Groom Says “Most Valuable Community” Helped With Award

Coach Ryan Groom (right) accepts a check from US Cellular for $5000 as part of "Most Valuable Coach" program. (photo by Alisha Linder)

Coach Ryan Groom (right) accepts a check from US Cellular for $5000 as part of “Most Valuable Coach” program. (photo by Alisha Linder)

New Sharon, Iowa – Coaches can make significant impacts on young people’s lives, and some coaches just stand out.

North Mahaska Head Wrestling Coach Ryan Groom has been racking up votes in a contest sponsored by US Cellular named ‘Most Valuable Coach.’

Groom was recognized as one of those coaches making a “profound impact” in their school and community during an assembly on Wednesday. Groom is just one of a thousand coaches that were nominated across the United States, and he was honored for being in the top 15.

Groom received over 3000 votes from his supporters.

North Mahaska Athletic Director Steve Ehret spoke about Groom during the assembly. Ehret said that Groom came to the district eight years ago, and was a “rookie and full of vigor and all sorts of great ideas.”

“He had a vision, and he got it done,” said Ehret of Grooms work at the district, not just in athletics, but also in the classroom. “Coach Groom is a great teacher.”

“He is a great example of North Mahaska,” said Ehret who complimented the entire district and was thankful for the opportunity to “show off.”

“We are very happy to celebrate this award with Coach Groom,” said Ehret in conclusion.

Erica Groom, Coach Groom’s wife, shared the story of Ryan’s younger years, where he grew up in the foster care syste, living in a lot of shelters and moving from town to town until he ended up in Oskaloosa.

Groom then went to William Penn University and wrestled there, eventually helping to coach the team.

Erica said that “Ryan is always willing to help when he can. He has a hard time saying no.”

Ryan has also been a volunteer firefighter with the New Sharon Fire Department for the past two years, and with the Oskaloosa Fire Department for six years. “The second he hears the pager he goes out the door,” said Erica. Ryan assisted at an accident scene the morning of his award.

When it comes to the recognition, Erica Groom said that her husband “truly deserves it, and so does the North Mahaska Community.”

Ryan Groom took the stage, saying the award needed to be called, “The most valuable school, because you guys are the reason why we’re here.”

Groom thanked the administration, his wife and the corporate sponsors of the program. “I appreciate it.”

US Cellular and Samsung presented the $5000 check to the North Mahaska School District, and Groom is still in the running for a $50,000 prize for the coach with the most votes.

People can vote once a day for the most valuable coach HERE. – https://www.themostvaluablecoach.com/vote

Additional reporting by Alisha Linder

Posted by on Oct 22 2017. Filed under Local News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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