Kadlec resigns as Xavier wrestling coach

Cedar Rapids Xavier head wrestling coach Craig Kadlec has resigned after guiding the Saints the last eight seasons. Xavier Athletics Director Mike Winker said Kadlec resigned at the start of last week and informed wrestlers, parents and coaches of his decision at the team's awards banquet Thursday, March 3.

"When he came out of his wrestling retirement, he's been working on one-year deals, taking it a year at a time," Winker said. "I knew he was really considering it last spring. we talked about it and then before the season he had talked that this might be it."

Kadlec, 57, will continue to teach science at the school. The Saints were 8-24 last season, going 1-2 in the Mississippi Valley Conference. Kadlec, a Cedar Rapids Kennedy and Coe College graduate, coached seven state medalists and 17 state qualifiers. In both 2006 and 2010, Kadlec coached two state medalists. David Drahozal and James Colwell were fourth and fifth, respectively in 2006. Braxton Chicchelly and Josh McDonald both placed seventh in 2010.

Chicchelly became Xavier's second two-time state placewinner, finishing fourth at 130 pounds in the Class 3A state tournament this season. Winker said Kadlec's athletics contributions will be missed.

"He's just a class act, a very good man (and) an outstanding educator," Winker said. "He's in coaching for the right reasons. He's old school. He's not a bragger or promoter of himself. He's quiet and just a great guy."

The search for a replacement is in the preliminary stage and Winker encourages anyone interested to apply. An official ad will be posted along with other faculty and coaching positions at the end of this month or beginning of April.

"We are starting the process," Winker said. "I've had a number of phone calls."

Winker was not surprised by the decision from Kadlec, who took over as head coach for the 2003-04 season after stepping away from the sport for 11 years. He served as the Cedar Rapids Regis head coach from 1988-92 and was a Royals assistant from 1979-88. He was also the head coach at English Valleys from 1977-79.