ROGERS — Finding a replacement for Rogers Heritage wrestling coach Randy Steen has been tougher than anticipated.
But Mark Holderbaum, athletic director for the Rogers School District, is excited about the addition of Doug Freeman, who comes to Heritage from Republic, Mo.
Freeman replaces Nika West, who left to become the wrestling coach at Springdale Har-Ber near the end of June. West, who was the assistant for one season at Heritage, was elevated to the head coaching spot to replace Steen in the spring.
Steen stepped down for health reasons after he guided Heritage to the Class 6A-7A state championship. The War Eagles were also state runners-up in 2009 under Steen’s direction.
Steen spent some time showing Freeman around the Heritage wrestling facilities on Tuesday.
Freeman, 42, has 14 years of experience as a wrestling coach, but was “ecstatic” when this opportunity came along. He spent the past three years as the wrestling coach at Republic, Mo., but his teaching position was cut in the spring.
Seeing Heritage participate in the Holiday Tournament at Springfield (Mo.) Parkview gave Freeman the chance to see what Steen had done in just two years at Heritage.
“Seeing the growth this program has made is exciting to be involved with,” Freeman said.
Holderbaum said Freeman showed many great attributes throughout the interview process.
“Doug brings a lot of experience and we’re excited to have him on board,” Holderbaum said. “In the interview process, he came across as a very enthusiastic social studies teacher and that passion carried over to wrestling.
“He’s got good rapport with kids and demonstrated his numbers can grow,” he added. “He’s also got a passion for the younger kids and teaching them as well. He’s got lots of good experience he’s bringing to Heritage.”