Accomplishments of Duane Watson:

Coaching Achievements:

1. Total Team Win-Loss Record: 715-262 (Records missing for 1988-89 & 1989-90). ​

2. Conference Championships: 22. ​

3. District Championships: 26. ​

4. Regional Championships: 9. ​

5. Individual State Champions: 8. ​

6. All-State Wrestlers: Coached one or more wrestlers to All-State honors every season of his tenure. ​

7. MWA Regional Coach of the Year: Selected 10 times. ​

8. State Semi-Finalist: Achieved twice. ​

9. Built Allendale High School Wrestling Program: Grew the team from 6 members in 1989 to over 40 wrestlers per season. ​

Community Service and Team Building:

1. Organized team trips to climb 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado, whitewater rafting, and visiting the Olympic Training Center. ​

2. Took teams to Devil's Tower in Wyoming for climbing experiences. ​

3. Provided community service to the Dan Gable National Wrestling Hall of Fame for 6 years. ​

4. Organized team efforts to help local communities, including cutting firewood for families, Christmas caroling for shut-ins, and buying toys for disadvantaged children. ​

5. Led team efforts to donate wrestling shoes to a school in need. ​

6. Hired Olympic hopefuls to teach successful wrestling techniques to his team.

7. Took team members to watch The Midlands Wrestling Tournament annually for 23 years. ​

8. Traveled across the U.S. to provide unique experiences for wrestlers, including visits to historical sites and wrestling schools. ​

Teaching Achievements:

1. Taught Biology and Anatomy & Physiology at Allendale High School since 1992. ​

2. Known for creating a student-centered environment and building strong rapport with students. ​

3. Engaged both general education and special education students effectively. ​

4. Prioritized academics over athletics, emphasizing the importance of being a "student-athlete." ​

Personal Impact:

1. Positively influenced hundreds of young men and women, helping them become better wrestlers, students, and individuals. ​

2. Inspired many former athletes to pursue careers as teachers, coaches, and members of the armed forces. ​

3. Known for his "serve first" mentality, instilling values of hard work, service, and leadership in his students and athletes. ​

Additional Honors:

1. Worked on service projects for the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. ​

2. Maintained a strong relationship with Dan Gable, serving as an example of community service and leadership. ​

Duane Watson's accomplishments extend beyond his impressive coaching record, as he has made a lasting impact on his students, athletes, and community through his dedication, service, and leadership. ​