Ephrata hires new wrestling coaches

EPHRATA - In a press release on May 24, the Ephrata School District announced the hiring of two new coaches for the High School wrestling program.

The release announced that Ryan Foster will head the boys team and Raul Tejeda will lead the girls team.

Until this year, the boys varsity coach managed both boys and girls wrestling. The release stated that separate coaching staff will enable the boys and girls teams to practice and operate independently, allowing for growth in both programs.

“Ryan and Raul are great additions to our varsity staff,” said Bryan Johnson, Ephrata High School Athletic Director, in the release. “They both have years of coaching experience at Ephrata Schools and a proven track record of success. We’re excited to see what they do with these two, strong teams.”

Foster takes the reins of the boys varsity program following the departure of coach, Patrick Mitchell, who moved programs and now leads the varsity football team.

Foster has been with the Ephrata School District for the past four years, the release stated, serving as the head wrestling coach at Ephrata Middle School. He also led the women’s wrestling team at Big Bend Community College from 2019 to 2020. His resume also includes being a strength coach at Southern Virginia University.

“Ephrata has a great history of success in wrestling,” said Foster in the release. “We regularly have kids make it to districts and to state. As head coach, I’m looking forward to continuing that tradition and growing the program. I encourage both wrestling families and the community of Ephrata to keep coming together to support our wrestlers. You have no idea what an impact it can make in helping our student athletes succeed.”

Tejeda has been with the Ephrata School District since 2008, serving as a paraeducator at the high school and the EHS conditioning coach from 2008-2010, the release stated. He moved to take on the Tiger’s assistant varsity wrestling coach position in 2010 working primarily with the girls program, and has been in that role until this promotion.

“I am so excited to take on this role and to grow the girls wrestling team,” said Tejeda in the release. “My goal is to build our program at all ages and to create excitement for the sport. Wrestling is an awesome experience. I encourage anyone interested to try out.”