Dragon Wrestling Coach Joe Hathaway Inducted Into Hall of Honor

Carroll High School Head Wrestling Coach Joe Hathaway was formally inducted into the Texas High School Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Honor during a special ceremony held prior to the championship finals at the UIL State Wrestling Championships on February 14, 2026.

The Hall of Honor recognizes individuals who have demonstrated long-standing excellence and leadership within the sport of wrestling in Texas. Hathaway’s induction places him among a respected group of coaches whose influence has helped shape wrestling programs across the state.

“It means a great deal to me because this honor is chosen by other coaches, my peers,” Hathaway said. “Even when I was a young coach, being part of this group was always a personal goal. These are men and women I’ve looked up to and learned so much from, and it’s incredibly special to be considered among them.”

Hathaway credited his leadership philosophy and commitment to service as guiding principles throughout his career.

“I’ve always tried to approach this work by asking, ‘How can I make it better and leave it better than I found it?’” he said. “That mindset has led me to be very involved in the organization and to work alongside others to improve the experience for everyone. I believe in working hard, giving back, and doing my part to help raise everyone around me."

For Assistant Coach Cameron Haddock, a former Dragon state champion who returned to Carroll as part of the coaching staff, the honor carries deep personal significance.

“It’s a pretty small and unique group,” Haddock said. “I was able to experience Coach Hathaway first as an athlete and now work side by side with him as a coach, seeing how he thinks and leads from a completely different perspective. There’s no one more deserving of this recognition.”

Haddock added that when he decided to pursue coaching, Hathaway was his first call.

“When I got into coaching, I knew he was the first person I wanted to work with,” he said. “There’s no better mentor to learn from or to work under. The example he sets, on and off the mat, shapes everyone around him.”

“Joe Hathaway represents everything we value in a Carroll ISD coach: integrity, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to students,” said Cam Bryan, President of the Carroll ISD Board of Trustees. “On behalf of the Board, we are incredibly proud to see him recognized at the state level. His impact reaches far beyond wins and championships, and he embodies what it means to be a Dragon.”

Hathaway has spent the majority of his coaching career at Carroll, where he has built a wrestling program rooted in discipline, teamwork, and excellence while mentoring countless student-athletes.

“Being a Dragon means everything to me,” Hathaway said. “I was fortunate to come to Carroll when I was a young coach, and I never plan on leaving. It’s a great place with a strong community and high expectations, where everyone is encouraged to do their best. The support we receive from our administration makes a tremendous difference for our coaches and our kids. It’s a truly special place, and I’m grateful to have found it early in my career.”

The honor capped a memorable championship weekend for Carroll Wrestling and celebrated a legacy defined by pride, purpose, and Dragon excellence.