Bruno steps aside at White Oak

 The memories mean a lot to Ray Bruno.

He recalled many when asked about his favorite moments as White Oak High School's head wrestling coach.

"It was times like Paris Daughtery going undefeated and winning the state championship in 2002, and of course David Pelsang and Jack McGee each earning runner-up in 2005," said Bruno. "It moments like the Suttor brothers getting third in the state in very tough weight classes, beating 4-A powerhouse Havelock my first year here and winning the Onslow Cup in 2005... its those memories as well just remembering all of the wrestlers that I will keep."

Bruno now has a chance to make even more memories, just not while at White Oak.

He recently accepted the job to become head wrestling coach at Forest View High School in Fayetteville, leaving the Vikings grappling program in better shape than how we assumed it seven years ago.

Bruno's Vikings were successful under his leadership. Many of his wrestlers were state qualifiers with some emerging with state titles.

"This wasn't an easy decision," said Bruno. "Forest View gave me a good offer to be head coach as well as be on the football coaching staff and I was inspired to do it.

"Forest View is a 4-A school with good wrestling, and this decision was also professional because down the road I am certified in administration and maybe in three or four years I will have more professional growth."

A native of New York, Bruno, 54, coached in the New York Athletic Club in the city before heading down south to White Oak. From there, he was among many who helped wrestling's growth in Onslow County.

"Myself and other coaches like Dal Tomlinson from Dixon, we plugged away to get good programs by inserting the right fundamentals," said Bruno. "We made sure the kids wrestled throughout the year and had opportunities to do that. "Having some great people and great assistant coaches also contributed to us being successful and it was really good to have a great administration."

Steve Greer, who has been a White Oak assistant under Bruno, will take over the Vikings.

"I am happy Steve will be the new coach and I am excited that Mark Marva will continue his service as an assistant coach," said Bruno. "Steve is an intelligent guy with a lot of love and compassion for the sport and for the kids.

"And I wish all the good people in the White Oak wrestling community the best of luck. I will remember them always and I will always cheer for them, that is unless they are in competition with us."