Knutson resigns as Wildcat wrestling coach

Wes Knutson, who guided Columbia Falls to a state wrestling championship in 1990 and made the Wildcats a perennial Class A divisional power, has resigned as the school's head coach.

Knutson, 45, turned in his letter of resignation Tuesday to Columbia Falls athletic director John Thompson. School District 6 may act on the matter at its next board meeting this month.

"It's unfortunate, really unfortunate," said Thompson.

"Wes had done a great job for the last 18 years at Columbia Falls, 22 overall. He has been a dedicated member of our coaching staff here, building our program into one of the premier ones year-in and year-out. It's been a pleasure to work with him."

Under Knutson, Columbia Falls had 12 state individual wrestling champions and 49 divisional champs.

The Wildcats won three team divisional titles - 2000, 1997 and 1990 - and were runners-up four times - 1993, 1992, 1991 and 1988.

Columbia Falls placed in the top three at divisional 13 times during his tenure.

"This is a tough decision for me," said Knutson.

"Very tough. I'm very comfortable (with it). I know it's the right decision for me."

Knutson's Wildcats were state runners-up twice - 1997 and 1994 - and third three times - 2003, 2000 and 1991.

He also picked up his 200th career dual win against rival Whitefish in the regular-season finale in January.

"The last couple years, it's been much more difficult for me, just for personal reasons," said Knutson of coaching.

"It's been trying on my health.

"Very few people understand how many hours go into being a head coach, especially the sport of wrestling," he continued.

"I'm just tired."

Knutson will continue to teach high school health and will remain the Wildkats head girls track coach.

"Two is too much," said Knutson of coaching.

"All 22 years, I've coached at least two sports. For eight of those years, I coached three."

Knutson, a state wrestling champion for Polson High School, wrestled collegiately at North Idaho College and the University of Montana.

He taught and coached at Valier for four years, 1984-87, before moving to Columbia Falls.

He had one state mat champ at Valier and coached boys and girls track and the Panther football team for two seasons to a 16-2 record.

Knutson took over a Wildcat wrestling program "that was struggling," in 1988.

"They've always had a solid program, but were a little down," he said.

The Wildcats had just one state placer his first year.

"That was kinda frustrating," he said.

"But we had a good group of sophomores. They went on to win a state championship."

Knutson said that although he will miss the coach-athlete relationship, he will be leaving with many wonderful memories.

Knutson said he was most proud that his teams always finished the season on a high note. Like this year, when the Mat Cats finished fourth at the divisional, but placed fourth at state.

Columbia Falls had four finalists.

"It's fun to watch those young men step up like that," he said.

"That's one of the things I'll miss."

"The other thing I guess, is watching some of these kids grow into young men. It's neat to see the transformation. The sport of wrestling helps a lot of young kids (do just that)."

"He will be missed by the wrestlers," Thompson said.

"I appreciate all that Wes had done for our school. It (will be) tough to find (a) quality individual to replace him."