Pete Grieder (left in grey) with his wrestling team

Pete Grieder (left in grey) with his wrestling team

Wildcat wrestling coach Pete Grieder has officially taken himself out of the running for the job of Lake Highlands High School Athletic Coordinator. In an open letter to the community, Grieder says he’ll “support the new Athletic Coordinator/Head Football Coach 100% when he arrives.”

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Last week, an online petition argued that Grieder was most qualified to lead LHHS’ athletic department and lobbied RISD and LHHS administrators to hire him for the job. The petition garnered more than 400 signatures.

Though Grieder said he was “honored,” he would have to be head football coach, too, something he’s not interested in.

You can find the full text of Grieder’s letter below.

To the Lake Highlands community,

I would like to let everyone know that I am greatly honored by the huge support I have received from the community in my quest to be considered the Athletic Coordinator of LHHS.  Today after discussing this decision with my wife, I have made my final decision to withdraw my consideration to become Athletic Coordinator.  I had a personal conference with Bob Dubey, the RISD Athletic Director, on Thursday afternoon for over an hour.  We had a great talk about the position and what it entails.  When all was said and done, for me to become the Athletic Coordinator, I would also have to be the head football coach and that is not something I desire to do since I am engrained in the LH wrestling program.

During our talk, he gave me the opportunity to discuss the concerns I had as both a coach and a community member.  I can say that during these last 2 weeks, a message has been sent by the community that Lake Highlands is unified and on the same page of wanting an Athletic Coordinator that truly wants not just a good football team, but also wants to see the overall athletic programs in Lake Highlands improve.

In conclusion, Lake Highlands will be heading in the right direction.  I plan on supporting the new Athletic Coordinator/Head Football coach 100% when he arrives.  I believe that our community will unify and move forward into a positive future for the Lake Highlands area.

Sincerely,

Coach Pete Grieder

Lake Highlands Wrestling coach

Geometry teacher

Community Member