By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – It didn't take long for Niles High School to name its new varsity wrestling coach.
Todd Hesson, an assistant to former coach Bob Galvin, has been named the new wrestling coach.
"It is just a nice transition. Todd has worked with Bob for awhile now and it just seemed like the best way to go. Todd knows all the kids and he knows the program and has been part of it for a long time now," Niles athletic director John Danaher said Friday morning.
Since joining the Niles program nine years ago, Galvin, with the help of Hesson, built a strong program that Danaher hopes will continue to get stronger.
"When I came here as a teacher nine years ago, the wrestling program was really struggling. Together, Bob and Todd created a program that is now able to compete with the stronger schools, like Lakeshore. We've won conference and district titles and we just want to continue that success," Danaher said.
Galvin admitted he is extremely happy for Hesson and the program.
"We won't skip a beat. It's the easiest transition given the fact that Todd won't have to implement any new systems or terminology. The kids know him, they like him, and things will pick up where they left off," Galvin said.
Galvin and Hesson have been coaching together for 15 years. Hesson was his assistant at Brandywine High School for seven years, and at Niles High School for eight years.
Hesson is a 1981 graduate of Decatur High School and has always enjoyed wrestling. He was part of the Raiders' program, and went on as a collegiate wrestler at Southwestern Michigan College and Findlay University.
Hesson will not be alone, though. His assistants are also no strangers to the Niles wrestling program.
"Jacob Will and Tom Desenberg will be big for Hesson. Tom is the junior varsity coach and Jake has helped with the varsity program for a few years now," Galvin said.
"Todd's goal is just to be able to compete with the bigger schools and I have no doubt that he can accomplish that. We're adding tougher schools, like the Allegans and Masons, to the schedule because we want our program to stay strong," Danaher added.
During his time at Niles, Galvin, along with the help of Hesson, saw the school's first district title since 1991, just this year. The Vikings finished 27-5, while Galvin ended with an overall duals record of 454-141-2.