Elwood-John H. Glenn High School wrestling coach TJ Brocking was recently named New York State Wrestling Coach of the Year for 2025. 

“It’s a tremendous honor,” Athletic Director Dave Shanahan said. “TJ does an outstanding job, and his record has been phenomenal here at John Glenn.”

Brocking, who has been the Knights head coach for 18 years, has compiled a remarkable 289-48 record since 2006, boasting two New York State Dual Meet team championships (2010, 2025), seven Suffolk County Tournament championships (2007, 2009, 2010, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025), four Suffolk County Dual Meet championships (2015, 2023, 2024, 2025), 10 League Dual championships (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2023, 2025), 12 League Tournament championships (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025). In nurturing individual athletes, his efforts have yielded six state champions, 38 county champions, 47 league champions, 90 state qualifiers, 25 All-State wrestlers and 154 All-County wrestlers.

Brocking believes his success as a wrestling coach stems from his own perseverance. 
“My number one attribute is my commitment, the amount of time and effort put into this and making sure that the kids believe in that also,” he said. 

“Goal setting is my number one thing,” Brocking said of his coaching philosophy. “We have our team goals, and since wrestling is a very individual sport, then we have our individual goals. My philosophy is breaking it down to where every kid tries to achieve their goal for that day, that week, that month, that season.”

Not content to rest on his laurels, Brocking is confident the future looks bright for the Knights program. 

“My future goal is to keep it going,” he said. “Realistically, winning is hard, it kind of goes in cycles, but I think that by encouraging kids to work hard and try as best they can, we will have some good success.”

Date Added: 5/22/2025