USD 383
Robert Gonzales, former Manhattan High School wrestling coach, earlier this month received the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum opened in 1976 with a mission to preserve history, recognize excellence and inspire future generations.
Coach Gonzales started his career in 1977 in Garden City as a wrestling head coach and Physical Education/Health teacher. He also was a teacher/coach at Topeka West and Shawnee Heights High Schools before coming to Manhattan. At Manhattan High School, he taught Driver’s Education and Health and served in various leadership roles with the Manhattan-Ogden NEA.
He served as the Head Wrestling Coach for Manhattan High School from 2005 – 2021. MHS earned three state championships (2007, 2012 and 2017) and had 20 state champions under Coach Gonzales. He was named a National High School Wrestling Coach of the Year during the 2016-17 school year and was named State Coach of the Year six times. He has served in various leadership positions with the Kansas State High School Activities Association, the National Wrestling Coach Association, National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, USA Wrestling Kansas, and NAIA Wrestling.
“This is truly the highlight of my career as a public-school educator and athletic coach," Coach Gonzales said.
He will retire in May, 2022 after a 45-year career in education.