Dennis Ragan

Class of 2012

Carbondale

Born in Granite City, Dennis Ragan wrestled for IWCOA Hall of Fame Coach Red Schmitt at Granite City. He had a varsity record of 50-7 and was captain of Granite City’s undefeated team. He was a graduate of the class of 1973.

Dennis went on to Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and wrestled for another IWCOA Hall of Fame member and National Hall of Fame Distinguished Member, Larry Kristoff. A varsity letter winner at SIU-E, he placed 1st and 3rd in the National AAU Masters Tournament.

Dennis has coached at Carbondale for 32 years. He has a career dual meet record of 349-225. He has coached fifty state qualifiers, seven place-winners and 2 state champions. His teams have won 13 regional championships and one sectional title. His 1990 team qualified for the IHSA Dual Team State Tournament and his 2009 team finished in the top 16. Both his daughter and his son qualified for the state tournament, his being the only freshman girl to do so. For the past nine summers Dennis has coached with Team Illinois and has been the Head Woman’s coach for four years.

Dennis has been named Southern Illinois Coaches Association Coach of the Year seven times.

In addition to his duties as Head Wrestling Coach and Teacher at Carbondale High School, Dennis has served as a football coach for 26 years.