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The Lakota West athletic department is currently seeking head coaches in two sports – track and wrestling.

Both coaches are leaving each program in order to spend more time with their families, according to Lakota West athletic director Gerry Weisgerber.

Craig Myers, who has been the track head coach since Lakota West began its operation in the 1997-1998 school year, will continue to coach the cross country team.

This past winter’s wrestling coach, Tim Kessler, had been the head coach since 2009 and a member of the Lakota West coaching staff since 1997. He and his wife have four children.

The school is accepting applications until Friday, June 15. All interested individuals should electronically send a resume, cover letter and related materials to Richard Bryant at Richard.Bryant@lakotaonline.com.

Lakota East does not currently have any head coach openings.

Posted in: Sports, Spring sports, Winter Sports |

Tags: Tags: Craig Myers, Lakota West, Lakota West sports, Lakota West track, Lakota West wrestling, Tim Kessler

Until last winter, the Lakota West wrestling program had won five consecutive Greater Miami Conference titles. In the past nine seasons, the Firebirds have won the conference championship seven times.

This season, head coach Tim Kessler, who has been on the Lakota West wrestling coaching staff for all of those past conference titles, hopes to win his first GMC title as a head coach. In his first season at the helm in 2009-2010, Lakota West finished third in the GMC.

Kessler sees his team’s enthusiasm as its strength and its depth as its weakness.

Kessler does return three-time state qualifier and two-time state placer Ty Davis (photo – 135 lbs.), who recently signed on to wrestle at Central Michigan University. Davis’ career 111 victories currently ranks him ninth in school history. Ryan Fields holds the record with 164 wins, which he accomplished in a career that started in 2005 and ended in 2008.

Davis’ fellow senior teammate Vinnie Bradberry (160 lbs.) is closing in on the 100-career win mark.

Lakota West also returns senior Matt Reynolds (119 lbs.), senior Louie Allen (140 lbs.) and junior Nick Bloch (130 lbs.).

Newcomers junior Drew Phillips (103 lbs.) and freshman Kevin Leonhardt (112 lbs.) are expected to make an impact this season.

Lakota West will be without former state qualifiers Craig McIntire, Devin Purkiser and Konner Blevins.

Lakota West will begin its season this Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Olentangy Tournament, which is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.

Posted in: Sports, Winter Sports |

Tags: Tags: Lakota West, Lakota West sports, Louie Allen, Matt Reynolds, Nick Bloch, Ryan Fields, Tim Kessler, Ty Davis, Vinnie Bradberry, wrestling