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CASSOPOLIS — The Cassopolis wrestling program will have a new, but familiar face when it takes to the mat in December.

Cassopolis Athletic Director Lindsey Gorham announced Monday that Cassopolis graduate and former Ranger wrestler Colin Kelly has been named the new head coach.

She said Kelley’s history with high school athletics made him the best candidate for the job.

“Cassopolis is blessed to have an accomplished and knowledgable wrestling coach, who demonstrates our school’s values of respect, responsibility and resilience,” she said. “I’m confident that Coach Kelly will hor our young men and women to the highest standards in our wrestling program and in the community.”

Kelley, a 2016 Cassopolis High School graduate, is credited with turning around the fortunes of the Eau Claire wrestling program. Kelley took over a Beavers program on 2020 that had just five wrestlers. He increased that number to 13 and captured the Division 4 District Wrestling championship this past season.

After graduating from Cassopolis, Kelley, who played soccer and golf and wrestled for the Rangers, attended Trine University to wrestle. He transferred to Michigan State University via Southwestern Michigan College, where he studied business and agriculture operations.

Kelley currently works on his family farm and hopes to take over the farm in the future.

“I’m thrilled about this opportunity to return to my hometown,” he said. “What excites me most is the chance to build a strong Ranger wrestling program and to help our student-athletes achieve their full potential, both on and off the mat. I hope to contribute not only to the athletic success of the wrestling team, but also to the overall growth and well-being of the student-athletes under my care.”