Bristow High School Head Wrestling Coach Howard Moore was presented with a trophy this weekend at the OSSAA Oklahoma High School State Wrestling Championship tournament held in Oklahoma City. Coach of the year trophies were presented to one coach from each class from 6A to 3A, and our very own Coach Moore was the recipient of the Class 3A trophy. All coaches were eligible to win, and the final decision was made by the referees who officiated the championships every year. To be recognized as a leader among coaches is a high honor, and to be chosen by the officials indicates a respect for the way a Coach handles himself and his wrestlers at the tournament every year.
Coach Moore has been a Wrestling Coach for Bristow Public schools for more than 25 years and has spent the last six years as the Bristow High School wrestling Head Coach. Prior to coaching he wrestled in elementary school, junior high, high school and college where he earned numerous championships and medals. He is a National Champion and is in the College Wrestling Hall of Fame.
When the announcement was made that the 3A trophy was being presented to Coach Howard Moore of Bristow he was actually in the coaches room getting a much needed cup of coffee. Coach Scott Hall called him and told him and his first thought was that Coach Hall was 'just messing' with him, but he finally realized Coach Hall was being serious. He later found out that his younger brother Hardell, who is also very active in the wrestling community, knew he was being presented with the trophy but hadn't told him. Coach Moore describes a feeling of such honor and pride in being recognized as Coach of The Year. His love for the sport is very clear in any conversation he has about wrestling. He believes it differs from a lot of other sports because it is one-onone. He recently told me that it is 'like being a Gladiator in the ThunderDome, where two men enter and one man leaves.' He goes on to say 'in wrestling you learn to depend on yourself, there is no one on the mat with you.'