Wayne Anderson is the most successful wrestler in Woodland Hills High School history.

Now he's getting a chance to coach at his alma mater.

"This job is a new challenge for me," said Anderson, a 1990 graduate who was a four-year starter for the Wolverines.

"My years as a student/athlete at Woodland Hills played a big part in my development. Coaching is one way I can give something back to my alma mater."

Anderson recorded a 110-14 record while competing at heavyweight at Woodland Hills. He is the only wrestler in school history to win a WPIAL title. Anderson won a pair of WPIAL Class AAA titles, in 1989 and 1990, and placed third in the PIAA tournament both years.

"I weighed about 260 when I graduated, so I never had to diet," said Anderson, referring to the 275-pound weight limit, which has since changed to 285. "I was big, but could move quickly."

Anderson did not wrestle in college.

"I played football at the University of Akron," said Anderson, who graduated with a degree in communications and is now working at Auberle Education Center. "I started as a true freshman, but blew out my knee midway through my senior year.

"I started coaching at Gateway High School. I served as a junior high coach for four years. Last year, I accepted the head junior high position at Woodland Hills."

Anderson was promoted when varsity coach Jeremy Stark stepped down at the end of last season.

"I didn't work directly with the varsity last year, but the junior high and varsity practice together in the same room, so I'm very familiar with all the kids," he said.

"We did have occasions in which Jeremy needed me to demonstrate moves for kids in the upper weight classes. And if I needed somebody to work with the lightweights, I would ask his assistance."

Anderson takes over a program that has struggled since Bob Ladick stepped down after the 1998-99 season. The Wolverines have had a 9-94 record in the nine seasons since Ladick's departure, including a 3-60 record in section play.

"The key is to build the program from the bottom up," Anderson said. "My goal is to start a Junior Olympic program so that wrestlers of all ages can compete during the offseason."

However, Anderson's plans have been put on hold. In fact, the entire program has been shut down since Dec. 6 as a precautionary measure.

"We opened the season at the Eastern Area Tournament at Gateway High School," he said. "A few days after the tournament, we were informed that Penn-Trafford had shut down its program due to possible exposure to the herpes gladiatorum skin rash.

"We haven't had any wrestlers come down with the virus, but our athletic director and trainer felt it would be a smart move to shut down our program as a precautionary measure."

Woodland Hills postponed three matches and all three must be rescheduled since they are section matches.

"It's certainly an inconvenience for me and the kids, but I try not to let things get me down," Anderson said. "I've fought through adversities all through my life."

Anderson has 17 out for the varsity and more than 20 on the junior high team.

"Coach Ladick taught me everything I know about wrestling," Anderson said. "He was like a second father to me. My hope is to provide that type of leadership and guidance for my kids."

Anderson's top two returnees are Donald Kunkle and Willis Brooks. Kunkle is a 140-pound senior who entered the season with a 51-42 career record.

Brooks is a 125-pound junior who had a 19-11 record last season.

"I'm expecting big things from Donald and Willis," Anderson said. "Freshman Chris Thompson [at 112 pounds] is also somebody to watch."