After an extremely successful season, the State Champion Powell Panther wrestling team came across another reason to celebrate when Head Wrestling Coach Nick Fulton was awarded Wrestling Coach of the Year.

Alongside Coach Fulton, assistant coaches Juston Carter and Cody Kalberer were recognized as Assistant Wrestling Coaches of the year.

“I was honored to be recognized by my peers,” Fulton said. “I also am proud that Juston Carter and Cody Kalberer were recognized. To me, that makes it more special.”

Fulton has been coaching wrestling for 20 years and has been head coach for the last 14.

“Fulton has received this award because of the numerous hours and effort he has put into this program,” senior Mitchell Wainscott said. “He put in a lot of hours, and we were able to come out on top as State Champions.”

Although Fulton was recognized with this award, his mind goes back to his students and his wrestlers.

“It certainly starts with the kids,” Fulton said. “I truly believe they had more buy-in and commitment to the program than I have ever coached.”

Over the course of 20 years, Fulton has coached numerous wrestlers, and all seem to have the same thoughts on his impact.

“He has always pushed me on and off the mat to be the best kid I can be,” junior Tyler Wenzel said. “Whether it be offering to help me with my grades or giving me time off to work out personal matters, he is the person I look up to the most.”

Many of his wrestlers see him as a leader, a teacher, and a friend to go to when they need some help.

“When I was trying to decide where to wrestle in college, it was very hard and I was lost,” Wainscott said. “Then I talked to Fulton for like 30 minutes and it cleared my mind and helped me make my choice.”

With this new accomplishment under his belt, Fulton accepts it, but his plans have not been altered.

“As far as what’s next, [I will] go back to work,” Fulton said. “My goals haven’t really changed in the fact that I want to continue to develop student athletes to be able to reach their goals and perform at their highest level.”

Fulton plans only to continue to improve his athletes and students. Perhaps in the upcoming season, he can help to produce another State Champion team.

“He is the best coach in the state in my opinion,” Wainscott said. “Who are we without our leader who taught us everything there is to know about the sport. He is truly just the best there is.”