CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. -- Citing family reasons, Gordon Lee High School wrestling coach Brent Raby issued a letter of resignation Monday.
Raby's teams won three GHSA state titles in his five years and had 10 individual state champions after serving as Steve McDaniel's assistant coach for three years. He informed principal Bubba Simmons of his intentions Monday and said the decision had been weighing on him.
Coach Brent Raby talks to his team after a Gordon Lee High School wrestling practice at the high school in Chickamauga, Ga. "I've talked to several coaches and they talk about missing so much with their kids and I don't want to be that guy who didn't get to watch his kids grow up," said Raby, who has two sons and a daughter. "You have to put so much time into running the program and if I'm going to do it I'm going to do it right. I want to dial it back some and this is the only way to do it."
The decision surprised Simmons, though the former prep coach understood the reason.
"It was kind of out of the blue, but this is all about his family and he said it's been on his mind for some time," Simmons said. "Anybody that's coached with a family knows that the family suffers the most and that coaches often spend more time with other people's kids than their own. We support Brent's decision and we'll move forward and hopefully find the right person to maintain the success the program has enjoyed over the last decade."
Raby has applied for teaching spots in Catoosa County, where his children go to school, and he is open to assisting a program if needed. He's giving up his teaching spot at Gordon Lee, a move he says should help the school make a quality hire.
"I didn't feel right keeping my teaching spot and giving up my coaching position because it makes it tough on the school," Raby said. "I've really enjoyed my time here. It's a great school system with a lot of quality people, and ever who takes over has a great group of kids coming up to work with."
Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6296.