Adkisson picked as new Sikeston wrestling coach, Kwan takes over tennis program

SIKESTON -- New coaches for the wrestling and tennis programs at Sikeston High School were approved during a recent school board meeting.

Corey Adkisson was named the new wrestling coach and Tiffany Kwan will take over the boys and girls tennis teams.

Adkisson replaces former coach Chris Lowe, who's contract was not renewed according to an official statement from the school.

"The Sikeston R6 school district, like any public employer, is unable to discuss the details and person information related to individual employment decisions. However, the district is pleased to announce that the wrestling program will be moving in a new direction with the hiring of Corey Adkisson as the new head coach as approved by the board of education."

Lowe, who was also the defensive line coach for the Bulldogs football team, took over the wrestling team in 2012. During that time, 31 wrestlers have qualified for the state meet, including a school record nine qualifiers in 2015-16.

Adkisson, who has previous head coaching experience with the Kennett and East Prairie football teams and currently serves as an assistant football coach at Sikeston, has also been part of the wrestling program as an assistant for the past three years. He said he is looking forward to his new role and hopes to continue the team's recent upswing.

"I'm just excited to take over and help the boys," he said. "It's not all on me, it's a family atmosphere in the wrestling room with the boys and assistant coaches. I just want to keep the success going."

Former Sikeston wrestler Blake Angle will join Adkisson as a varsity assistant. Jacob May will also resume those same duties while Matt Johnson and Charles Michael will continue their assistant roles in both junior varsity and varsity capacities.

The new defensive line coach for the football team has not been announced.

Kwan takes over for longtime head coach Russ Dial, who has been Sikeston's tennis coach for the past nine years. Dial's tenure ends with his advancement into an administrators role inside Sikeston's 5th/6th Center as an assistant principal.

"It's not easy," Dial said about leaving. "I have a passion for tennis so, I'm going to really miss it... I'm going to continue to support the tennis program even if I'm not part of it anymore."

Kwan got her start with the Sikeston tennis program this spring by volunteering as an assistant for the boys tennis team.

Dial is extremely confident with his successor.

"She went above and beyond the call of duty this season as my assistant," Dial said. "She has a tennis background and I'm pleased with my replacement. She had a really good spring season with the boys team and I'm very comfortable with her taking over. I expect great things from her."