Congratulations to Randy Hanson who was awarded the 2022 Wrestling Coach of the Year Division I award at the State Wrestling Championships held December 16-17, 2022 in Anchorage. He is the head coach for the wrestling program at South Anchorage High School, home of the Wolverines, the Division I State Wrestling Champions for 2022 and also the PE teacher.
Hanson was born and raised in Bethel, Alaska where he attended Bethel Regional High School (BRHS) and participated in sports including wrestling. He is a four-time state finalist and a three-time State champion (2007-2010). Growing up in Bethel in the wrestling program at BRHS helped prepare and inspired him to pursue a coaching career.
“Growing up in Bethel definitely shaped me into who I am today, and led me to a career in coaching. Wrestling is huge in Bethel, and it has a rich history. I don’t believe there is another place in the state that produces the number of youth wrestlers per capita, as Bethel,” he said. “Just in my neighborhood of Blueberry, there were many older kids I looked up to that helped spark my obsession into wrestling; Mick Davis, Gilbert McIntyre, Drew O’Brien, Pete Kaiser, etc. The community has always been supportive of its student-athletes, which helped me pursue my dreams of wrestling in college.”
Hanson has been coaching wrestling at South Anchorage High School for seven years, three years as an assistant, and four years as the Head Coach.
He is very gracious and would like to thank his supporters.
“Obviously first and foremost, my parents, Rick and Kathy Hanson. They gave me endless support from the start of my wrestling career, into college, and continue to support my coaching career and program at South. The wrestling community in Bethel- everyone just wants to see the kids succeed. Coach Lieb for helping me not only achieve some of my own wrestling goals in high school, but being a mentor as I continue to develop as a Coach. I’d also like to thank everyone involved in the South Wrestling program; assistant coaches, families, and kids; it’s the best job in the world! And of course, my wife for her sacrifice in allowing me to chase this passion I have in coaching.”
Coach Hanson accepted his award at the ceremony concluding the wrestling event. His son Parker was also in attendance to help celebrate the momentous occasion.
