Molina Leaving Liberal

Liberal is looking for a new head wrestling coach.  Kyle Molina has stepped down as head coach of the Redskins and will go to Wichita to be an assistant coach at Wichita South.  Molina was hired to Liberal in late April of 2015 to replace Matt Sleder who had been head coach three years.  Molina came to Liberal from Wichita’s Bishop Carroll.  Molina was head coach of the Redskins for six years.  He coached state champion Elwin Trejo in 2018 and coached Tony Rivero to a third place finish at state in February.   He helped coach Greg McClurg, who won the most matches in LHS history.

In 2016, Molina coached Greg McClurg, Chris Boman, Victor Monarrez, Payton Emery, and Elwin Trejo.  In 2017, his state wrestlers wee Emanuel Peralta, Josh Martinez, Misael Monarrez, Edgar Bautista, and Elwin Trejo.  In 2018, Chris Adame, Carlos Mora, Max Lugo, Misael Monarrez, Edgar Bautista, and state champion Elwin Trejo went to state.  In 2019, Carlos Mora and Easton Zapien punched their tickets to state.  In 2020, the girls wrestling program began and Wilda Chanthasone made state along with boys Irving Mendez, Tommy McClure, Trystian Juarez, Tony Rivero, Easton Zapien, Jaime Arenivas, and Zeth Mansell.  In 2021 with a condensed state meet, Leilani Torres, Tony Rivero, and Easton Zapien made state.

Kyle Molina’s Statement to Public:

To Liberal High School, Community, and stakeholders;For the last 6 years, I have had the honor of being a part of the USD 480 family as a teacher and wrestling coach. It is with a bittersweet heart that I must announce my resignation from these positions.Being the head coach for the Liberal Redskins has been one of the most fulfilling roles in mylife. When I accepted the job 6 years ago, I could not fathom all the relationships and connections I would have made. I can not begin to thank all the coaches, wrestlers, admin,managers, and families that have helped not only the wrestling program excel, but me in my personal life as well.While I may be moving on from my current position,know that Liberal will always hold a special place in my heart. This is the place where I began a family, Gained valuable experience, and made memories that will soon not be forgotten. 6 years ago Liberal took a chance on a young kid to be in charge of their wrestling program, andI could not be more thankful for the opportunity. USD 480 and the community of Liberal welcomed me in with open arms, and showed me that as mall town in western Kansas has a lot to offer if you but only give it a chance. Once again,thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey.I wish you all nothing but the best and the best of luck in the future. I will see you in the halls or on the mat.Thank You Kyle Molina