Shaw earns National Coach of Year award
By ROCCO LONGO, rlongo@reviewonline.comNEW MANCHESTER — Wrestling USA Magazine will announce in its May 30th edition that Oak Glen wrestling coach Larry Shaw has been selected as its 2008 national wrestling coach of the year.
“I’m deeply humbled. This is a great accomplishment for the school, community and kids,” Shaw said from his home Thursday. “That’s what I’m most proud of. This isn’t something any coach sets out to garner, it just happens. It’s a compliment to the program.”
In February, the Bears, under the guidance of Shaw, won their 12th-straight state championship in Huntington. The streak, which is a record in all sports for the state of West Virginia, is tied for sixth nationally with Northfork Granby, Virginia.
“No question as the titles have piled up, it’s become pretty big,” Shaw said. “To be an elite program and to be recognized nationally, that’s a neat thing. Granby has an incredible tradition.”
In his 29th year as coach, Shaw has produced 50 state champions (including four three-time state champs), 162 all-state wrestlers and has compiled a dual record of 311-92-4. In 2007-08, Shaw’s team was 14-1 in dual action.
“My first thought, and it’s a fairly easy answer, is the kids,” Shaw said when asked what the key has been to all the success. “They have responded year after year. We battle anyone on our schedule. Our kids are very competitive.”
Oak Glen, under the helm of Shaw, has won five OVAC crowns and 12 OVAC dual meet titles. He’s been named OVAC Wrestling Coach of the Year 11 times and West Virginia A-AA Wrestling Coach of the Year six times.
Also on Shaw’s resume of accomplishments: Bill Van Horne Award, OVAC All-Sport Coach of the Year (2000 and 2007), NWCA West Virginia Coach of the Year (1999, 2001 and 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 (it’s the only wrestling coach to ever receive the award).
In an attempt to help young wrestlers, Shaw has been very involved in youth clinics and he helped in coordinating The Wrestling Drill Book. He also assisted in producing an instructional video for wrestling officials for the NFHS Officiating Wrestling Online Methods Course.
Shaw, who in the past has thought about retiring in the near future, has no intentions of stepping down yet. Next season will be his 30th and the coach said he’s looking forward to it.
“I feel pretty good right now,” Shaw said. “Spring is a great time to re-charge the batteries. It takes a little longer each year to bounce back, but I’m excited for next year.”
