Watson named Coach of the Year

Earlier this summer, Keith “Watty” Watson, head wrestling coach for The John Carroll School, Bel Air, was named “Coach of the Year” by the Maryland State Wrestling Association.
“In all of my years in sports and as an alumnus of John Carroll,” said John Von Paris, “I have never seen any coach with more dedication and passion.
Von Paris’ son Johnny (285), a 2007 graduate, had a successful wrestling career for the Patriots and took the state title in 2007. Mr. Von Paris remains a staunch advocate of Watson, highlighting the coach’s humility and devotion to his faith community and the sport that has been a part of Coach Watson’s life since his own high school days.
Watson has been at John Carroll for five seasons and has accumulated an impressive 103-33 record; none better that his 2006-2007 season where the Patriots’ varsity squad finished 40-8. In fact, it was in early February when Watson secured his 100th win at John Carroll, a milestone that signals a successful track record in a state with 186 wrestling schools.
Even more impressive, as the Patriot program grows, Watson has found a way to get his wrestlers more “quality mat time.” Indeed, there are only 14 varsity slots for competition, yet Watson said that at the end of the last school year, 48 students earned their varsity letter in wrestling.
A member of St. Ignatius, Hickory, Watson is a community-minded coach who gives back at every turn. “He is all about lessons learned in wrestling and helps kids build character that will help them later in life,” said Von Paris.
Watson, with 18 years of coaching experience under his belt, has taken his Patriot program from 10-12-1 in his first year, to 12-2 in his second year all the way to that 2007 record of 40-8 and providing high visibility for John Carroll High School and the Patriot wrestling program.

Catholic Review

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