Another coaching change has taken place at Pinson Valley High School.

Gene Richardson, the Indians’ longtime head wrestling coach and assistant football coach, has, according to reports, accepted a job at Clay-Chalkville High School.

In January, Richardson collected his sixth consecutive Jefferson County wrestling championship at Pinson Valley. He and the Indians went on to place third overall at the Class 6A State Wrestling Championships in Huntsville. 

Richardson had seven wrestlers place at the 2017 championship meet, including George Vazquez (2nd), Josh Walker (2nd), Quenmarius Byrd (3rd), Khymel Chaverst (3rd), David Pike (3rd), Christian Hopkins (4th) and Taylor Rhodes (4th).

Since Pinson Valley Principal Mike Turner took the job in the summer of 2015, five head coaches (football – Matt Glover, basketball – Clint Argo, girls basketball – Brian Miller, softball – Laurin Watts, wrestling – Gene Richardson) have either been released or left the program.

Rudd Middle School wrestling coach Joshua Pate posted this to the Pinson Valley High School Wrestling Facebook page on Monday: 

Parents and wrestlers let me first apologize for today. I had all intention of working with the kids in the weight room and wrestling room today, but due to liability reasons was asked by the Athletic Director to shut down. We will not be able to practice or work out until a new head coach is named. I will keep this page posted on when and if we can work out this summer.

Erik Harris is the Sports Editor of The North Jefferson News. Email him at njnsports@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jeharris2.