By Yocelyn Perez Posted June 5, 2025
After years of dedication and leadership, John Brooks has been named Lowry’s 2024 Coach of the Year.
Brooks, who has coached both football and wrestling, is known for his intense work ethic and commitment to building not just strong athletes but strong individuals.
“When done right, coaching can be a lot of work,” said Brooks.
Brooks has been involved in coaching for nearly three decades.
“I think I have been coaching for 27 years, with 20 years as a head coach,” said Brooks.
His experience has shaped the program into one of the most respected in the state.
“So, it feels good to be recognized for your efforts,” said Brooks.
Reflecting on past seasons, Brooks said one year stands out.
“The 2011–12 season, I believe we set the record for team points scored at a state tournament, but most memorable because they were such a great bunch of young men,” said Brooks.
Although his coaching style hasn’t drastically changed, Brooks’s recognition of new athletes has not gone unnoticed. Previous wrestling student Gabriel Hogue also had something to say.
“I’ll always remember the way he teaches, he makes it interactive and fun in a way you won’t forget,” said Hogue.
Wrestling is known as one of the most demanding sports, and Brooks doesn’t shy away from that reality.
“The biggest challenge is keeping kids coming back each year because when they do, that’s when champions are made,” said Brooks.
When his athletes face tough times, Brooks encourages them to embrace the struggle.
“I want the wrestlers to know that the tough times and disappointments are all part of it, just wrestle through it,” said Brooks.
His values as an athlete reflected his team-first mentality.
“I value someone who is coachable and open to ideas for improvement; I want someone who is a good teammate,” said Brooks.
Handling wins and losses is another key part of his approach.
“Winning is fun; however, when you do lose, learn from it,” said Brooks.
This season, Brooks was especially proud of his young roster.
“We were a very young team, with several freshmen in our varsity lineup. I’m proud that they wrestled like age did not matter,” said Brooks.
Building team culture is essential in his program.
“When people accomplish hard things together, like a Lowry wrestling practice, it creates a bond, a brotherhood,” said Brooks.
As a coach, his ultimate goal goes beyond medals.“They need to know that hard work does pay off, and it will in all their future endeavors,” said Brooks.
Vice Principal Mr. Mayo reflected on his personal experience with Brooks as both a former athlete and current colleague.
“I had the pleasure of being coached by Coach Brooks for all four years in my high school wrestling experience. He was an assistant, and then he was my head coach,” said Mayo.
Mayo also spoke about Brooks’s character and coaching style.
“He’s the epitome of what you want in a coach. He’s fair, consistent, and always challenged every kid–whether they had been wrestling their whole life or if Lowry was their first experience with the sport,” said Mayo.
Mayo shared the impact Brooks has had across the state.
“There’s a reason his name is synonymous with Northern Nevada wrestling—people want to emulate what Lowry wrestling is,” said Mayo.
Even with Brooks’s departure, Mayo noted his lasting presence.
“He might be leaving on paper, but he can’t get away from wrestling. The fact that his son is going to take over the program says it all,” said Mayo.
And to those just starting in coaching, Brooks offered this advice:
“Wrestling is often viewed as an individual sport—make sure you emphasize the team aspect of wrestling; that is, compete as a team,” said Brooks.
With nearly 30 years of experience and an unwavering passion for the sport, John Brooks continues to be a cornerstone of Lowry athletics—and an example of what a great coach should be.
