Spencerport coach Jacoutot earns national honor
Spencerport mentor had two of his wrestlers win state titles on Sunday
www.rochesterdemocratandchronicle.com
James Johnson • Staff writer • March 10, 2008

CARLOS ORTIZ staff photographer

Spencerport's Bill Jacoutot wins national coach of the year.

Catching Spencerport wrestling coach Bill Jacoutot off-guard or unprepared seems to be a difficult thing to do.

So when Jacoutot's son Bill Jr., announced over the microphone that his father is the National High School Coaches Association Wrestling Coach of the Year, it was a "gotcha" moment in front of thousands of fans during the state high school championships at Blue Cross Arena.

Jacoutot had no knowledge that he was this year's NHSCA award-winner. "Wow," Jacoutot said with a smile. "Coach of the Year in the nation, that's pretty good."

Bill Jacoutot said he will formally receive his award in Virginia Beach sometime during the coming months.

"He makes wrestling his life," Spencerport sophomore team member Paul Morabito said. "I don't think there is another coach as dedicated as Mr. J."

The Rangers are ranked 10th nationally by W.I.N. magazine and No. 1 among large schools in the state. Jacoutot's coaching record at Spencerport is 335-28-1 and he has guided 11 wrestlers to state titles, including senior Bryan Bourne and junior Paul Glover on Sunday. They are the Rangers first individual champions since 1999.

"He's a good motivator and puts together good teams," Spencerport middleweight Chris Collura said. "I wouldn't want anyone else in my corner."

Meys report: One family, two state titles. Hunter Meys and younger brother Austin, both heavyweights at Shenendehowa, each returned home with their second state titles.

Austin, a junior who was named Division I's most outstanding wrestler at the state meet, pinned Mexico senior Collin Toney in 42 seconds to end the 171 final. He pinned one of his opponents during an earlier round in 21 seconds.

You might have heard of big brother Hunter. The Boston University recruit is the national record holder for varsity pins with 212. Hunter Meys defeated Vestal senior Josh Peters 7-3 in the 189 final.

Spotlight: The state's top-ranked teams took a bow before the finals began. Phoenix of Section III, run by former Syracuse University coach Gene Mills, is the top small-school team in New York state.

Members of Spencerport team, the No. 1 large-school team, also walked on to the mats and received an ovation.

JAMESJ@DemocratandChronicle.com