After filing a tort claim in June against North Idaho College for what he believed was an unlawful dismissal, ex-Cardinals wrestling coach Pat Whitcomb has proceeded to sue the Coeur d’Alene school.

The former wrestling coach at North Idaho College has filed a tort claim seeking damages from the school for how it handled his dismissal earlier this year from one of the most successful programs in the country.

North Idaho College officials won’t explain why late in the season they would fire a three-time national champion coach of a wrestling team that is currently ranked No. 4 in the nation.

Before North Idaho College handled Eastern Oregon 40-9 in a wrestling dual Thursday at Rollie Williams Court, an announcer spoke into his microphone, thanking Pat Whitcomb for his highly successful coaching tenure at NIC.

According to multiple sources, North Idaho College has fired the longtime wrestling coach Pat Whitcomb following an external review that found possible violations of academic integrity within the athletics Department.

A dispute at a Jan. 22 match has resulted in North Idaho College standout wrestler Deondre Wilson and coach Pat Whitcomb serving a belated suspension that will keep both out of the national tournament.

Talk about your home-mat advantage. With the national junior college wrestling tournament opening Friday at the Spokane Convention Center, North Idaho College coach Pat Whitcomb sees a great chance to raise the sport’s profile in the Inland Northwest.