Virginia Tech wrestling announced on Tuesday that Tony Robie, who had been the lead assistant at Tech since 2006, would take over as the full-time head coach.
“We are proud that Tony Robie will continue to lead our wrestling program at Virginia Tech,” said Director of Athletics Whit Babcock in a statement. “Tony has been loyal to Virginia Tech over the years and is respected by our student-athletes, as well as his peers in the wrestling community across the nation. He has done a very good job as our interim head coach, and we recognize the role he played over the past 11 years in building our program into a nationally elite one. We aspire to keep it that way and elevate it even further. Tony has proven his mettle as a leader, a recruiter and a teacher who represents all that we stand for at Virginia Tech. We looked at a number of candidates and Tony rose to the occasion. We have great confidence in him.”
Before coming to Virginia Tech, Robie served as the head coach at Binghamton University. Robie wrestled for Edinboro University, where he was a two-time All-American.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to lead the wrestling program at Virginia Tech,” Robie said in a statement. “I have a tremendous appreciation for the high expectations at Virginia Tech and embrace that challenge. So many student-athletes and other individuals have contributed to the ascent of this program, and we welcome the opportunity to continue having Virginia Tech wrestling compete at the highest level and hopefully achieve our ultimate goal.”
Virginia Tech began searching for a new wrestling coach after longtime coach Kevin Dresser left for the head coaching job at Iowa State. Robie served as the interim head coach for Virginia Tech wrestling during the Hokies’ run in the ACC Championships and the NCAA Championships.
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After JW ran down the hall to keep it simple with JJ and Dennis Wolfe, we learned hiring the JW way was problematic. Doesn’t always make it wrong though. I’m very comfortable with this move. At least we know now not to hire Iowa guys, they’re just going to pick up their bongos and go home. Congratulations Coach Robie. I hope the assistants stay on, with maybe an extra pot of coffee in their paychecks. Tech wrestling is peaking, so we need consistency to stay hot. Looks good. And thanks again, Coach Dresser. We wouldn’t be here without you.
The paradox here though is that JW might have liked wrestling and went out and got the best in Brand. (OK, we didn’t know what kind of best he was then ….) Agree with JW’s other choices, but this is the one time it was decidedly not true.
Tantamount to keeping Bud Foster. Great in-house hire. Our wrestling program provides major reason for pride in VT athletics. Hokie High!
Whit’s track record on coaching hires is quite impressive, and his decision to stay in-house with Tony Robie shows just how good Whit is at his job. This is one time when promoting from within really was the best choice. Robie has been building this program with Dresser since the beginning. If Tech didn’t promote him to HC, another school was going to jump at the opportunity.
Go Hokies!
Love it! Now let’s complete the staff!
Go Hokies!
Good job Whit! Very deserving of becoming head coach.
Good hire. Continue the excellence.