Alburnett's Kane Thompson has been hired as the head wrestling coach at Prairie, replacing Blake Williams who resigned after 12 seasons.

Thompson has been the head coach at Alburnett the past eight seasons.

"This is an exciting time for our wrestling program," said Prairie Athletic Director Rocky Bennett in a press release. "We had a very strong pool of candidates but it became clear that Kane was the right person to lead our program.

"I have watched him build a very successful program at Alburnett that competes for state championships year end and year out. He is a high-character guy that will continue to strengthen the culture here at Prairie."

During Thompson's tenure at Alburnett, the wrestling program has been among the state's best.

The Pirates won the Class 1A traditional state title this past season and in 2013, along with the state duals title in 2013. In 2010, 2011 and 2012, Alburnett was third in the traditional tournament and took second in the 2014 duals meet.

From 2011-2015 his teams won five consecutive Tri-Rivers Conference championships. Thompson has coached 10 individual champions and has accumulated a 173-79 record.

"I am extremely excited about the opportunity to be a part of the College Community School District and leading the Prairie Wrestling program," Thompson said. "Having previously taught in the district for three years I was aware of the great culture and climate at Prairie.

"The rich tradition with wrestling, competing at the highest level of Iowa high school wrestling and the great education that the district offers was a big factor in my interest in this position."

Prior to his time at Alburnett, Thompson taught physical education at Prairie Heights Elementary School from 2006-09.