After leading the Parkersburg South Patriots to its fourth consecutive Class AAA state wrestling championship, head coach Paul Jackson has been named the State High School Coach of the Year. Jackson has won nine state championships during this 14 seasons at Parkersburg South, which is the most ever won by any coach in Class AAA.
Jackson recently retired from coaching. Some of his accomplishments include a 325-56 dual-meet record, 26 individual state championships and 130 of his wrestlers have placed sixth or higher at the state meet.
The runner-up for the award was Hedgesville boy’s basketball coach Kelly Church, who led the Eagles to the Class AAA state championship.
Other top finishers include Westside girl’s basketball coach Jamie Lusk, who led the Renegades to the Class AA state championship; Mike Young, who guided Wheeling Central Catholic to the Class A football state championship; Martinsburg head football coach David Walker, who led the Bulldogs to their second consecutive Class AAA state championship; Jefferson baseball coach John Lowery, who led the Cougars to the Class AAA state championship and Greenbrier East girl’s and boy’s basketball coach Jim Justice, who led the girl’s team to the Class AAA state championship.