BonnerSprings.com

Bonner Springs High School wrestling head coach Randy Lowe has accepted an offer from the Blue Valley School District, pending Blue Valley School Board approval, to become the head wrestling coach at the new Blue Valley West High School, effective with the 2001-02 year.

Lowe, who is in his fifth season as the Braves' head coach, will also be an assistant football coach while teaching physical education and weightlifting.

"I had to look at what was in my long-term interest, said Lowe, a 1983 graduate of Blue Valley High School. "I've always wanted to go back to Blue Valley."

Lowe said the school, which is located at 163rd and Antioch in Overland Park, is just 3/4ths of a mile from where he grew up. "That was a big draw for me," he said.

"It's a new school starting and a new program. It's definitely going to be a challenge starting from scratch," Lowe said.

Lowe added that his wife, Staci, also an instructor at BSHS, and the Bravettes head volleyball coach, had no plans on leaving.

"I'm very sorry to see Randy go. I've known Randy for about 16 years and I've always thought him to be an outstanding educator and teacher and obviously that's expanded to the extracurricular areas as a fine coach," said BSHS principal Jerry Abbott. "We'll miss him. He's done a wonderful job here. I know that Blue Valley West is getting an outstanding wrestling coach and excellent classroom teacher."

In the past four seasons, Lowe has posted a 35-14 dual record to go along with one regional title and two Huron League titles. The Braves have also recorded a pair of second-place finishes at regionals and league.

In his second year with Bonner Springs, Lowe guided the Braves to an eighth-place finish in the 4A State tournament, missing third by a mere five points with the nine grapplers that qualified.

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