Schaeffer to coach C-Falls wrestling

The Daily Inter Lake

Jesse Schaeffer has accepted the position of head wrestling coach at Columbia Falls High School, according to the school's athletic director John Thompson.

Schaeffer replaces Wes Knutson, who retired as head coach last spring after 18 years at the school.

"I feel priviledged and honored to be given the opportunity to work with the kids, share what I've learned in a community that has given me a lot," said Schaeffer.

"Back in college I hoped I would come back and be a head coach some day at Columbia Falls. I was excited to say the least when I got the information."

Schaeffer was one of three finalists for the job. He is currently a physical education teacher at Glacier Gateway Elementary School in Columbia Falls. This marks his fourth year of teaching in School District 6.

Schaeffer was an assistant coach at Columbia Falls for two seasons, 2002 and 2003. He also served as an assistant at MSU-Northern for two years.

Schaeffer enjoyed an outstanding prep career at Columbia Falls High School. He was a state Class A champ for the Mat Cats his senior season at 125 pounds and a state runner-up as a sophomore, 125, and junior, 130.

Schaeffer attended North Idaho College and competed in wrestling for two seasons. He was a national runner-up his sophomore year at 132.

Schaeffer transferred to MSU-Northern to finish his wrestling eligibility, earning All-American and Academic All-American recognition.

"I wish him the best of luck," said Knutson of Schaeffer

"He's stepping into a real good situation. We have a lot of quality kids coming back for the next three, four years."

Knutson and the Wildcats won a state title in 1990 and finished in the top five 12 times.

"He's built a great program," said Schaeffer of Knutson.

"Always been solid.

"(I have some) tough shoes to fill," Schaeffer continued.

"All I can do is do my best and be there for the kids.

That's what it's all about."

The Schaeffer family has been synomous with Mat Cat program for a number of years. Jesse is one of five brothers to have wrestled at Columbia Falls High School. The others - Ben, Caleb, Chad and Alex.

Caleb is an assistant coach at the University of Great Falls.