VAWA asked for a few words from our new Executive Director, Daryl Weber, in regards to his vision in this role...

—As the newly appointed Executive Director of the Virginia Wrestling Association (VAWA), I am thrilled to share my initial vision for this role. I am fortunate to be part of a community filled with remarkable individuals, and together, we aim to elevate and expand wrestling in Virginia.

Elevating and Expanding Wrestling in Virginia

Our strategy to grow wrestling in Virginia involves:

1. Hosting High-Quality Events: We aim to organize top-notch events across the state, catering to all age groups, experience levels, and wrestling styles.

2. Leveraging Local Expertise: Virginia boasts a wealth of enthusiastic and experienced coaches and volunteers. We plan to harness this expertise to offer educational and developmental experiences for athletes and coaches passionate about wrestling.

3. Promoting Sportsmanship: Through their interactions with VAWA, we aim to instill a sense of sportsmanship in our athletes and coaches.

4. Community Engagement: We plan to expand our community through strategic marketing and partnerships.

Wrestling, in my view, is more than a sport. It’s a discipline that imparts resilience, determination, and respect. I hope that VAWA can help instill these values in all our members through their interactions with our organization.

Constant Growth and Development

I recognize that these goals align with VAWA’s long standing mission. I am excited to collaborate with the dedicated members of this organization to build on current achievements.

By maintaining open communication, brainstorming new ideas, and listening to our members, I hope to contribute to VAWA’s growth. I firmly believe in the importance of regular review and adjustment of our strategies for meaningful development.

As I embark on this exciting journey, I look forward to meeting and reconnecting with many wonderful individuals. Together, we can make VAWA a beacon of excellence in the world of wrestling.
 

More about Daryl Weber:

Daryl Weber is a renowned figure in the wrestling world. He started wrestling at the age of ten and wrestled at Gilbertville Don Bosco H.S. where he won two state titles and was 3x all-state under Dan Mashek. 

He went on to wrestle at the University of Iowa under Dan Gable from ’91-’96. During his time at U of Iowa, he was a three-time All-American, Big Ten titleist, and NCAA Champion. 

After graduating from Iowa, he continued to compete internationally in Freestyle through 2000. While competing internationally, he took second at the 1998 U.S. Open, won the Sunkist Open, and wrestled in over a dozen international freestyle tournaments.  From 1996-2000 he was also the Strength & Conditioning Coach of the U of Iowa Wrestling Team

After his competitive career ended, Daryl moved to Christiansburg. He became an assistant coach to Kevin Dresser at Christiansburg High School in Virginia from 2001-2006, Weber helped CHS to five state championships and one runner-up title as assistant coach. He then took over as head coach at Christiansburg where his teams won nine straight state team titles.

He has been inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame, Iowa High School Wrestling Hall of Fame, Don Bosco High School Hall of Fame & the Glen Brand National Hall of Fame.