The REPORTER
Carmel wrestling coach Ed Pendoski has announced he is stepping down as head wrestling coach.
Pendoski just finished his 12th season as the Greyhounds’ coach. Pendoski began his career at Portage High School in 1995 as an assistant coach before becoming head coach in 1998.
After 10 years at Portage, Pendoski spent eight years at CIA wrestling in Indianapolis, then joined the Greyhounds team in 2013. He has had a tremendous amount of success at Carmel, coaching the ‘Hounds to nine team sectional championships, eight team regional championships, numerous individual champions and 32 state qualifiers.
The text of Pendoski’s letter is as follows:
“Dear Carmel Wrestling Families and Athletes,
After 30 years of coaching wrestling in Indiana, I have made the very difficult decision to step down as Head Coach at Carmel High School and as President of Carmel USA Wrestling Club.
To our parents — thank you. Coaching is a responsibility I have never taken lightly. You entrusted me with your kids, and it has been an honor to help guide them, challenge them, and celebrate them. Wrestling teaches toughness and resilience, but more importantly, it builds character. Watching your children grow through this sport has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life. I will always be grateful for your trust.
To every athlete I’ve coached — once family, always family. Titles and roles may change, but that bond does not. You’ve pushed yourselves in ways few understand. The discipline, grit, and humility you’ve forged will carry you far beyond the mat. No matter where life takes you, I will always be in your corner.
While I am stepping down from my official roles, I will remain involved in the operations of Carmel USA Wrestling Club until CHS names a replacement to ensure a smooth transition. The program’s continued success and stability remain very important.
After three decades in this sport, I can say this without hesitation — Indiana wrestling is special because of you. The families. The athletes. The community. You gave me more than I could ever give back and I will always be grateful.”
Pendoski told The Reporter that he calls himself “the luckiest guy ever.” He said “the numbers are the numbers” when it comes to how many championships and state qualifiers, but it’s the relationships he’s built with people that are important – “people’s lives that people trusted me to work with and hopefully make a difference for the better,” he said.
“If you look at the finals match in each weight, 14 weights, 28 kids, 17 schools were represented,” said Pendoski. “Carmel was one of them, and I was the head coach of three other coaches that were in the state finals.”
Those coaches are Hanover Central’s Andrew Bradbury, Lowell’s Kevin English and Luis Acuna from Portage.