INDIANAPOLIS − The National Federation of High School Associations Coaches Association recognized 24 nationwide coaches as 2023-2024 coaches of the year in a press release Monday.
The list consisted of 10 coaches each from the top girls and boys sports by participation numbers, as well as two “other” sports − one each for boys and girls − as well as a spirit coach and an adapted/allied/unified coach in separate categories.
Among the honorees are two Wisconsin coaches, Terry Krall of Slinger girls cross-country and Kevin Hopp of Stevens Point Area Senior High boys cross-country. The NFHS has recognized coaches of the year since 1982. Winners must have been active coaches during the year in which they receive their award and come from nominations by member state associations in conjunction with states coaches’ associations.
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Krall, whose Slinger girls won a program-first WIAA D1 state title in 2023, said hard work along with love of sport and teammates are key tenets he tries to instill in his coaching.
“Along with coaching athletic success we are building character. When our students leave our program, we hope they have learned how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a love for running,” Krall said. “The cross-country community is an amazing group. I have learned so much from fellow coaches and from our athletes. We are all supportive of each other, which is of immense importance in building a strong program.”
Slinger athletic director Brian Heimark, a one-time cross-country coach himself who competed against Krall for a portion of the latter’s more than four-decade long career, called the national recognition “no small feat.”
“It underscores the dedication, passion and expertise Terry brings to the sport. His leadership has not only produced outstanding athletic results but has also fostered personal growth, character development and teamwork among his athletes,” Heimark said. “It is clear that his coaching transcends the sport itself, focusing on empowering young athletes to be the best versions of themselves both on and off the course.”Terry’s athletes have benefitted from not only his technical knowledge and strategic approach to training but also his ability to inspire them to push their limits and achieve greatness as individuals and as a team. This honor validates the countless hours he has spent planning practices, mentoring athletes and cultivating a culture of excellence and sportsmanship.”
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Hopp, along with fellow boys coach Donn Behnke, led SPASH to a repeat state title in Division 1 in 2023. The Panthers under Hopp and Behnke’s leadership went on to win a third straight title this past fall. SPASH has the second-most state titles in WIAA history with 14, with Milwaukee Riverside’s 16 titles from 1913 to 1936 the most.
Recipients nationwide of the other 22 honors included in the release were:
Boys coaches of the year: Timothy Vinson, baseball, Iberia (Mo.) High School; Mike Hilmer, basketball, Troy Mills (Iowa) North Linn High School; Tiger LaVerde, football, Kirtland (Ohio) High School; David Kuhn, golf, McMurray (Pa.) Peters Township High School; Tim Beck, soccer, Glendale (Ariz.) Ironwood High School; Dusty Thomas, swimming and diving, Boaz (Ala.) High School; Terry Swopes, tennis, Ada (Okla.) High School; Ernie Brooks, track and field, Prineville (Ore.) Crook County High School; Maurice Atwood, wrestling, Gibsonville (N.C.) Eastern Guilford High School.
Girls coaches of the year: Brian Ebert, basketball, Frankfort (Kan.) High School; Eric Sanders, golf, Grand Forks (N.D.) High School; Cathie Connors, lacrosse, Portland (Maine) Waynflete School; Barb Chura, soccer Phoenix (Ariz.) Xavier College Preparatory; Kyle Peacocke, softball, Mill Creek (Wash.) Jackson High School; Lia Kunnapas, swimming and diving, Washington Township (N.J.) Immaculate Heart Academy; Natalie Meyer, tennis, Cottonwood Heights (Utah) Brighton High School; Chris White, track and field, Seneca (S.C.) High School; Julie Gordon, volleyball, Montgomery (Ala.) Academy.
Boys coach of the year (other sports): Frank Colabufo, ice hockey, Camillus (N.Y.) West Genesee High School.
Girls coach of the year (other sports): Eileen Donahue, field hockey, Watertown (Mass.), High School.
National spirit coach of the year: Megan Wesolowski, Mount Sinai (N.Y.) High School.
National adapted/allied/unified coach of the year: Mike O’Brien, Frederick (Md.) Tuscarora High School.