Coach Dean Shew Memorial Plaque

Coach Shew was one of a kind. He transcended standard coaching and teaching responsibilities with unparalleled support and mentorship for Hanover County student-athletes for 30 years.

His relentless determination, grit and intensity that contributed to years of success with wrestlers on and off the mat was balanced with a unique mix of candor, humor and genuine caring for the well-being of his students and athletes.

Coach Shew led Stonewall Jackson Middle School wrestling to 11 undefeated seasons from 1984-95’ and Lee-Davis High School wrestling to 8 District Championships and 6 Regional Championships from 96-2002 and 2004-2006. He also coached two individual Virginia AAA State Champions.

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The purpose of this fundraiser is to support the fabrication of a memorial bronze plaque in honor of Coach Shew. The plaque was approved by Hanover County school board for installation on the wall outside the wrestling room at Mechanicsville High School.

Coach Shew’s wrestling coaching record speaks for itself, but his impact as a teacher and coach was far greater than any number of victories and records. His influence as a teacher, coach and mentor stood out among multiple generations of middle and high school teachers. His devotion and commitment to the development of his student-athletes, in and out of the classroom, on and off the wrestling mat, was unparalleled.

The countless lessons he taught and work ethic he instilled have accompanied many of his students into adulthood and through many of life’s challenges. Beyond his lessons and coaching, he led by example through his own work and training discipline.

Beneath the tough exterior, Coach Shew had a kind heart. He went above and beyond to care for the well-being of each of his student-athletes, especially those most in need of support. He had an uncanny sense for applying just the right type and level of personalized guidance for each individual. He knew when to raise the energy and motivate with intensity, when to scale down and encourage softly, when to back off entirely and offer console, and when to cajole and entertain with his wit and lighthearted humor.

Coach Shew’s influence inspired many of his wrestlers to follow in his shoes as wrestling coaches themselves. At least ten athletes who wrestled under Coach Shew, or under other coaches who had wrestled under Shew, have coached at all four Hanover County public high schools and middle schools as Head or Assistant coaches over the past fifteen years.

Since his passing last year, Coach Shew has been inducted into the LD/Mechanicsville High School Athletic Hall of Fame and the Virginia Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, with a Lifetime Service Award, whose ceremony will take place on April 15.

Coach Shew played such an integral role in shaping the wrestling history of Hanover County public schools. This memorial plaque will preserve his legacy for everyone who knew him and for future generations of student-athletes in Mechanicsville.

Thank you for joining us in supporting Coach Shew’s legacy with this memorial plaque.

Aaron, Randy, and Garrett