North Gwinnett News

Gwinnett County Public Schools Director of Athletics, Jason Holcombe, has been awarded the 2024 Walt Hennebaul Man of the Year Award. This award is sponsored by the Gwinnett County Takedown Club and recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport of wrestling. Holcombe expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am extremely honored to win this award. What Mr. Hennebaul and his entire family have meant to the wrestling community here in Georgia is truly unmeasurable.”

Walter Hennebaul, a prominent figure in Georgia's wrestling community, co-founded the Gwinnett County Takedown Club and was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. He also co-founded both the Multi-County Wrestling Officials and the Metro Atlanta Wrestling Officials Association.

Bud Hennebaul, Walter's son and vice president of the Atlanta Takedown Association, praised Holcombe as a deserving recipient. “I have known Jason since his early years as a high school wrestler, and I have watched him grow as a successful coach and administrator,” Bud Hennebaul remarked. “He genuinely cares about the student-athletes and the coaches. When GCPS hired Jason, many people were happy to see him return to the county where he grew up. He is a difference maker.”

Holcombe shared how wrestling impacted his life by instilling dedication, passion, and mental toughness from an early age. He noted that although he was an average wrestler on the mat, those experiences taught him valuable life lessons and team-building skills that shaped his future. “I hope to one day influence others to give back as much as Walt Hennebaul and his family have given to wrestling,” Holcombe said.

The award will be presented to Holcombe on Saturday, April 6th at Venue at Friendship Springs in Flowery Branch.