Familiar Face to Take Over Barrington's Varsity Wrestling Squad

There won’t be a need for long introductions between the wrestling team and their new varsity coach.

Ken Hoving, who served as an assistant varsity wrestling coach last year and was Barrington’s freshman wrestling coach in 2008, will be taking over for Alex Strobl.

“I already miss it,” said Strobl of his decision to step down.

Strobl, who ended a successful run at the helm of the program with back to back trips down state, will be taking the new found time with his family, especially his twin boys.

“It is a dream come true,” Strobl said of being able to spend more time with his family.

And fittingly, the move to step away from the sport he loves came with some wrestling.

“This was a tough decision,” Strobl said.  “Next year’s team looks really good and it’s loaded with talent.”

Hoving will have big shoes to fill as his predecessor managed a squad that saw strong performances at state the last couple of years, both individually and as a team.  In 2010 the Broncos finished fourth in the state as a team and this year Barrington lost in the quarterfinals to powerful Sandburg.  The elimination at state was the only dual meet loss of 2011 for the Broncos.

“Ken is a hard-worker,” athletic director Mike Obsuszt said of the new coach.  “I feel that our wrestling program will continue to flourish under his leadership.”