Hokies’ Wrestling Coach Tony Robie Discusses Success at Virginia Tech
By: Aidan Butler
14 October 2022
On November 11th, the Hokies will take the mat against Ohio State, where they will be led by Head Coach Tony Robie in his 17th year at Virginia Tech, and his 6th year as their head coach.
“We had a very productive off season, where a lot of guys were able to improve,” Robie said.
The Hokie faithful could not have imagined the present day levels of success when Erie, Pennsylvania native Tony Robie arrived as an Associate Head Coach in 2006. That squad mustered only six victories and 12 losses. “When I got here in 06, 07 we weren’t very good, we didn’t have much of a fanbase,” said Robie. “It took time, each year we got better and got better, and got better.”
Robie’s commitment to Virginia Tech would pay off, when he was promoted to Head Coach of the Hokies on March 21, 2017. Tech would go on to win a team championship in the ACC and notch a Sixth place finish at the NCAA National Tournament. Robie said, “I was obviously very happy, I didn’t have to look at major changes in my life. Those were the biggest feelings I had, to build something that I’ve been a part of and have the opportunity to continue to build was special for me.”
Since then, Virginia Tech has won three ACC dual meet Championships, three ACC tournament championships, and five top-10 finishes in the NCAA tournament.
Tech Sideline beat writer Jack Brizendine stated, “In all my conversations with Robie he stresses hard work and getting better. He’s been able to launch it into elite territory. It speaks to his credibility as a coach and shows how much he’s had an impact as head man of the wrestling program.”
With such sustained success, it’s no surprise that Virginia Tech has garnered one of the best atmospheres to watch a wrestling match. “I think one thing we take a lot of pride in is great effort, and putting on an entertaining style of wrestling, something the fans will enjoy and I think we’ve done a good job about that”, Robie added.
“Something he doesn’t get enough credit for is growing the fanbase,” said ACC Network Commentator, Evan Hughes. “He’s been innovative, he’s got such a great pulse on Hokie Nation, it’s been really unique to see the fanbase grow this love of wrestling.”
With the aforementioned sustained success that Virginia Tech wrestling has had under Robie’s stewardship, it’s likely that Hokie Nation will want to keep him around for years to come. Robie himself is equally fond of Virginia Tech, remarking, “The quality of life here is really good. My family’s happy and it has become home for my children, my wife and for us. The opportunity to transition to a head coaching role here influenced that too. I love Virginia Tech, I love being a Hokie, I love being in the New River Valley, and it's a great place to raise a family.”
Virginia Tech looks to have another dominant season after posting a record of 9-4 last year. A season in which they consistently found themselves ranked as one of the top ten programs in the country. This season’s roster boasts four All-Americans and National Champion Mekhi Lewis, and Tony Robie will be the one leading the pack.
“I think to me it’s the relationship part is the best part of it, the comradery and having an impact on people's lives is what you're trying to accomplish. Those things are equally important to me helping kids accomplish their goals on the mat and off the mat and hopefully go on to achieve great things in life.”