Josh Shields steps away as a head coach with a WPIAL wrestling record that is unequaled.
Shields has resigned as Burrell High School’s coach after a record-breaking 11-year stint at his alma mater.
Burrell won nine WPIAL Class 2A team tournament titles with Shields at the helm and placed second the other two years.
"I knew at the start of the (2023-24) season that it would be my last," said Shields, who said he resigned to spend more time with his family. "We have three kids under the age of four, with the youngest only one. My plan was to coach until we started a family. I'm going to be a full-time dad."
Shields is the only coach in WPIAL history with nine team tournament titles. Former North Allegheny coach Gus DeAugustino and former Jefferson-Morgan coach Ron Headlee are tied for second with five. The WPIAL began its team tournament format in 1979. In prior years, a team champion was crowned at the individual tournament.
DeAugustino also led the Tigers to a team title at the individual tournament. Former Mt. Lebanon coach George Lamprinakos won six team titles at the individual tournament prior to 1979.
"I've been very fortunate to wrestle and coach for one of the best programs in the state," Shields said. "But it's time to step away."
Shields also ranks first in Burrell history with a 145-62 record. Chris Como, who also coached 11 years at Burrell, had a 141-44 mark.
"I still plan on being associated with the program as a volunteer assistant, so you will see me at many of the tournaments," Shields said. "I may consider a head coaching position in the future, but not in the near future."
Shields was a four-year starter at Burrell who posted a 147-44 career record. He was a three-time PIAA Class 2A qualifier and two-time medalist, eighth as a sophomore and second as a senior.
"We are fortunate to have a large staff," Shields said. "It wouldn't surprise me if one of them is named my replacement."
Canon-Mac, Frazier coaches resign
Canon-McMillan and Frazier will also have new coaches next wrestling season. Brian Krenzelak stepped down after three seasons at Canon-McMillan.
"Recent changes in my family dynamics have led me to make the decision to resign from my position as wrestling coordinator at Canon-McMillan High School," Krenzelak wrote in his resignation letter. "After a 27-year involvement as a coach in this program, this is no small decision on my part, but I truly believe it is what is best not only for my family but also for the program itself."
Krenzelak was in charge of both the boys and girls programs at Canon-McMillan. The Big Mac girls squad won a PIAA team title at the inaugural state tournament.
"Let me begin by saying thank you for giving me the opportunity to be the head wrestling coach at Canon-McMillan. It is without a doubt a huge honor and privilege to lead one of the most prestigious wrestling programs in the entire country."
Buck Watkins has also stepped down after building Frazier into one of the top programs in WPIAL Class 2A over the past eight years.
Watkins coached brothers Rune and Thayne Lawrence, who combined to win eight WPIAL titles and six PIAA crowns.
Watkins is also stepping away due to family obligations.
First Published: June 10, 2024, 1:39 p.m.