Barry Chooljian
Timberlane Regional High School
Impact Statement
“Having kids come back who have become successful or want to return to the program and give back, that’s the most meaningful thing to me.” -Barry Chooljian
Biography
Chooljian recently completed his 23rd year at the helm of the Timberlane wrestling program. With a record of 385-40-5 as of January 4, 2010, he will pass the 400-victory mark early next season.
This year the Owls finished 23-1 – the lone loss to powerhouse Blairstown Township (N.J.) Blair Academy – and finished 10th in the prestigious Beast of the East tournament. The Owls won their 11th consecutive Division 1 state championship, setting a state record with 314 points.
Timberlane has taken the Division 1 crown 17 of the past 18 years, and the Owls followed that by winning the Meet of Champions all-class state meet for the seventh straight year, the 14th time in the past 16 seasons. Timberlane also has set the standard in the New England Championships.
In 2009, by winning their seventh New England team title, Timberlane became New England’s all-time winningest program, and this season the Owls extended that record with their eighth title. Timberlane has won three straight New England titles, five in the past six seasons and seven titles this decade. 15 Owls wrestlers have won New England crowns under his direction.
Five Timberlane wrestlers have earned NHSCA All-American honors, led by 2002 Senior Nationals champion Matt Smith. The National Federation of State High School Associations followed the NHSCA’s lead by naming Chooljian its National Wrestling Coach of the Year this year.
Choolijian announced he will be retiring from coaching after the 2019-2020 season.
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