Whitko Community Schools’ school board members and staff welcomed Jeremy Lopez as head boys wrestling coach during the board’s regular meeting Monday, May 18, 2026. He replaces Ben Watson. “Thank you for your time and consideration,” Lopez said. “I’m beyond excited to be the wrestling coach for Whitko. It’s a relatively prestigious program, although maybe it’s been down for a few years, it’s a level we can get back to. Mediocrity isn’t what we’re looking for; we’re looking for sectional championships and state qualifiers, Matt Koontz-era levels of success.” Lopez, of Columbia City, has 12 years of experience being the current assistant wrestling coach, supervising the junior varsity wrestling team, at Columbia City High School. He was the associate wrestling coach at Indiana Spring Middle School for four years and head coach of the Columbia City Wrestling Club. "I could not be more excited for Coach Lopez to join Whitko Athletics as our head boys wrestling coach,” said Drew Benedict, Whitko Athletic Director. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with him as he comes from a great program, and many successful teams. Most importantly, Coach Lopez is an organized leader who will have a positive impact on our wrestlers throughout our junior/senior high school wrestling program." A Columbia City High School graduate, Lopez was an individual semi-state quarter finalist, finishing his senior high school wrestling season with a 28-13 record. Lopez and his family live in Columbia City.