By Bruce Campbell, Staff Writer
Shane Kerr, citing family reasons, announced his resignation Thursday after nine seasons as Enid High School’s wrestling school.
“Regretfully, it is at this time I feel it is necessary to make a change in my location to be closer to our families,’’ said Kerr, a graduate of Geary High School, in a prepared statement.
“Having two small children, my wife and I feel it is important to be close to grandparents, allowing them to share in our lives a little easier.’’
Kerr said he and EHS athletic director Bill Mayberry “decided that a change of leadership will bring a different spark to the program.’’
“After meeting with coach Kerr, I feel as though it is in the best interest of our wrestling program to look for new leadership,’’ Mayberry said.
Mayberry said the search for a new coach would begin immediately. Mayberry, Principal Jim Beierschmitt and new Superintendent Sean Hime will be the search committee.
Mayberry said he hoped to hire a new coach by the end of the school year.
Kerr said he would seek employment elsewhere in wrestling.
“Things happen for a reason, I guess,’’ he said. “I’m starting the process of looking for a job now.’’
Kerr, in his nine years in the program, coached one state champion (heavyweight Justin Glenn, 2006), six other state placers (Glenn twice, Levi Craig, Antonio Ramirez Brad Velasquez, and Kia Castor, who was fourth at 152 pounds this season.
He coached seven other state qualifiers, including Shane Perosi and J.B. Stuart, who qualified twice.
Kerr sent three wrestlers to state for the first time in 2007 when Glenn, Perosi and Stuart qualified.
Kerr said he wished to thank the community for its support, especially during the premature birth of his now 5 year-old son.
“We have greatly enjoyed the past nine years at Enid and it will always carry a piece of it in our hearts,’’ Kerr said in the statement.
The highlight was when Glenn became the second state champion since Enid re-initiated wrestling in 1976.
“How could I ever forget crowning my first state champion, Justin Glenn, just to be tackled by him in front of everyone on local television?’’ he said in the statement.
Kerr said he taught with some of the state’s top educators and thanked retiring superintendent Dr. Kem Keithly and Mayberry for their support. He also thanked one-time NCAA champion Gary Breece for his help.
“Most importantly, I want to thank my wrestlers, present and past for the wonderful experiences they have given me,’’ he said.
