​Central Wisconsin is teeming with inspirational coaches who have spread their influence across the region, from girls basketball to baseball. As the 2025-26 season closes, the question looms: who deserves to be named the best of the best? Cast your vote for Central Wisconsin’s Coach of the Year from a field of elite leaders who either guided their teams to the state tournament or claimed a state championship in their sport.
The entrants span the spectrum of local excellence. Edgar’s Jerry Sinz is among those under consideration, having come just short of steering the Edgar Wildcats to a third consecutive championship. On the other end of the lineup is Pacelli girls basketball coach Alison Smaglik, who not only guided Pacelli to its first-ever state tournament appearance but also helped the program secure its first gold ball.
The Coach of the Year poll remains open through Friday, July 24 at noon. If the poll fails to populate when you refresh, please refresh the page to ensure your vote is counted.
For more breaking local coverage, consult the roster of standout performers and standout stories from Central Wisconsin: 56 elite local high school baseball players who dominated the scene in 2026, 57 Central Wisconsin high school softball stars who stole the show in 2026, and Marathon’s Chris Marcell, a track sensation headed for the World Championships. Columbus Catholic captured a D4 title in a five-run inning, highlighting the enduring brotherhood that propelled their baseball success, while Almond-Bancroft set a D5 hit record on the way to its first state championship. If you have game stats or information to share, contact Sports Reporter Alfred Smith III at alfred.smith@usatodayco.com, and follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @AlfredS_III.
This coverage originally appeared in the Wausau Daily Herald, inviting readers to vote for Central Wisconsin’s 2026 high school Coach of the Year.