Charles Mason, wrestling coach at Mount St. Joseph University, reflects on his time thus far on campus, demonstrating service and humility to his team, and beyond.
“From day one, the Mount has been a very welcoming and encouraging environment. From President Williams to the custodians, there is a sense of family and good faith in everyone. I’m honored to be a part of something so special in my hometown.”
Coach Mason, wrestling coach at Mount St. Joseph University, reflects on his time thus far on campus, demonstrating service and humility to his team, and beyond. These past two years, the Lion’s coaching staff has been on a mission to rebuild the once-dominant wrestling program, where they recruited 21 high-level new athletes. Through his dedication to empower and uplift others, Coach Mason played an important role in helping to recruit this outstanding wrestling class to the Mount for the 2018-2019 season.
“I was inspired to become a coach by my father. Growing up, I watched him uplift an entire community with his attitude and dedication through sports,” says Coach Mason. “He taught discipline and faith through his coaching, and that inspired me to do the same.”
Moreover, Coach Mason attended Princeton High School in Cincinnati, where he twice qualified for the OHSAA state tournament. After graduating from Princeton, Charles earned a scholarship to NCAA Division II Notre Dame College where he would become a team captain and an All-American.
This year, upon arriving at the NCAA DIII Central Region Championship tournament hosted by Adrian College, Coach Mason was presented with the Central Region Coach of the Year award. Just last year at the NCAA National Championships, he was named the NWCA National Rookie Coach of the Year.
"This award is not just representative of my work, its representative of the entire coaching staff, the guys on the team and the entire University," says Coach Mason. "I would like to thank all of my fellow coaches here in the central region for this honor. We have a fantastic region here, with some great coaches. For me to be recognized as Coach of the Year is truly special.”
The lineup depth has provided the Lions a dual lineup unlike any they have had in the past. For the first time in program history, The Mount registered double-digit dual wins. The final dual record for the team this season was 12-6, a massive improvement over last season's record.
“He is a team player on and off the court,” says a Mount staff member. “Charles demonstrates kindness wherever he goes. When the team would be traveling for conferences, he cooked meals for them, and is always willing to lend a hand to anyone on campus.”
MSJ extends a warm thank you to Coach Mason for all of his humble efforts to support the Mount wrestling team, and empowering others in good faith like a Heart of a Lion.
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