Kirby Symes was the wrestling coach at Ellsworth High School for 19 years and had a career record of 142-30-2, with 10 of the losses coming in two years.

He led the Panthers to 37 different team titles with eight of 11 Ellsworth Invitational titles, eight of 14 Middle Border Conference titles, 12 of 14 regional titles and four sectional titles. His wrestlers have captured 65 conference championships, 85 regional titles, 24 sectional titles and five state championships. His wrestlers have captured Out of 24 State Tournament Entries, Kirby has placed 10 boys.

While being a permanent resident of the state tournament from 1961 until his retirement from coaching, he was also matchmaker for the 1975 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Tournament, and is a color commentator for WIXK - New Richmond for the 1976-77 conference, regional and sectional tournaments. Ten of his former wrestlers are coaching in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

As an official, he was instrumental in starting the Pierce-St. Croix Officials Association and was responsible for conducting one of the first officials clinics in the state.

He was a member of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association for 60 years as an official for cross country and track. He was the athletic director at Ellsworth and also refereed football.

After his retirement, Symes helped establish the athletic training program in River Falls High School.