Sebring Wrestling Coach Steps Down

SEBRING - Sebring wrestling coach Dave Cunningham has stepped down after three seasons with the Blue Streaks after taking a medical leave from teaching at Hill-Gustat Middle School.

A district rule prohibits teachers on medical leave from coaching, and, according to Sebring Athletic Director Terry Quarles, the Highlands County school board notified her on Friday that Cunningham was ineligible to coach.
"When you're on medical leave, you're not able to coach," she said, noting the search for a replacement head coach has already begun. "We don't anticipate him returning."

Cunningham, who was set to begin his fourth year of coaching the Streaks this weekend at the Sebring-hosted SFCC Shootout, said he didn't realize his medical leave would jeopardize his coaching status. But once he did, Cunningham knew stepping aside was the right move.

"The rule makes sense," Cunningham said. "If I'm not there on a regular basis, it wouldn't be fair to the kids.

"I didn't want to leave the program in a lurch."
Assistant coaches Zane Thomas and Tim Davenport have taken over the team for the time being, Quarles said, and advertising for the head-coaching position will begin as early as Monday.

Cunningham, 53, said he felt bad that his assistants were forced to carry the load of running the Shootout, which he said is a large undertaking. He noted that the team was in good hands, and that he hopes he can help out in a limited capacity soon.

"I can't do a whole lot," said Cunningham, who declined to comment on the nature of his medical leave. "But I can give the coaches advice if they need clarification on rules or just need advice on booking hotels or helping kids make weight.

"Zane and Tim were doing a lot of the coaching anyway, because I'm not able to get down on the mat. They work well together, and I think they'll do a fine job."