Spanish Springs wrestling coach Joe Imelli was named the Nevada State Wrestling Coach of the Year on Tuesday morning.
He is the first coach out of Spanish Springs to win the award, regardless of sport.
It was an honor Imelli had coming to him as he has built the Spanish Springs program into one of the best in the state. No season in his decade-long tenure, however, was better than this year.
In February, he led the Cougs to their seventh regional title in eight years (fourth straight) and sent nine individual wrestlers to the state meet—six of whom placed in the top three.
The Cougs went on to finish second at the state meet behind Green Valley, which won its fifth straight state title. The runner-up finish was the best in Spanish Springs wrestling history. The highest it had finished before this year was fourth, in 2014.
Under Imelli, Spanish Springs also won its ninth straight league title and pushed its league dual winning streak to 55 matches.
Wade Berry says
Coach Imelli coached both of our sons in wrestling and football. In the 13 years of our sons sports he was the best and most consistent leader of young men and women. Congrats coach a well deserved honor!!