Chris Como has stepped down as head coach of the Burrell High School wrestling team, but could return in a different capacity.

"I have a 2-year old son [Christian] and I want to spend more time with him," said Como, who served as the Buccaneers head coach for the past 11 seasons. "During wrestling season, I normally get home at 8 p.m. and my son is already in bed."

Como compiled an impressive 141-44 record during his 11-year career at the school. He led Burrell to seven consecutive appearances in the WPIAL Class AA title match, and captured four titles -- 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2009.

"Coach Como has played a big part in the success of this program," said current Burrell wrestler Dave Makara, who recently completed his sophomore year. "I look up to him. He's the best coach I've ever had."

Burrell wrestlers won an astounding 23 WPIAL individual titles during Como's 11 seasons, including four each by Joe Makara and Jordan Shields. The only other WPIAL teams with 10 or more WPIAL champions during that stretch are Shady Side Academy (21), Waynesburg Central (14), Connellsville Area (12), Mount Pleasant (11) and North Allegheny (10).

"I'm very proud of the great success we've had during my run as head coach, but I have to give most of the credit to my wrestlers," Como said. "We have a very dedicated group of kids who have been willing to put in the time it takes to be successful at both the WPIAL and PIAA levels."

Como graduated from Burrell in 1989 and from Pitt-Johnstown in 1994. He was a three-year starter for the Buccaneers and placed fourth in the WPIAL Class AA Tournament as a junior and second as a senior, both at 145 pounds. He qualified for the PIAA tournament as a senior, but fell short of place-winner status.

"It's been a lot of fun coaching at my alma mater," Como said. "And I would like to continue coaching at Burrell, but not as the head coach. I would be glad to come back as an assistant coach if the new coach would like to have me."

Burrell has already begun its search for a new coach.

"The athletic department will be conducting interviews in the next week or so," said Como. "They are hoping to have a coach hired by the end of the month."

Como does know that assistant coach Isaac Greeley has not applied.

"Isaac is a chiropractor, so he doesn't have the [spare] time required to be a head coach," Como said. "But he would be glad to return as an assistant if needed."

Burrell posted an 11-7 record last season and claimed its third consecutive WPIAL team tournament title.

"The program has a bright future," Como said. "We only had three seniors in our lineup this past season, so most of the team is coming back. My intention was to make sure that I didn't leave the program high and dry."

Como has many fond memories from his days as head coach, but the most memorable season was 2007-08.

"We won the WPIAL and PIAA team tournaments that season," Como said. "We had four indivuals win WPIAL titles that season and two went on to place second at the state tournament. It was certainly a season to remember."

Burrell also claimed three PIAA individual titles during Como's tenure. Joe Makara won back-to-back titles in 2002 and 2003, while Jordan Shields won the other in 2007.

"Wrestling has been a part of my life since I was a kid," Como said. "It's hard to get it out of your blood."