Atascadero coach inducted into California Wrestling Hall of Fame
Dan Pry.
– Dan Pry was recently inducted into the California Wrestling Hall of Fame at the 23rd annual Hall of Fame banquet held in in Fresno.
The organization shared the following about Pry, an Atascadero High School coach, at the recent event:
Dan Pry embarked on his wrestling journey at Simi Valley High School in the Southern Section, where he clinched the title of Southern Section Champion in 1965. Transitioning to Cal Poly SLO, he continued to the National Championship Team, marking the onset of an illustrious career.
In 1983, Dan transitioned to coaching at Newbury High School for nine years before assuming leadership at Atascadero High School, famously known as the home of the Greyhounds. Taking over a struggling program, he transformed it into a powerhouse. Since his arrival, Atascadero wrestling has seen remarkable success, boasting 146 CIF place winners and 7 state place winners.
Under Dan’s guidance, Atascadero High School wrestling experienced a resurgence. Having not secured a league championship in five years prior to his tenure, the team went on to claim league titles in nearly every subsequent year, with exceptions so rare they can be counted on one hand.
As a head coach, Dan Pry led his teams to seven CIF championships (1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, and two in 1995, both individual and dual championships), along with four more as an assistant (2003, 2004, 2009, and 2010). Additionally, Atascadero Wrestling earned six CIF runner-up titles during his tenure (1988, 1999, 2002, 2007, 2008, and 2009).
Beyond wrestling, Dan Pry’s coaching prowess extended to various sports, including fifteen years of freshman football, ten years of boys tennis, and another ten years of girls tennis, all marked by resounding success.
However, Dan’s true legacy lies in the familial culture he cultivated within Atascadero. He transformed the wrestling program into more than just a sport but a tight-knit community where relationships were paramount. Dan’s approach emphasized the development of individuals not only as athletes but as members of a larger, supportive unit. Through wrestling, he brought families and individuals together, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and striving for collective success, leaving an indelible mark on Atascadero High School and its wrestling community.
-Story information sent by Atascadero High School Athletic Director Sam DeRose.
