Topsail High School wrestling program under investigation. Here's what we know.

The Pender County Board of Education has hired an independent investigator to look into circumstances surrounding the Topsail High School wrestling program.

According to a press release from Pender County Schools, the investigation is in response to significant concerns brought to the school board by both the school system staff as well as members of the Topsail High School community.

The school board hired the investigator on Tuesday and the investigator's final report is due back to the school board tentatively by late April, the release states.

By hiring the investigator, the board's goal is to ensure it is making the best decisions for the students of Topsail High School, according to the release.

"The board intends to make any and all relevant portions of the investigator's final report public in an effort to preserve the THS community's faith and confidence in the board's ability to to exercise its oversight responsibilities concerning staff and interscholastic athletic programs," the release said.

The release did not say what the concerns were regarding, but Head Coach Pete Smith was recently removed from his position, according to a report by WWAY.

Taking over the wrestling program at Topsail in the 2020-21 season, Smith led the Pirates to one of their most successful runs since joining the NHCSAA 4A classification.

Named the Mideastern Conference Wrestling Coach of the Year last winter, Smith's wrestlers have brought consecutive individual state titles to Topsail.

Some parents and community members have voiced disapproval of Smith's removal, with a Change.org petition titled "Reinstate Pete Smith as THS Head Wrestling Coach" gaining more than 600 signatures.

"We believe reinstating Pete Smith as head coach is essential for maintaining this positive trajectory for wrestling in Hampstead, NC," The petition, which was created on March 11, reads. "We urge the Pender County School Board of Education to reconsider their decision and reinstate Mr. Smith back into his rightful position where he can continue contributing positively to our community through sport."