Jackson nominated for wrestling coach of the year 
Above: ACHS head wrestling coach Wayne Jackson pumps his fist during a meet.
By DAVID WOLMAN
Traveler Sports Editor
Retiring Ark City head wrestling coach Wayne Jackson could be the recipient of one more award before he hangs his boots up in June: 2005-2006 National Wrestling Coach of the Year.
Nominated by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association on Wednesday as the state's representative for the honor, this will be his second attempt at it.
A win this time around for Jackson would complete the chapter for Kansas' winningest wrestling coach.
He was previously chosen as a nominee in 1995.
Trison Graham's win in March left Jackson with 16 state champions and over 200 career wins during his tenure.
Humbled and surprised by the honor at the same time, he once again deflected attention away from himself and toward his grapplers.
"I had all of my success because I had some good wrestlers," Jackson said. "It's a tribute to the middle school, little leagues and Take Down Club."
Retiring USD 470 athletic director Tom Hollingsworth could not be more happy for him.
"Jackson is a fine representative for the award," Hollingsworth said. "I've had the privelege of knowing him for 37 years and it so fun to go in and watch his practices."
"He's one of a kind."
Shawn Silvis will indeed have some big shoes to fill, but Jackson mentioned that the school district found the right person to take the program higher than it has ever been.
Announcement for National Wrestling Coach of the Year will be made by the National Wrestling Coaches Association within the next two weeks.
