Joe Dasaro

Joseph Dasaro was born in Greensboro, NC and moved to Huntsville in 1965 where he graduated from Grissom High School in 1973. He attended Auburn University, and obtained his bachelor’s degree in education. He began his coaching career in 1978 at Redbud High School in Georgia where he coached his first State Championship team, before moving back to Huntsville in 1979 to teach and coach at his alma mater, Grissom High School. Over his career Coach Dasaro has coached football and wrestling. During his 35 year wrestling tenure as Head Coach at Grissom, the Tigers had 7 State Championship teams as well as 7 State Runner-up teams. The Tigers also had 59 individual State Champions, and 5 State Tournament Most Valuable Wrestlers.  Coach Dasaro ended his career with an Alabama Dual Record of 837 - 155. He was recognized by the National Wrestling Coaches Association in 2019 for winning over 800 duals.  

Other notable honors include:  Metro Coach of the Year (97, 98, 02, 04), State Coach of the Year (89, 90, 95, 96, 97 02, 04), USA Wrestling Man of the Year (97), NFHSCA Coach of the Year (98 &00) He has also received the “Golden Rule” Award from President Bill Clinton (96), and commendations for “Outstanding Coaching” from the United States Congress, (02), State of Alabama Governor (02 & 07), and State of Alabama House of Representatives (97, 02, 04, & 12)

 

Coach Dasaro feels that taking individuals and helping them develop into a team is one of the most exciting things about being involved in coaching wrestling. He says, “I love watching as each wrestler finds their true strengths - on the mat and off.” Coach Dasaro says that the biggest reward for dedicating his life to this sport is the relationships that are formed. “The number of wrestlers that come back year after year to visit, the phone calls, the text messages, and cards from the ones that can’t visit are the biggest blessings and is truly humbling.”

After retiring in 2019 Joseph has been giving back to the community by helping various athletic programs. Coach Dasaro and his wife, Rayne have 6 children and 6 grandchildren. 

Awards:

Year
2022
Award
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter/Region
Alabama

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