work at Mill River Union High School in Vermont. Now in his third season Allen has revived a once-struggling program by building a youth wrestling pipeline, launching a USA Wrestling chapter that delivers freestyle and Greco opportunities across the state, and producing seven state qualifiers and three place winners. He has also spearheaded community engagement while serving as the head football coach at Mill River.

Section 2, Ohio: Scott Burnett, Perrysburg High School
Scott Burnett of Perrysburg High School (Ohio) is the Section 2 winner after engineering one of the most memorable runs in Ohio wrestling history. The 19-year head coach guided the Yellow Jackets to a 15-0 dual record and a 1st-place finish at the OHSAA Division 1 State Tournament, ending St. Edward's 26 consecutive Division 1 state titles. Burnett produced 12 state qualifiers, 10 place winners, and three individual state champions. Burnett currently boasts a 169-23 career dual record.

Section 3, North Carolina: Tripp Rogers, William Amos Hough High School
Tripp Rogers, the only wrestling coach William Amos Hough High School (North Carolina) has ever known, is the Section 3 winner. In 16 seasons, he has built a 340-55 dual record, and his 2025-26 squad delivered 8A Dual Team State Title, West Regional, and Conference Championships, and  with 10 state qualifiers, nine place winners, and two state champions his team secured the Sate Individual Tournament's Team Championship. The North Carolina Wrestling Association Board President continues to coach at the highest level while managing Parkinson's disease.

Section 4, Michigan: Mitch Hancock, Detroit Catholic Central High School
Section 4 winner Mitch Hancock concluded this season at Detroit Catholic Central (Michigan) with another MHSAA Division 1 Team State Championship along with a top-25 national finish. In 20 seasons, Hancock has compiled a 425-68 dual record, 11 MHSAA Team State Titles, 18 program state titles, 58+ individual state champions, and 100+ All-State wrestlers. His 2025-26 team produced 13 state qualifiers, 10 place winners, and five individual state champions.

Section 5, Kansas: Tyler Gonzales, Maize High School
Tyler Gonzales is the Section 5 winner after a historic first season at Maize High School (Kansas). The Eagles went 9-0 in duals, won the 6A State Championship while breaking the all-time Kansas team-points record by 23 points (237 total), placed seven of nine finalists, and finished 10-deep on the podium. Gonzales also delivered top finishes at Mid-America Nationals, the Newton TOC, the Rocky Welton, and was ranked No. 1 in all classifications throughout the season.

Section 6, New Mexico: Evan Copeland, V. Sue Cleveland High School
Evan Copeland of V. Sue Cleveland High School (New Mexico) earns Section 6 recognition for delivering an undefeated 14-0 dual season and a state championship featuring 14 qualifiers, 14 place winners, and four individual state champions. In 16 years as head coach, Copeland has built a 157-6 record at the school, captured five District Duals titles and two Regional Championships, and currently serves as the New Mexico USA Wrestling State Chair.

Section 7, California: Troy Tirapelle, Buchanan High School
Troy Tirapelle, head coach at Buchanan High School (California), is the Section 7 winner after leading the Bears to the No. 1 ranking in the country. Buchanan went 12-0 in duals, captured the Zinkin Classic and Doc Buchanan titles, defeated No. 3-ranked Poway, and finished as state champions with 14 state qualifiers, 12 place winners, and three state champions. In 15 years at Buchanan, Tirapelle has elevated the Fresno-area program into a national wrestling powerhouse.

Section 8, Oregon: JD Alley, Culver High School
JD Alley earns Section 8 honors after capping his 36th season at Culver High School (Oregon) with the program's 16th OSAA State Championship in the last 20 years. Culver also won its League Duals title, the State Dual Meet Championship, and the qualifying District Tournament. Alley owns a 406-79 career mark, 25 consecutive league titles, 22 State Dual titles, an Oregon Wrestling Hall of Fame induction (2021), and a long record of statewide service to the sport.

Section	State	Coach	School
Section	State	Coach	School
Section 1	Vermont	Zach Allen	Mill River Union High School
Section 2	Ohio	Scott Burnett	Perrysburg High School
Section 3	North Carolina	Tripp Rogers	William Amos Hough High School
Section 4	Michigan	Mitch Hancock	Detroit Catholic Central High School
Section 5	Kansas	Tyler Gonzales	Maize High School
Section 6	New Mexico	Evan Copeland	V. Sue Cleveland High School
Section 7	California	Troy Tirapelle	Buchanan High Schoool
Section 8	Oregon	JD Alley	Culver High School