McCallie wrestling coach Gordon Connell has decided to step down after more than three-plus decades.
Connell has a long history in the sport beyond his numerous accomplishments at McCallie. He was the first athlete at Brainerd to win a state championship of any kind when he did so in wrestling in 1966. He coached Hixson to its first state championship. He started the program at Middle Tennessee State.
The coach also has national and international ties. He has been charged with making video at the NCAA wrestling tournament for years and he also has filmed numerous world championships. But he also walked back on the mat in 2004 to win the world seniors championship.