6A Coach of the Year - 2001

Lee Woodford
Manhattan High School

               In his 15 years at Manhattan High School, Lee Woodford has coached his team to eleven I-70 League Titles. Coach Woodford and the 2001 wrestling team were the Regional runner-up and later went on to also be the State 6A runner-up. At the State Tournament he had nine State medallists and one State champion.

               The 2001 team was undefeated with an 8-0 record. They won five tournament titles including Melyn Douglas Invite, the Ottawa Invite, Salina South, Beloit, and Junction City tournaments.  Woodford's past accomplishment include 169-20 League record, 16 individual State Champions, 7 All-American wrestlers, and 2 individual National Champion wrestlers.  He has been the Head High School Wrestling Coach for 15 years at Manhattan High School and previously a coach at Goodland High School for 7 years.

               Woodford, who teaches United States Government and United States History at Manhattan, graduated from Sterling College in 1973. He was the 2001 USD 383 Teacher of the Year and the 2001 USD 383 Secondary Master Teacher. Other awards include the Honorary Coach and the East/West Senior Classic for the West in 2001.