The NFHS is proud to name James Matney of Johnson Central High School in Paintsville, Kentucky as the 2018-19 Boys Wrestling Coach of the Year!

To say that James Matney is dedicated to the youth of Appalachia is an understatement. He coaches multiple sports and believes that success is possible, no matter one's background. Johnson Central High School should be very proud of their wrestling coach - he's been named the NFHS 2018-19 Boys Wrestling Coach of the Year!

School: Johnson Central High School

Seasons Coaching: 35 | State Championships: 4

Coaching Highlights: Kentucky State Coach of the Year (1994-95), NFICA State Coach Of the Year (1999), Kentucky Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame (2007), Kentucky Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame (2007),  and NHSACA National Coach of the Year Finalist (2002).

KHSAA State Champions (1994), Dual and Tournament Champions (1995), State Dual Runner-up (2013), Blanton Collier National Award winner (2018), Kentucky State Dual Champion (2019), and State Tournament Runner-up (2019).

Philosophy of Athletics

Coach Matney has spent his entire career coaching the youth of Appalachia. It is his goal to provide instruction and opportunity to aspiring athletes of this region. He believes that with the proper training, athletes from all socio-economic levels can achieve success a high level. It is to this goal that he has dedicated his life.

See all of the 2018-19 National Coach of the Year recipients in our press release.