Claysburg coaching update

   With less than a month before official wrestling practice begins, Claysburg-Kimmel is still looking to fill its head coaching vacancy.
   The job opened up after longtime coach Dave Marko stepped down after a highly successful 18-year run. But Claysburg has had a rather lukewarm, at best, reaction to the hiring process as no real candidates have stepped forward.
   At this point, if a suitable candidate cannot be found, the job will be handled by a group of people with strong ties to the program. Unfortunately, none of them has the current ability to be the head coach full-time due to jobs and other committments.
   It honestly shocks me that the Bulldogs haven't tabbed someone to fill the position yet. With the program that Marko and others through the years built, I would have expected a lot of people to come knocking on the door. And it's a shame that Marko and the Claysburg powers that be couldn't work something out to keep him on the bench.
   Word is that Claysburg will have at least 18 kids in the varsity room this season, and the small District 6 school also has good numbers in its junior high and elementary programs. The booster club is very active and is a great support system, as are the parents and fans there.
   The group coaching situation is not ideal, which is partly why Claysburg has reached out to me to help get the word out to any wrestling people who might show interest.
   If anyone is interested, please contact the school at 814-239-5141, or send me an email to rspring@bedfordgazette.com. I will be happy to point you in the right direction.