RUMFORD — It was a long time coming, but former Mountain Valley wrestling coach Gary Dolloff learned recently he’d been voted 2011 Coach of the Year by the National Federation.

The Federation selects one coach from each state to receive the national award.

Dolloff retired from his position at the end of last season, and hadn’t thought much about the nomination since then.

“It was a big surprise,” Dolloff said. “I knew I had been nominated because (Deering coach) Al Kirk had called me up last spring to let me know, but I never heard a thing.”

Dolloff had forgotten, but the voters hadn’t. And when he dropped by Mountain Valley recently to prepare as meet director of the McDonalds — Mountain Valley Wrestling Invitational, held last Saturday, Falcons’ AD Jim Aylward handed him an envelope.

“I had just came in to get things organized for the tournament,” Dolloff said. “Jim handed me an envelope that had been on his desk for a couple months. Jim said he didn’t know what it was concerning.”

When Dolloff opened it up he was blindsided by what he saw on the certificate. The longtime coach went out on top as Mountain Valley dominated last season, winning the Class B state wrestling championship in February.

Mountain Valley had the most champions, including Ryan Burgess (112 pounds), Josh Thornton (145), Josh Allen (189), Christian Durland (215) and Ryan Glover (285). Cody Magoon (125) and Taylor Carey (171) were finalists.

Dolloff said his coaching philosophy has developed over time, and he pointed out some of those qualities he’s developed by working with and observing people. He began coaching middle school wrestling 1987 with John Fitzmorris and the following year, Dolloff took over the program, going on to win eight championships. He was also coached the JV team at newly-merged Mountain Valley High School and eventually was elevated to head coach, when Jerry Perkins retired.

“I learned a lot, established what worked for me and was very happy to be back at the high school,” Dolloff said. “I did a lot of hands-on wrestling with some of these kids and was very dedicated to this program, then my dream came true.”

During Dolloff’s tenure, Mountain Valley has won four Mid-State League championships, seven Western Regional championships and three state championships. In nine years, the Falcons never finished lower then fourth in the state.

At last year’s regionals, Dolloff earned himself a suspension, and had to watch as his wrestlers won a state crown.

“I’ll say this,” Dolloff said, “I bet I’m the only coach to have won this award after winning a state meet from the bleachers.”

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