Minot High wrestling coach Nolan Spooner has elected to resign his position after 12 years, school officials announced Monday.

“I would like to thank coach Spooner for his dedication to Minot High and the Minot community wrestling programs,” Minot activities director Mitch Lunde said. “He did a great job motivating his athletes to work hard in such a difficult sport. He always made the athletes better, and he should be proud of where he left the program.”

Spooner had been a wrestling coach for over 20 years, and is citing a desire to spend more time with his family as the primary motive for his departure.

But the cupboard is far from bare for Minot’s next coach. Whoever is chosen, he’ll be inheriting a program months removed from an appearance at the state dual tournament, along with three returning freshman place winners.

“It’s a very young with some incoming athletes that are very talented as well,” Spooner said. “The program is headed in the right direction.”

Minot’s search for Spooner’s replacement has already begun. Lunde indicated that there many applicants, including a host of in-house candidates.

John Denega covers high school sports and general assignments. Follow him on Twitter @JohnDenega_MDN.