Both of these coaches are continuously sharing their experiences with others, as they continue to grow as leaders. Not to mention they are reaching out to those beyond their team as full time educators in the field of health and physical education.
Ohio Northern University Head Wrestling Coach Ron Beaschler has been coaching the polar bears for twenty-one years. He is currently the chairperson of the Department of Human Performance and Sport Sciences, along with being an assistant professor of Health and Physical Education.
Beaschler also was one of the inaugural mentors for the NWCA Leadership Academy, which took place prior to the NWCA Convention. Where “up and coming” young college coaches were paired with an experienced coach or administrator to help them grow as leaders as coaches at the collegiate level.
Bryan Hazard coaches at Robinson High School in Fairfax, Virginia, for the past thirteen years. Hazard who wrestled at George Mason University, now coaches at his high school alma matter. Hazard currently serves as the Virginia State Chairman for the NWCA Scholastic Division.
Beaschler was presented the collegiate award; Hazard earned the high school award at the NWCA’s annual convention held last week in Fort Lauderdale at the Bahia Mar Beach Resort.
The United States Marine Corps Excellence in Leadership Award is presented yearly to a collegiate and high school coach that represents the core values of the United States Marine Corps in their passion for wrestling and leadership.
Sergeant Jeffrey Schuh was on hand to present the award, based out of Fort Lauderdale. Also representing the Marine Corps was Staff Sergeant Rob Fisher, Marketing and Public Affairs.
“These two coaches exemplify what this award is all about,” said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. “They are both very dedicated to educating their athletes, not just on the mat but outside of the wrestling room as well.”
“It was a surprise and honor to receive this award from the United States Marine Corps,” said Beaschler. “I have always tried to give back to the sport of wrestling any way I could. I am very humbled by this award as I have only tried to serve in any capacity that I thought I could help the sport that has given so much to me. To be recognized in this manner is very special.”
In 2008 Beaschler was inducted into the Division III National Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame. He has also served as chair of the Division III NCAA Wrestling Committee for two years and is currently serving as the NCAA Wrestling Committee Weight Management Program liaison.
“Ron Beaschler is an accomplished educator and coach,” said NWCA President Jim Beichner. “He provides true leadership and instills a winning mentality, not just on the mat, but in life, with his athletes.”
At ONU, Beaschler holds the longest tenure as head wrestling coach.
Hazard completed the NWCA Building Leaders for Life Leadership Course, which helped him develop a strong mission statement for the way he runs his Robinson High School team. That same mission statement has been used as an example by the NWCA for other high schools around the country.
He has also been a very active member with USA Wrestling in Virginia, he is currently the Coaching Coordinator for USA Virginia, and has lead numerous Virginia All-Star Teams.
In a more recent endeavor to use his talents in this sport, Hazard can be heard from time to time over the loud speakers at tournaments. In 2009 he was able to work alongside Sandy Stevens at the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals as the tournament announcer.
“Hazard has been helping the NWCA Scholastic Division for quite a while now. He is very passionate about the sport and giving back to the youth in his area and the state of Virginia,” said Beichner.
“This is a huge honor, especially because it is given by the NWCA and the United States Marine Corps,” said Hazard. “The values and ethics and the way that both groups are trained are very similar. These areas are what we should be modeling the training of our coaches and athletes.”
“I grew up in Fairfax and many of my friends were from military families. Some of my teammates and now my wrestlers have also taken the path of serving in the military which is something that I support and admire,” said Hazard.
Past Winners
2008
College: Pat Pecora, University of Pittsburgh Johnstown
High School: George Dlugolonski, Chaminade (N.Y.) High School
2007
College: Jay Weiss, Harvard University
Scholastic: Trent Kroll, Hood River (OR) High School
2006
College: Jack Maughan, University of Northern Colorado
Scholastic: Jose Martinez, North Hills (Pa.) High School
2005
College: Drew Black, Wesleyan University
Scholastic: Paul White, South Forsyth (Ga.) High School
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