Walled Lake Western’s John Bechtel elected to MHSFCA Hall of Fame

Walled Lake Western football defensive coordinator John Bechtel will be inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association (MHSFCA) Hall of Fame on June 19 as a member of the 2026 Class.

“It is a real honor to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, and to be selected by a group of your peers makes it even more special,” said Bechtel. “As I look back, it was all of those student athletes and coaches that I was able to work with that helped to make this happen. I am a better person today because of all those relationships.”

Bechtel, who’s been on Kory Cioroch’s staff at Walled Lake Western the past five season, started coaching football in 1978. In his 44 years on the sidelines, Bechtel has an overall record of 228-195 with 16 playoff appearances. During his time at Walled Lake Western, he has helped led the Warriors to three Lakes Valley Conference championships, a perfect regular season in 2024, and was named MHSFCA Assistant Coach of the Year twice in 2022 and 2024.

Bechtel’s loves coaching for the opportunity to give back to the youth in our community and help them grow.

“Football is the greatest game on the planet, and we can use the game to help teach our players many lessons about life,” said Bechtel. “It is so rewarding to see the things we can get our players to do on the field.”

“(Coaching) also gives me the opportunity to teach teamwork, character and responsibility to my players every day,” added Bechtel. “The relationships with these fine young men are so rewarding, and it is amazing how much I learn from them.”

Prior to arriving at Walled Lake Western in 2021, Bechtel spent time at Farmington, Madison Heights Bishop Foley and Orchard Lake St. Mary’s.

The 2026 MHSFCA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held at the Westin Southfield Detroit on June 19 at 5:30 p.m.