Conor Fitzgerald, wrestling coach, received the title of Wrestling Coach of the Year from the Kansas Association of Wrestling Officials (KAWO) before the state finals at Wichita began on Feb. 27.

“It was a brief ceremony, but I was presented with the award in front of the crowd at Hartman Arena,” Fitzgerald said. “It was a nice moment.”

Fitzgerald believes he was given the award because the team is on the rise, with several guys wrestling at a very high level.

“Our kids wrestle with heart, and win and lose with class. People respect that,” Fitzgerald said. “I do my best to be a positive reflection of this program, Olathe South, and the city that I love.”

Fitzgerald believes the award is a direct reflection of the young men in the wrestling program.

“We not only have great wrestlers, but great young men in this program,” Fitzgerald said. “I would never be considered for such an honor if it weren’t for the kids I’m blessed to coach.”

Jace Koelzer, sophomore wrestler, sees this award as a huge step not only for his coach, but also for the whole team.

“People don’t realize how big of a deal this award is because they don’t know a lot about wrestling, but it’s a huge honor, specially for Olathe South,” Koelzer said.

While Fitzgerald thinks it was nice to be recognized, he is ready to keep going forward and make the team win even more awards.

“We had a great season, but we’re already back to work. We have big goals for the program moving forward. You can’t move forward while holding on to the past,” Fitzgerald said.