Faulkinberry to retire at Harlem

Legendary Harlem High School wrestling coach Lyle Faulkinberry is now coaching his final season on the mat. Faulkinberry will retire at the end of the 2014-15 season, which will conclude with the All-Class State Wrestling Tournament, Feb. 13-14 in Billings.

Faulkinberry has been Harlem’s wrestling coach since 1987.

In his tenure he has coached seven Class B-C state champions, including just last year when Seth Adams won the 220-pound Class B-C title. He’s guided 43 Class B-C All-State placers, as well as 164 All-Divisional wrestlers, 75 Academic All State grapplers and one High School Academic All-American.

In 1994 Harlem finished in fourth place and had three Class B-C state champions. In 2008 and 2013 the Wildcats where the Montana Army National Guard Academic All-Team in Class B. His teams won the Northern B-C Divisional Championship in 2011 and 2013.

Faulkinberry commented that he would like to thank his wife, Kim, and his three children Tyler, Taylor and Jasmine, Tyler's wife, for all of the support through the years. He also gave a special thanks to all of the wrestlers, managers, families, assistant coaches, bus drivers, fans and opposing coaches/teams for a great time that will never be forgotten.