Peter Gustin steps down at Solon

SOLON — Sometimes, progress can be painful.

Calling his decision 'bittersweet' and 'gut-wrenching,' Peter Gustin stepped down Thursday as volleyball coach at Solon High School. He has accepted an offer to become a volunteer assistant at the University of Iowa.

'Honestly, it's something I've thought about for a couple years,' Gustin said. 'It was really difficult telling the girls today. Coaching is my passion, and I'm ready to jump to the next level. I didn't want to have any regrets.'

Gustin, 27, took over the program in 2012 after Kurt Trout resigned abruptly before the season, then promptly led the Spartans to the state finals three straight years.

They were runners-up in 2012 and 2013, then won the Class 3A title in 2014. Solon was hit hard by graduation, then injuries, last season and finished 10-23.

His four-year mark at Solon was 109-39.

'This program is in great shape,' he said. 'There's a lot of young talent coming.'

At Iowa, Gustin said he will 'do whatever (head coach Bond Shymansky) wants me to do, whether it's scouting, video, whatever.'

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