WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue head wrestling coach Jessie Reyes has announced his resignation, effective March 31, 2007.
“I want to thank Purdue University for providing me the opportunity to be a head coach in the most-prestigious wrestling conference in the country, “Reyes said. “But after 15 years, I feel it is in my best interest to pursue other career opportunities. I feel good about what we accomplished at Purdue, and I wish the student-athletes and my staff continued success.”
Reyes came to the Boilermakers in 1992 and is the winningest wrestling coach in school history with a 179-120-3 record. He coached 16 All-Americans and four Big Ten champions. This past season, Purdue finished with a 10-8 record and tied for 42nd place at the NCAA Championships. The Boilermakers’ best national showing under Reyes was 14th place in 2003.
“Jessie had a very good run as our wrestling coach, and we appreciate his commitment to Purdue University for the last 15 years, “said senior associate athletics director Roger Blalock, who oversees the wrestling program. “He was a tireless worker who did things the right way.”
Blalock will begin a national search for Reyes’ replacement.
“With the Intercollegiate Athletic Facility and the Blake Family Wrestling Training Center, combined with the fact that we compete in the Big Ten Conference, I believe our vacancy will be an attractive one, “Blalock said.
Assistant coach Scott Hinkel, who wrestled at Purdue from 1984 to 1987, will serve as interim head coach, and Tom Erikson will remain as an assistant during the search. Both may elect to pursue the head job.
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