Oakland Mills coach Brad Howell has been at the helm for 16 seasons and has coached numerous state champions, including two this year.
This season, however, it all came together for Howell's Scorpions. After losing two dual meets in early December, Howell led his team on a tear through Howard County and the state, finishing 24-2 to take county, Class 2A-1A South Region and 2A-1A state dual titles.
The state title was the first dual crown for Oakland Mills, and the first team state wrestling championship of any kind since 1986.
He also led the Scorpions to their first county tournament title since 1995, and second straight 2A-1A South Region tournament championship. They placed second in the 2A-1A state tournament.
"We were a team that was driven internally," Howell said. "The boys were very motivated and passionate about this sport, and that was the driving success behind their commitment."
In the offseason, Howell runs the Orange Crush wrestling club out of Oakland Mills and helps with the Maryland national team.