The retirement of Ron Headlee left a head coaching vacancy for Waynesburg wrestling. Aaron McKinney filled that spot earlier this week.

“I couldn’t be happier to have the opportunity that I have in front of me at Waynesburg,” McKinney said.

McKinney spent the last four seasons as the head coach of his alma mater, West Allegheny High School.

“It’s tough walking away from a program like West Allegheny; a place I have called home all my life,” McKinney said. “College is a new territory for me, but I am looking forward to the challenges and I am excited to grow as a coach as we grow as a program.”

Waynesburg Athletics is set to embrace a new man in charge for the upcoming season. 

“I’m excited for him,” Waynesburg’s freshman wrestler Seth Evans said. “Young guy, full of energy.”

That sentiment was mirrored by Waynesburg University Director of Athletics Adam Jack.

“I am very excited about the addition,” Jack said. “McKinney’s success as a high school and club wrestling coach, along with his relationships in the local wrestling community and background as a Division I wrestler. Will certainly open new doors for the Waynesburg University Wrestling Program.”

McKinney won over 100 matches while attending Lock Haven University.

Evans said he met McKinney a few weeks ago, and McKinney said he would place a higher emphasis on in-season weight training if he got the job. 

McKinney was an exercise science major in college and was the strength and conditioning coach at West Allegheny while he was coaching there.

“Coaching to me has always been about helping kids succeed through the avenue of wrestling, and I know I am getting the chance to do that on a larger platform at Waynesburg,” McKinney said.