Madison Reporter

Two coaches from the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) have been recognized with The Wisconsin Coaching Project’s Bell Cow Awards. This accolade honors their exceptional leadership in coaching. The term "bell cow" reflects a leader who sets the pace and direction for others, a nod to Wisconsin's dairy heritage.

La Follette High School Tennis Coach Nan Perschon and East High Wrestling Coach Dayton Yu received this prestigious recognition. Both coaches are celebrated for their dedication and ability to inspire athletes.

Nan Perschon has been a significant figure in La Follette High School's tennis program, with a career spanning 32 years and 64 seasons of boys' and girls' tennis. Her achievements include guiding 47 state qualifiers across singles and doubles, three state team qualifications, three team conference championships, and two state champions. Beyond her on-court accomplishments, she is known for her commitment to learning and maintaining high standards for her athletes. She also participates actively in school events beyond tennis.

Dayton Yu became the head wrestling coach at Madison East in 2017. Since then, he has increased participation from 12 wrestlers to over 40 in the current season, marking the highest number of girl wrestlers in the school's history. His approach focuses on building personal connections with his athletes by greeting them daily before practice. Under his leadership, the wrestling program has secured multiple team City Championships as well as numerous All-City and All-Conference awards.

MMSD Athletic Director Jeremy Schlitz praised both coaches: “Nan and Dayton’s unwavering commitment to their athletes, passion for learning and ability to inspire set the standard for coaching excellence in our district,” Schlitz stated. “Their leadership reminds us that great coaches do more than teach a sport – they guide, support, and pave the way for the next generation.”