Trinity High School is pleased to announce that Raleigh Abbott has been named Head Varsity Wrestling Coach of the Trinity Shamrocks. He succeeds Patrick Fleming who served as head coach from 2016-2024. With twelve years of coaching experience at the high school and collegiate levels, Coach Abbott brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of success to Trinity's wrestling program.
From 2013-2015, Coach Abbott served as an assistant coach at Campbellsville University, where he played a pivotal role in earning a Mid-South Conference Championship and developing eight All-American collegiate wrestlers. Following his tenure at Campbellsville, Coach Abbott served as the head coach of the girls and assistant coach of the boys wrestling teams at Taylor County High School from 2016-2023. Under his leadership, the Cardinals' program achieved remarkable success, boasting (14) KHSAA State Placers, (3) Individual State Champions, a Most Outstanding Wrestler Award, and (2) Team State Championships.
Most recently, Coach Abbott served as an Assistant Coach on the Trinity Wrestling Staff for the 2023-2024 season. During his time at Trinity, Coach Abbott played an integral role in the program's success. The Wrestling Rocks earned a 5th consecutive Region Championship, team earned (10) KHSAA State Qualifiers, (4) KHSAA State Placers, (3) State Finalists, and (2) Individual State Champions. The team's impressive performance culminated in a 6th place finish at the KHSAA State Meet in February.
"I am thrilled to welcome Coach Raleigh Abbott as the new Varsity Wrestling Head Coach at Trinity," said Sean Duggins, Director of Athletics-elect. "His emphasis on good sportsmanship, character development, discipline, and integrity align perfectly with Trinity's objectives of forming men of faith and men of character. Coach Abbott brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to Trinity. He has proven to me he is a solid role model for our young men. I have full confidence that Coach Abbott and Trinity Wrestling will continue to compete at the highest levels."
Coach Abbott will serve as a paraprofessional head coach at Trinity while continuing his service with the United States Navy in Louisville. As an amateur wrestler, Coach Abbott's personal achievements include being a four-time state qualifier, individual state champion, and All-American at McEachern High School in Georgia. He was an NAIA All-American in 2011 at Shorter University (Georgia), where he majored in English Education.
Coach Abbott remarked, “Coach Fleming has left some big shoes to fill. He is an excellent coach and an outstanding role model. My aim is to pick up where he left off. Shadowing and learning from him over this past year will ensure a smooth transition for the Rocks wrestling program.”
Coach Abbott inherits a wrestling program that has experienced significant growth and success over the last seven years under former head coach Patrick Fleming. From 2016-2024, Coach Fleming revitalized the program, leading to multiple top-6 finishes at the KHSAA State Meet, including a 4th place finish in 2021.
“I have felt extremely welcomed from the very first day I stepped foot on the Trinity Campus. The love and support I have received says wonders about the culture here. Thank you to President Robert Mullen, Athletic Director Rob Saxton, Associate Director of Athletics Sean Duggins, Patrick Fleming, the coaching staff, administration, faculty, parents, and students for accepting me into the Shamrock Family. The future success and development of these young men are a responsibility and privilege that I do not take lightly. I am honored to have this opportunity and will bring everything I have to the table.”