4A Coach of the Year - 2003

BILL CHRISTNER
Abilene High School

For the second time in the last six years, Abilene’s Bill Christner wins the KWCA 4A Coach of the Year honors. Continuing his tradition of success he has developed at Abilene High School, Christner and his Cowboys won the 4A state title this past season, after finishing third in the NCKL and posting a 5-2 dual record.

Christner began his coaching career as an assistant at Smith Center from 1982-85 under Scott Stoltenberg. He was then an assistant at Abilene for two years from 1985-87. Christner then served as head coach of the Cowboys for 16 years, compiling an impressive dual record of 109-69-1. His squad won NCKL championships five times, including a 51-dual winning streak. They won regional titles five times and earned three state championship trophies as well. Overall, his teams finished in the top 10 at state eight times.

Christner was named the recipient of the Coach’s Sportsmanship Award by the Kansas Wrestling Officials Association in 1992 and was selected as the KWCA Coach of the Year in 1997.

Christner, who is a middle school Physical Education teacher at Abilene Middle School, stepped down as head coach of the Cowboys at the end of last season. Christner also serves as Huddle Leader of the Abilene High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes group.

Christner received an undergraduate degree from Bethany College in 1982 and a master’s degree from Kansas State in 1987. He wrestled as a senior at Abilene High School, then competed in football and track for Bethany. He was a four-year letterwinner and two-time All-Conference linebacker for the Swedes and was a three-year letterwinner in the Hammer Throw. He placed third in districts in that event, qualifying for nationals.

He has been married for 21 years to wife Joan, and they have three children: Aaron, Amos, and Annabel.