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TBT to August '09 with Va Tech & Coach Robie

By Andrew Farrar, 09/25/14, 8:00PM EDT

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Staying the Course: From 0 AAs in 2009 to 10 AAs from 2010-2014

It's no secret in Division One wrestling circles that Virginia Tech, UVA & ODU have studs who are capable of winning national titles and programs that are providing all the resources necessary to make it happen.  After cranking out 10 All-Americans over the past five seasons, capped by their 8th place finish at the 2014 NCAA Championships, the Hokies aren't sneaking up on anyone in Division One wrestling anymore.  However, before 2010 they were still plugging away and working towards their first All-American since Coach Dresser took over in April of 2006.  

 

Listen to Coach Robie's interview where he discusses the program's progress, vision and plan with Flowrestling & Gohiocasts's Zeb Miller in the summer of 2009.  At that point the Hokies had been making steady gains in 2007, 2008 & 2009.  Specifically, listen to him explain how they felt that the first AA would open the flood gates, show other wrestlers how it was done and pave the way for future success.  After Chris Diaz's All-American finish in 2010, the Hokies rattled off nine more All-American finishes from 2012-2014.  All three of their All-Americans in 2014 are Virginia boys.  

 

Coaches and athletes, when you are seeing consistent progress over time, trust your plan and approach.  Growing impatient and drastically changing an approach or philosophy usually causes much more harm than good.  Small and calculated adjustments are great, but trust your system when it is working over time and stay the course.  The Hokies did it and now they're knocking on the door of a top 5 finish and an individual champion.