Holly Coach of Over 40 Years Inducted to Michigan Wrestling Association Hall of Fame
Holly, MI – Former Holly Broncho wrestling coach Don Pluta has been inducted into the Michigan Wrestling Association Hall of Fame after leading the team to numerous district and state championships over four decades and serving as a role model to generations of students, teachers and staff.
“We are proud to have Coach Pluta represented in the Michigan Wrestling Association Hall of Fame after 40 years dedicated to Broncho wrestling, our kids and the entire Broncho community,” said Casey Lombard, Holly High School athletic director. “Coach Pluta helped lay the groundwork for incorporating athletics into a well-rounded education here at Holly Area Schools that prepares students for success.”
The former Broncho wrestling coach was inducted into the hall’s Class of 2019 on Nov. 9 at the 41st Annual Hall of Fame Induction Banquet in Ann Arbor. The Hall of Fame recognizes high school wrestling coaches who have shown “extraordinary, exemplary and exceptional work compared to others within the sport of wrestling.”
During his career, Pluta led the Broncho wrestling team to 660 wins, eight league titles and 12 district championships. Under his guidance, the team qualified for the State Team Tournament three times and earned four Academic All-State Awards, with nine wrestlers winning state championships and 51 becoming state-placers.
Pluta graduated from Holly High School in 1973 and returned to the district in 1976 to begin his teaching and coaching career. He dedicated most of his 41-year teaching career to the district’s alternative education program, which he helped launch, and taught high school language arts and physical education.
Pluta has also been recognized numerous times by his peers, including nine times as Michigan Wrestling Association Regional Coach of the Year, three times as Flint Metro League Coach of the Year and as Oakland County Coach of the Year. Pluta was inducted into the Holly High School Hall of Fame in 2008.
He continues to be involved with the Broncho community, including speaking at a recent Meet the Teams Night for fall sports and serving as keynote speaker at this fall’s National Honor Society induction.
“Congratulations to Coach Pluta on a storied career providing students with real-life skills that help them achieve and succeed, regardless of their athletic or career goals,” said Scott Roper, Holly Area Schools superintendent. “Coach Pluta exemplifies what Broncho Pride is all about, and continues to be an inspiration to our students, teachers, staff and the entire Broncho community.”
Learn more about Holly Area Schools by visiting www.hask12.org, or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.