St. John’s Prep wrestling coaching icon Manny Costa started thinking about retiring as far back as last year.

To the surprise of many, Costa made it official Monday afternoon when he informed the team that his 34th year at the helm would be his last.

“It was extremely tough telling the kids,” said Costa. “I’ve been telling a few alumni the last few weeks that I was going to do it, but they didn’t believe me. But once I told them I recently sold my house” — Costa will be heading to Florida — “they started to realize that this was a reality.”

A member of several statewide and national wrestling Halls of Fame, Costa took over the St. John’s Prep team in 1990. Under his watch, the Eagles have become one of the premier programs and his 843 dual meet victories is unmatched in New England.

“I’m getting up there in age,” said Costa, who turns 58 next month. “I’ve been in the police department for 35 years and coaching for the past 34. We have a guy pass away in our police department at the age of 40 and it got me to thinking about moving on and enjoying life, traveling more and relaxing.”

The farewell tour begins on Dec. 13 when Whittier visits St. John’s Prep. Costa insists he won’t change his coaching style at all, though he does concede that there may be a few emotional moments along the way.

“I haven’t changed one bit over the past 33 seasons so there is no reason to change anything this year,” Costa said. “The kids may change over time, but we’ve always done it the same way. Maybe I’ll focus on the memories a little more with each match. I might be sitting on a chair in a gym reminiscing a bit.”

One thing which gives Costa comfort that he’s making the right move at the right time is a message his oldest son Jared recently gave him.

“Jared said that you don’t want to be the guy who hangs around too long and starts slipping,” Costa said. “This is a good time for me as I have my health and still think I’m respected in the wrestling community.”