Jack Carney named assistant coach of the year

By Caleb Vierkant

Sentinel writer

Family, friends, students, and coworkers gathered online and in the WHS gym last Thursday, Dec. 17, to surprise teacher Jack Carney. Carney was named "Assistant Wrestling Coach of the Year" for the 2019-2020 school year. This award came down from the National Wrestling Coaches Association.

Activities Director Trisa Rooney said, in an email, that this award is normally presented during the state championship in Anchorage. However, as wrestling season had not yet started they decided to present the award at Wrangell High School.

When Carney was brought into the gym that evening, he had been told there was a fight between students he needed to break up. Instead, he found the wrestling team, his family, and other community members waiting to congratulate him.

"We are very proud and honored to stand here with you," said Head Coach Jeff Rooney, presenting the award. "I've got a lot of pride and honor to stand here and call you my friend."

The wrestling season has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Rooney, the next season is scheduled to begin mid-March. This will be Carney's sixth year helping to coach the team, he said, and he is eager to show everyone what his team is capable of.

"I am just really excited to show the team off," he said. "We have so much talent ... I think we got about six kids who could take State this year."

Carney added that he wanted to thank the school, his family, and the Wrangell community for all the support they have shown to him and the wrestling team.