MADISON- After a disappointing season that included the mid-season suspension of wrestling coach Jason Edwards, Bob Jones is in the process of hiring a new wrestling coach.

Bob Jones Principal Robbie Parker confirmed that Edwards has returned to his teaching duties at the school but is out as wrestling coach. Edwards was the coach for 16 seasons.

“We are looking for a new head wrestling coach and we have posted the position,” Parker said in an interview on March 11. “We are searching state-wide and southeast-wide. We are excited about the future of our wrestling program continuing to be one of the top programs in the state.”

He added that community support is strong and demands a strong program and it is up to him to deliver a top notch coach.

This past season started badly when the team’s top returning wrestler and defending state champion at 145 pounds Griffin Ridgeway did not return to the team even though he is still a student at Bob Jones. He is a junior.

Collin Olivier, another top wrestler who finished third last season at 132 pounds did not qualify for the state tournament this year. As recently as 2013 Bob Jones finished fifth in the state and won Section 4.

Edwards was suspended in January for a month and the effect was devastating on the team. Only 5 members qualified for state and none advanced past the first round going 0-10 in matches.

“We feel like it is a very attractive job. We’ve had a lot of interest and will be moving forward on the position in a little bit. We’ve got a first class facility and great kids coming through the program,” Parker said.