Chuck Wonsettler didn't want to retire, but he received an offer he couldn't refuse.

"The district was offering an incentive buyout and it wouldn't be available for another four years," said Wonsettler, who has stepped down as Bentworth High School's wrestling coach. "I had planned to coach and teach for a few more years, but I couldn't turn down this offer."

Wonsettler taught 33 years at Bentworth and had been involved with the wrestling program for 21 years, including the past 10 as head coach.

"It wasn't an easy decision, but the timing was right for me to retire," Wonsettler said.

"I'm also planning on getting married in October, so everything is coming together. My fiance has a home in Arizona, so we will be spending time in both places."

Wonsettler also plans to be a volunteer coach for Albert Thomas, who has taken over as head coach.

"I've been a coach at Bentworth for the past 12 years," said Thomas, a 1991 Bentworth graduate. "I was a volunteer assistant my first two years, and have been a varsity assistant the past 10 years."

Thomas, a four-year starter, was a member of Bentworth's only WPIAL championship team. He also qualified for the PIAA Class AA individual tournament that year.

"We won the WPIAL title my senior year [in 1991]," Thomas said. "Tom Teagarden was the coach then."

Thomas works as an electrician at USX's Clairton Coke Works, but doesn't think that will be a problem.

"The district hired [Trinity graduate] Mike Shrader to be my assistant," Thomas said. "They also hired him as an elementary teacher. My wife also works at the elementary. I've had her recruiting for me in the past."

Thomas is looking forward to his first season with hopes of having a full lineup.

"The transition has been very easy thus far, since I'm familiar with the program and the kids," Thomas said. "We could have as many as 20 kids on the team this year, which would allow us to have a full lineup."

West Greene has kept it in the family, as Curt Hughes has replaced his older brother Allen.

"Whenever you start thinking about it, it's time to retire," said Allen Hughes, who steps down after 33 years at West Greene, the past 18 as head coach. "I never expected to coach this long. The years just added up. I want to leave on my own terms."

Hughes finished his career as one of only 28 coaches in WPIAL history with 200 or more victories. He had a 216-94 record during his tenure with the Pioneers.

"I'm not retiring from teaching," said Hughes. "This is only my 25th year of teaching. I just found there were some other things I would like to do. My youngest son, Justin, just began college at Penn State. I also have a granddaughter I would like to spend some time with."

Hughes has turned the program over to his younger brother, Curt, a 1975 West Greene graduate.

"I've been involved with the wrestling program for 18 to 20 years," Curt Hughes said. "I worked with the junior high team for six or seven years, and have been a varsity assistant since then.

"Becoming a head coach has always been something in the back of my mind, but I was satisfied working as an assistant."

When Hughes announced his retirement, the obvious choice would be to pick one of his two assistants.

"I talked it over with Gary and he preferred that I take the head position," said Curt Hughes, referring to the other varsity assistant Gary Whyte, a 1995 West Greene graduate. "I'm glad that he's agreed to stay on as one of my assistants."

Hughes is in his 20th year as a teacher at the high school.

"Transition has been very easy since I work at the high school," Hughes said. "I know the kids and their families. The only difference is the added responsibility of being the head coach."

Burgettstown and Washington will also have new coaches for the upcoming season.

Terry Havelka stepped down at Burgettstown after 15 seasons, while Rich Burgdolt leaves Washington after eight seasons.

"Terry told me at the end of last season that he was probably not coming back," Burgettstown athletic director Jon Vallina, said. "But he wanted more time to think about it."

Havelka, who had a 161-68 record in 15 seasons, then found out that assistant coach Brad Abbott could not return due to a scheduling confict.

"Not having Brad as an assistant played a part in his decision," Vallina said. "He also wanted more time to watch his son, Jeff, who is a senior at the University of Findlay."

Both vacancies have yet to be filled.