Steve Bilheimer is at a different place in his life than he was two years ago when he resigned as head coach of the Ledyard High School wrestling team.

"Two years ago, the biggest reason I left was to spend more time with my family," Bilheimer said. "I (also) think I was a little burnt at end of 2008 season."

Bilheimer has been rehired as Colonels coach - Jason Lanoue resigned after two seasons - and is refreshed and ready for the challenge.

"When I got out of coaching, my kids were 4 (Kylah) and 1 (Brady)," Bilheimer said. "A lot of times I'd be at a match and I'd be thinking what time I could get home. That thought was in the back of my head almost all the time.

"I don't worry about that as much anymore (since his children are older). Of course I want to be at home for my kids, especially when I'm needed, but I think things are getting easy."

Bilheimer coached Ledyard to four state championships, five Eastern Connecticut Conference Large Division championships (all in a row) and four ECC tournament titles from 2001-02 to 2007-08. He coached at the Ledyard Middle School after he left the Colonels.

"My wife (Valerie) and I had a lot of talks the last couple of weeks, and we decided (coming back) was doable," Bilheimer said. "It's something I've always had a passion for.

"I think I had lost a little bit (of passion). ... Even though we had a good string of success over a five-year period, with my family and doing that, I was just a little burnt. I think the time away has energized me."