Coach Petty Resigns, Leaves Behind Great Traditions and Foundations
Eagles Head Wrestling Coach, John Petty, announced today that he will resign from the position at the end of the academic semester.. “This has been one of the toughest decisions that I have made in my life. This year’s team has been the best team that I have ever been associated with after nearly 30 years of athletics. These young men are a phenomenal group of guys that you can expect to be champions, both on and off the mat as students, businessmen, husbands and fathers. I love each and every one of them. I learned so much from them and I hope they picked up a thing or two from me.”
At press time, Coach Petty has not indicated where his next coaching stop will be, but is hopeful that something will open up and be a good fit for him and his family. “My early resignation comes out of respect to the university, athletic department and the remaining athletes so they can start the search process for the next Head Coach who can begin to recruit and build their program. Knowing that I was not going to return next season; I did not want to wait until I secured something before informing the Athletic Director. I am hopeful and confident that I will find a position that will allow me to remain in coaching, because that is what I have a passion for”¦I am a Coach.”
Petty leaves the #5 Eagles with 10 National Qualifiers, 4 All-Americans and 3 Academic All-Americans. “I’d like to say that the next coach will have a nice foundation to continue to build on. This is a good mature group and most importantly they are truly a team who sticks together and holds one another accountable.”
Petty’s ERAU Resume:
* Three winning seasons(2004-2006)
* Three top 10 National finishes (8th in 2004, 6th in 2005 and 5th in 2006)
* One Regional Championship (2005)
* One NAIA National Champion of Character Sportsmanship Award
* 15 All-Americans
* 6 Academic All-Americans
* 3 National Champion of Character Awardees
* 5 ERAU Champion of Character scholarship recipients
* One ERAU Athlete of the Year
* One Coach of the Year (2005)
* Team average GPA of 3.0.
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