Jefferson’s North Kansas City announces 2025 Coach of the Year!

Jefferson’s of North Kansas City is pleased to announce that Brad Oxler has been named Jefferson’s North Kansas City Coach of the Year. Oxler coaches wrestling at North KC High School, where he also teaches science. Oxler has been coaching for 6 years. Before coming to North KC High, Oxler launched his teaching and coaching careers through Teach for America, working at Sumner Academy of Arts & Science in Kansas City, Kan.

Coach Oxler was chosen from a highly competitive pool of nominations submitted by athletes and community members. The contest, launched in honor of National Coach’s Day on Oct. 6, serves to recognize one of KC’s many deserving coaches. Jefferson’s selected Oxler as the NKC Coach of the Year for his deep investment in his players both as athletes and people.

“For Coach Oxler, every athlete deserves a chance to succeed,” said franchisee Nick Price. “He isn’t just a coach but a mentor. His compassion, dedication, and willingness to go far beyond what is required have built a family-like culture where every student feels valued and capable of greatness. We’re honored to recognize him for the positive impact he brings to his community”. 

Oxler will receive a $500 gift card to Jefferson’s, and his achievement will be commemorated with a “Jefferson’s Coach of the Year” plaque that will be displayed in the NKC Jefferson’s.

“I think a strength of mine is teaching my athletes to believe in themselves,” Oxler said in a statement. “I remind them all the time how incredible they are, and they respond so well to this. My hope is that this belief in themselves that they develop through wrestling carries over to all aspects of their life.”

Last year was the launch of the Coach of the Year program, with Robert Loran, youth football coach for the Parkville Vikings, selected as the first-ever NKC Coach of the Year. 

The Jefferson’s Coach of the Year award was open to coaches of any sport working with athletes of any age. Coaches could be nominated by athletes, parents and guardians of athletes, school officials, or other community members.