JD Minch has a passion for wrestling. A love for the sport that he’s been involved with most of his life.
A coaching career that spanned more than three decades, including 24 years as the head coach at North Montgomery. The now retired coach continues to dedicate his time to the sport through officiating.
Earlier this summer he was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the United States Wrestling Officials Association during a national tournament in Fargo, North Dakota.
“I was notified in mid April, and just flabbergasted. I totally did not expect it,” Minch said. “It’s a passion. I started wrestling in high school. Wrestled in college. Graduated college, started teaching and started coaching.”
Minch, who spent time coaching track and field and football alongside wrestling has held his officiating license since he was a young coach.
“Chuck Streetman told me, ‘you ought to get your license just so you know the rules.’ And I did that my first year at North Montgomery,” Minch said.
The decision paid off as Minch took opportunities of chipping in on the mat to build toward a successful stint as an official after retiring from coaching.
“I spent a lot of time at North Montgomery, and touched a lot of lives,” Minch said. “I retired and wanted to stay with it, so I started refereeing full-time and that’s what I’m still doing.”
Minch retired from coaching in 2010 and became an official full-time.
“JD made a tremendous impact on North Montgomery wrestling as the varsity coach for 24 years,” North Montgomery athletic director Matt Merica said. “He positively influenced countless number of student-athlete during his tenure. His love of the sport continues as he is now a high-level official for the IHSAA. When I think of Charger wrestling, JD Minch is the first person who comes to mind.”
Minch’s success as a coach and now official didn’t happen by accident.
“I really thought JD got into coaching for all the right reasons,” retired North Montgomery football coach Charley German said. “I don’t think he got into it for personal fame. For wins and losses. I really think he got into for the betterment of the kids he was coaching. He’s a very committed individual.”
Minch wrestled in the state finals, coached on the biggest stage, and twice has officiated the Indiana high school finals.
It’s a passion and fire for the sport he fell in love with long ago that never stops burning.
