5A Assistant Coach of the Year - 2004

RUSS HERMRECK
Paola High School

Paola High School’s Russ Hermreck was named this year’s 5A Assistant Coach of the Year after helping lead the Panthers to high state place finishes for the last four years.

Hermreck, a 1996 Paola alum, has helped lead the team to four league tournament titles and three league dual titles, two regional titles, and four team finishes in the top 10 at state. He has helped coach two state champions (one of them a three-timer), as well as numerous other state place-winners.

Hermreck also contributes to coaching the Paola youth wrestling club in addition to his high school coaching duties.

As a competitor, Hermreck was a two-time state placer, finishing in fourth in 1996 and as a state runner-up in 1995. He graduated from Emporia State University.