Allen Hughes wanted to leave on his own terms ... and he did.

Hughes has decided to step down as West Greene's head wrestling coach after 33 years with the program, including the past 18 as head coach.

"Whenever you start thinking about it, it's time to retire," Hughes said. "I never expected to coach this long. The years just added up. I want to leave on my own terms."

Hughes turned in his resignation shortly after the 2007-08 season concluded, but will continue teaching at West Greene Elementar School.

"I'm not retiring from teaching," said Hughes. "This is only my 25th year of teaching. I just found there were some other things I would like to do and this is the perfect time.

"I have a son getting ready for college, and I also have a granddaughter I would like to spend some time with."

Only 28 coaches in WPIAL history have reached 200 career coaching victories. West Greene is the only school with two coaches on that list. In fact, West Greene has had only three head coaches since the program began.

"Coaching stability has been a major reason for West Greene's success over the years," Hughes said. "We've also been fortunate to have talented kids who have been willing to put in the time required to be successful at this sport."

Carroll Dodge began the program during the 1960-61 school year, then turned the reigns over to Buzz Walters the following year. Walters compliled a 284-134-3 record in 29 seasons, then coached two more seasons at Beth-Center and Clay-Batelle in West Virginia to finish with a 300-143-4 record.

Hughes, a 1969 graduate of West Greene, was Walters' assistant for 15 seasons prior to taking over the program in 1990. He compiled a 216-94 record in 18 seasons.

"I was a three-year starter for Buzz, but we didn't wrestle many matches at that time," Hughes said. "I think my career record was 33-6."

Hughes concluded his academic and athletic career at Penn State University. He graduated in 1974 with a degree in health and physical education.

"I coached [youth league wrestling] for one season, then became a varsity assistant for Buzz the following year," Hughes said. "I was also a varsity assistant on the football team for 23 years. I was even the golf coach for three years.

"Coaching has certainly been a big part of my life. In fact, I also coached baseball during the summer when my kids were playing Mustang, Bronco and Pony League. It's been a very rewarding experience, but it's time to step down."

Hughes had 41 wrestlers qualify for the PIAA tournament during his tenure, including 13 who earned place-winner status. He also had 30 section champions, 23 WPIAL champions and 10 Southwest Region champions.

"We had seven kids qualify for the PIAA tournament during the 1992-93 season," said Hughes. "We were the WPIAL runner-up that year, then won the Southwest Region team title.

"The following season, we went 17-0 and won the WPIAL title. Those two seasons were the most memorable of my coaching career."

The position has been posted and Hughes is hoping the district chooses his brother, Curt, to take over as head coach.

"Curt has been a varsity assistant for a long time and has been with the program for close to 20 years," said Hughes.

He may be giving up coaching, but not wrestling.

"The first year will be the hardest," Hughes said. "But I will remain a fan of the sport. It's hard to get it out of your blood."