School officials are being closed lipped about the mid-season firing of Rhea County High School wrestling Head Coach Lincoln Head, which took place early Friday morning.

Principal/Athletic Director Jesse Messimer did make the following statement about Head, who served for nearly two years at the helm of the Golden Eagles.

"It was an administrative decision based upon personnel issues. No laws were broken, and he is still employed at the high school. He has just been relieved of his coaching duties," Messimer said.

When contacted for his side of the story, Head, an algebra teacher at RCHS, had no comment.

Toby Carter, a former Rhea County wrestler whose son, Quinton, is on the team, will serve as interim head coach.

"We appreciate Toby stepping in," Messimer said.

Karen Howell, president of the Rhea County High School wrestling booster club, was in agreement.

"I'm just glad someone is going to finish the season. As of now [Friday afternoon], I have not been informed by administration as to why this happened," Howell said. "We are looking forward to finishing our season with Toby Carter helping build up the self esteem of the wrestling team."

Rhea County wrestling has two regular season matches remaining before the region tournament on Feb. 12 and 13.

The Eagles are also scheduled to host a JV/Freshman/Girls Tournament on Jan. 30.

"We would like to encourage the community to come out and support us. Now would be a really good time for the boys to see that [the community] believes in them," Howell added.

Cathy Barnes can be contacted at cathy.barnes@rheaheraldnews.com.