PCPS Names Interim Head Wrestling Coach

Ponca City Public Schools named 2004 Po-Hi graduate Justin Roland as Interim Head Wrestling Coach. Coach Roland is now the third Po-Hi graduate to lead the wrestling program in over 90 years of Ponca City Wrestling. Coach Roland has been a coach in the district for the last 10 years. Over this time, he has been involved with Wrestling and Football from youth through high school.

“I am excited to be the leader of this program that taught me about toughness and discipline. I aim to bring toughness, discipline, and sweat equity to the program. In addition, it is imperative to me for this program to be a positive influence on our school and community!” said Coach Justin Roland.

In wrestling, Roland spent eight years as a junior high assistant and two as the junior high head coach. During this time, he guided multiple state placers and state champions. In addition, his junior high team captured the 2019-2020 State Championship, and he was selected as the Junior High Coach of the Year.

In addition to wrestling, Coach Roland has spent 10 years on the high school football staff. He has served as an assistant for six years and Defensive Coordinator for four years.

As an athlete, Coach Roland began wrestling as a freshman and finished his senior year as a State Champion. He was also a member of the two traditional state championships and two dual state championships. While playing football for the Wildcats, Coach Roland was named All-District three times. After graduation, Coach Roland went on to play for Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in Miami. At NEO he was a two-time NJCAA All-American. After NEO, Coach Roland continued his playing career at Kansas State University where he was a two-year starting linebacker. In addition, he was named to the Honorable Mention All-Big 12 team. Post-College, Coach Roland continued on to the National Football League for four years, playing for the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles.

“I am extremely proud of Coach Roland and his commitment to the students of PCPS,” said Ponca City School Athletic Director Jason Leavitt. “As a former teammate, he has always shown great character and integrity. He also understands the tradition of Ponca City Wrestling and what it means to so many!

Coach Justin Roland and his wife Alissa, of 14 years, have four children, Gabe, Kooper, Blair, and Autum.