Courtesy Dragon Wrestling
While the state tournament in Cypress was a historic night for Dragon athletes, it also marked a crowning achievement for the man behind the program’s rise.
Carroll head coach Joe Hathaway was officially inducted into the Texas High School Wrestling Coaches Association (THSWCA) 2026 Hall of Honor on Feb. 14 The induction serves as a definitive validation of Hathaway’s 17-year coaching career, 16 of which have been spent leading the Dragons.
"This means a lot," Hathaway said. "It’s been a far-off goal of mine since I started coaching. I’ve always strived to make a positive and lasting impact on the sport and it’s special to know that my peers have noticed. To be included in a group with coaches that I look up to and have learned from for years is very special to me."
Under Hathaway's guidance, Carroll has become a perennial wrestling powerhouse. Hathaway’s resume is a staggering list of milestones:
- 229-43 overall dual record
- 15 district titles, including an active streak of 12 consecutive years
- 9 individual state championships overseen, including the two captured this past weekend by Dylan Ota and Keagan Sieracki
Hathaway’s impact extends far beyond the Southlake city limits. As a former U.S. Army Infantry Officer, he brought a philosophy of discipline and character to the mat that transformed the program. His leadership was felt statewide during his tenure as THSWCA President (2023–2025), where he was a primary architect of the modern Texas wrestling landscape. Hathaway was instrumental in implementing the current State Duals Championship format and developing vital UIL safety protocols that protect athletes across Texas.