After being a key cog in the Cleveland Blue Raiders wrestling dynasty for the past 19 years, Eric Mountain is ready to take on a new challenge.
Mountain led the Cleveland Middle School program to eight undefeated seasons, 11 conference championships and a 227-12 dual record from 2009 through this past season. Now, the former Hixson High School and UTC graduate will take over the reins of the East Hamilton High School wrestling program.
Mountain started in Cleveland as a high school assistant for the Blue Raiders in 2004 under Hall of Fame coach Al Miller. Mountain's passion and teaching of the sport has helped the high school program set a TSSAA state record by winning 10 straight state championships over the past five seasons covering dual and traditional competition.
He also led Cleveland's middle school program to 27 non-conference tournament championships and had a hand in shaping 20 individual TSSAA state champions, several of which won multiple state titles.
"The atmosphere we created for middle school wrestling was extraordinary," said Mountain, who will also serve as the Dean of Students at East Hamilton. "I am thankful for the years that I was at Cleveland. The support from the administration was special and the relationships I built will last for a lifetime."
"Coach Mountain has tremendous passion for this sport and we are extremely excited for him to join our East Ham Fam," East Hamilton athletic director Keitha Booker said. "His strength in coaching and ability to build meaningful relationships with his players is the reason for his great success. He is going to be a great leader for our students both on and off the mat."
Mountain is excited to build the program to new heights.
"I want to create excitement around the program that the community will be proud of," he said. "East Hamilton has a core group of wrestlers and families who are ready to take this program to the next level. This is a great school and community."
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com.