After 22 years of coaching, Lincoln Southwest boys wrestling coach Aaron Finley retires after this season. Being Lincoln Southwest’s only boys wrestling coach in its history, Finley has won 276 dual meets.

Finley leaves the program, sending nine out of 14 wrestlers to the State Tournament, finishing 18th. Over the course of the season, the team has faced trial after trial, but they persevered nonetheless. 

“There was a lot of stuff that went on, several guys who suffered concussions, even whooping cough,” Finley said. “They were able to get healthy at the right time at the end of the season, when it mattered. We kept plugging away until districts and state, when it really mattered for them to be healthy.”

Finley has coached throughout four different decades, coaching at Mount Michael Benedictine High School, Skutt Catholic High School, and finally, Lincoln Southwest. He was in the corner for 180 state qualifiers, 51 state medalists, and three state champions. He leaves the wrestling program and the coaching profession, feeling content.

“The program is in good hands,” Finley said. “We have some assistant coaches who are ready and willing to take over the leadership roles. I’m excited for what the future holds for them.”