Matt Sweatman (center) talks to his new wrestlers at an informal introduction meeting on June 15 announcing his being hired to head wrestling coach at Bob Jones. (Record Photo/Nick Sellers)

By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer

MADISON – The Bob Jones wrestling team has a new head coach.

The Patriots introduced Matt Sweatman as the new man in charge of the program on June 15. Sweatman comes to Madison from Ohatchee High School in Calhoun County.

Sweatman was hired by Ohatchee prior to the 2012-13 school year. He started the school’s wrestling program the same year and served as head coach the past three seasons. He also taught special education and served as an assistant coach for the football team.

Outgoing Bob Jones principal Robby Parker said that a recent class at Ohatchee had nearly 30 percent of the students wrestling for Sweatman.

“I told him if he did that here, he’d have about 168 wrestlers,” Parker said, laughing. “I said that might be too much.”

Sweatman spoke briefly on his outlook for the program at the informal meeting, which was attended by wrestlers and parents.

“This is a great opportunity for me and I think it’ll be a great overall fit,” Sweatman said after thanking the Board of Education and other higher-ups.

Sweatman, who brings along his wife, Anna, is a 2007 graduate of Trion High School in northwest Georgia and graduated from the University of Alabama in 2012 with a degree in education. Sweatman was involved with the football program as a student manager during his time in Tuscaloosa.

Sweatman replaces 16-year coach Jason Edwards, who was suspended for a 20-day period that caused him to miss the state championships in February. Edwards was relieved of his coaching duties after the season.