Decision to leave Summerville one Walker wrestled with

SUMMERVILLE — After seven state championships in 11 years, Summerville Green Wave wrestling coach Kenny Walker has decided to take a step back from the sport.

Walker will become part of the coaching staff of Dorchester District 2's new school, Ashley Ridge, where his duties will include assistant athletic director, golf coach and assistant varsity football coach. For now, his direct involvement in wrestling has come to an end.

"It was a tough decision — most of it based on opportunity," he said. "And, it's just at a point in my coaching career where I need to step away from the wrestling part. It's going to be difficult. I'm still going to be involved in wrestling, just not in the coaching capacity. Hopefully, from an administration standpoint, I can help further the sport.

"I'll be attending a lot of matches."

Only Jim Barnes of Airport and Rock Hill has won more Class AAAA state titles (16) than Walker, who has guided the Green Wave to championships in 1998, 2001-02, 2004-06 and this season.

Summerville already had won five state titles under Steve LaPrad, the current Fort Dorchester athletic director who stepped down as head coach in 1994. Summerville was one of the best programs in the state at the time, but many in the community believed it had begun to slide in the three seasons between LaPrad and Walker.

"When I first got the phone call in the summer of 1997, I was excited. I had goals and aspirations to get the program back to what it had done in the past, and I think we've exceeded that," said Walker, who amassed over 240 victories against 15 dual losses in 11 seasons. "I took it over when there was less than $100 in the account and about 20 people. Now, money is not an issue and we're one of the largest programs in the state.

"It was important to me to leave it in better shape than how I got it."

Observers could tell over the past few years that the wrestling seasons were taking an emotional toll on Walker. He mentioned how "mentally draining" the years had become. Because of that and the timing of Ashley Ridge's opening, it wasn't a complete surprise that he made this his final year.

The program will pass into good hands. Longtime assistant coach Darryl Tucker, who wrestled for LaPrad, will coach next season.

"Darryl's been with me for awhile and he knows the routine," Walker said. "He'll be a little overwhelmed at first, but I don't think it's anything he can't handle."

Reach Bill Henley at 937-5595 or by email at bhenley@postandcourier.com.