Plymouth State University head wrestling coach, Jason Holder, resigned last week after four years with the PSU Wrestling program in order to pursue a doctoral program at Springfield College.
“It was a difficult decision,” said Holder, who was well admired by his players and colleagues alike, “trying to work here and go to school in Springfield was just too difficult and I have an excellent opportunity at Springfield.” Holder, a 2002 Boston University graduate and native of Plaistow, N.H., left after being offered full tuition towards a Doctoral Program from Springfield College in Massachusetts. “The eight hour commute everyday to and from Springfield was becoming a little too much for Jason,” commented John P. Clark, PSU’s Athletic Director about Holder’s situation.
Holder spent two years as an assistant coach for the Panther’s Wrestling team and was in his second year as the head coach when he announced his resignation. “I’m really bummed out,” commented Bruce Pacy, a sophomore on the team, “Coach Holder really knew his stuff more than any coach I have had, when it came to pure technique and form; but I guess being a wrestling coach can only get you so far and he did what was best.”
“This is a big loss to the program,” remarked senior co-captain Matt Friend. “Everybody understands his situation though.”
Holder is a former High School All-American wrestler and a two-time New England Regional Champion for Timberlane High School in Plaistow as well as an NCAA Division I qualifier and a three-time All-Conference wrestler for the Boston University Terriers while, at the same time, earning his Master’s degree in Human Movement Education with an emphasis on Sports Psychology. After taking over as head coach in 2005, Holder led the Panthers to an eighth place finish in the New England Championships in his first season, seventh in his second and finished with a 14-25 combined record for both seasons. During his tenure, seven wrestlers earned All-New England Conference honors and Junior Shaun Wilbert won three, as well as earning a spot in the NCAA tournament in Dubuque, Iowa under Holder.
Holder’s resignation recently spurred rumors that his financial situation had something to do with the sudden decision to leave; when asked about this, Athletic Director Clark commented, “This has nothing to do with Jason’s financial situation. He made a decision that was best for his future. He worked very hard for the wrestlers and represented the program very well. We’re sorry to see him leave but we wish him the very best.”
The search for a new wrestling coach is underway for the PSU Wrestling program and, for now, the acting head coach is assistant coach Jim Aguiar. As of now, no information has been released regarding the search for Holder’s replacement, but everyone that he has influenced over the past four seasons has wished him the very best and are very understanding and supportive of his difficult decision to leave PSU.
“The guys on the team have been great,” said Holder, “I wish everyone at Plymouth State all the best, especially the guys in the Wrestling Room.”