Joe Drake did not plan on coaching Maryville (Missouri) High School and even initially turned down the job.

But the Spoofhounds were persistent and Drake eventually became their head wrestling coach.

Over the next 40 years, Maryville won 413 duals, a total that is even more impressive given that teams only had 10 duals per season for the majority of Drake's career, and Drake retired with the most wins in Missouri state history.

Drake coached 15 state champions: Joe Pope (1976-1977), Todd Wilmarth (1985), Dean Lawyer (1985), Ron Zech (1978), Dannen Merrill (2009), Bryce Alexander (2009-2010), Mike Flanagan (1979-1980), Travis Casteel (1992), Bryce Stephens (1988-1989) and Craig Powell (1994-1995).

He also coached 215 state qualifiers and 76 state medalists while leading his teams to 14 Midland Empire Conference championships, 18 district titles and 14 Top 10 finishes at the state tournament.

Drake was selected as the district coach of the year 13 times and he is also a member of theMissouri Coaches Hall of Fame.