The high school wrestling season is drawing near to the beginning, and the Pella Wrestling team has a new head coach at the helm.

Jay Pike was hired by the Pella School Board in March and started leading practices with the team this month. Pike says he’s been excited to work with the athletes at Pella High School and how they can grow this season.

“I’ve really enjoyed the community and atmosphere, and the school district really strives to be successful in everything that they do, whether in athletics, fine arts, or the classroom –they always strive to be the best, and it’s always something that’s drawn me back here,” he says.

Pike was a two-time Academic All-American and a three-time captain for the Central wrestling team, also receiving the 2016 Coaches’ Award for leadership and services on and off the mat. Pike also earned the Central College Ron Schipper Leadership Award in May 2016. He currently teaches special education at Pella Middle School.

Hear more from Pike this Saturday on the Knoxville Hy-Vee Radio Coaches Corner on 92.1 KRLS, starting at 10 a.m.