NHS wrestling coach Bobby Matthews steps down

Niwot High School wrestling coach Bobby Matthews decided it was time to do something different in the sport. In a social media post, Matthews said, "In November I made the decision that the 2023-24 season would be my last as a wrestling coach. Twenty-two years is a long time. I want to thank all the wrestlers who I have had the pleasure of coaching over the past 22 years. I will still be around the sport as I will move over to the officiating side. I will continue coaching softball and baseball."

Matthews began his coaching career at his alma mater, Frederick High School, when he was a student teacher. He served as an assistant coach for 12 years, followed by one year as the head coach. Matthews, who then worked at Niwot High School as a campus supervisor, then became the NHS head wrestling coach, a position he held for nine years.. He also served as an assistant baseball coach at Niwot before becoming the head coach of the NHS softball team.

Last season Matthews rejoined the NHS baseball program as a hitting coach, working primarily with the varsity, and took on an expanded role this season as the primary varsity assistant coach. Serving as a head coach in two sports, softball and wrestling, with back-to-back seasons, was difficult, Matthews said.

Matthews expects to see a new wrestling coach in place at Niwot soon, as there were many applicants for the position once it was posted by the school district. "I'll still be around and will help the new coach if needed," Matthews said. He also plans to become a wrestling official, joining his brother-in-law, Dave Webster, a former champion wrestler at Niwot who has officiated wrestling for many years.

NHS Athletic Director Joe Brown said, "We posted the position about a week ago and will conduct interviews after spring break."