Ron Sukle has coached the Discovery Canyon wrestling program to a top-7 finish at state four years in a row, including second place in Class 4A this year, earning him The Gazette Coach of the Year honors.

He’s earned similar recognition before from the Gazette, the 4A Metro League and area coaches at the Colorado Springs Metro Championships – acknowledging his work in building the 6-year-old Thunder program.

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With six state placers this year, led by 3-time champion AJ Rees, the results are easy to see on the mat. But Sukle’s success also extends outside the practice room.

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“He motivates us,” 145-pound runner-up Tyler Oberg said. “We talk about goals and stuff. It’s more than just being my coach. He’s like a friend. It’s really helpful.”

With every award Sukle has received over the years he’s continuously deflected credit to his assistant coaches: Sam Melendrez, whom he calls his go-to guy after six years together, Todd Adams, Steve Oberg, Marques Bravo and Zach Newberg.

“You’re only as good as your assistants,” Sukle said. “My assistants do a lot of work. I’m honored to be the head coach of the year, but I want to give them this honor.”

“A head coach does so much administration and paperwork. We haven’t missed a beat as far as coaching because of those guys.”

Ron Sukle of Discovery Canyon is The Gazette’s Wrestling Coach of the Year. Photo by