St. John’s Prep wrestling teaching icon Manny Costa began interested by retiring way back to final yr.
To the shock of many, Costa made it official Monday afternoon when he knowledgeable the crew that his thirty fourth yr on the helm could be his final.
“It was extremely tough telling the kids,” mentioned Costa. “I’ve been telling a few alumni the last few weeks that I was going to do it, but they didn’t believe me. But once I told them I recently sold my house” — Costa might be heading to Florida — “they started to realize that this was a reality.”
A member of a number of statewide and nationwide wrestling Halls of Fame, Costa took over the St. John’s Prep crew in 1990. Under his watch, the Eagles have grow to be one of many premier packages and his 843 twin meet victories is unmatched in New England.
“I’m getting up there in age,” mentioned Costa, who turns 58 subsequent month. “I’ve been in the police department for 35 years and coaching for the past 34. We have a guy pass away in our police department at the age of 40 and it got me to thinking about moving on and enjoying life, traveling more and relaxing.”
The farewell tour begins on Dec. 13 when Whittier visits St. John’s Prep. Costa insists he received’t change his teaching model in any respect, although he does concede that there could also be just a few emotional moments alongside the way in which.
“I haven’t changed one bit over the past 33 seasons so there is no reason to change anything this year,” Costa mentioned. “The kids may change over time, but we’ve always done it the same way. Maybe I’ll focus on the memories a little more with each match. I might be sitting on a chair in a gym reminiscing a bit.”
One factor which supplies Costa consolation that he’s making the correct transfer on the proper time is a message his oldest son Jared just lately gave him.
“Jared said that you don’t want to be the guy who hangs around too long and starts slipping,” Costa mentioned. “This is a good time for me as I have my health and still think I’m respected in the wrestling community.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com