The excitement of collegiate wrestling is palpable, and Virginia Tech's wrestling team is no exception. With a rich history of producing talented athletes, the Hokies have consistently ranked among the top teams in the country. In this article, we'll delve into the top 10 Virginia Tech wrestling team rankings, highlighting their achievements, notable wrestlers, and the factors that contribute to their success.
Virginia Tech Wrestling Team Rankings: A History of Excellence
Virginia Tech's wrestling program has been a force to be reckoned with, boasting an impressive 14 ACC championships and 12 NCAA top-10 finishes since 2000. Under the guidance of head coach Tony Robie, the team has continued to thrive, with numerous wrestlers earning All-American honors and competing at the highest level.
Top 10 Rankings: A Breakdown
Here are the top 10 Virginia Tech wrestling team rankings, along with their achievements and notable wrestlers:
- 2005-2006: 6th place at the NCAA Championships, led by All-Americans Mike Faust (157 lbs) and Josh Feldman (141 lbs)
- 2010-2011: 5th place at the NCAA Championships, featuring All-Americans Jarrod Garnett (125 lbs) and Brandon Williamson (165 lbs)
- 2012-2013: 4th place at the NCAA Championships, with All-Americans Joey Dance (125 lbs) and Chris Penny (133 lbs)
- 2014-2015: 6th place at the NCAA Championships, led by All-Americans Ty Walz (285 lbs) and Zach Epperly (157 lbs)
- 2015-2016: 5th place at the NCAA Championships, featuring All-Americans Joey Dance (125 lbs) and Zach Epperly (157 lbs)
- 2016-2017: 4th place at the NCAA Championships, with All-Americans Joey Dance (125 lbs) and David McFadden (165 lbs)
- 2017-2018: 6th place at the NCAA Championships, led by All-Americans Ty Walz (285 lbs) and Joey Dance (125 lbs)
- 2018-2019: 5th place at the NCAA Championships, featuring All-Americans David McFadden (174 lbs) and Zack Zavatsky (184 lbs)
- 2019-2020: 4th place at the NCAA Championships, with All-Americans David McFadden (174 lbs) and Hunter Bolen (184 lbs)
- 2020-2021: 6th place at the NCAA Championships, led by All-Americans David McFadden (174 lbs) and Korbin Myers (133 lbs)
Factors Contributing to Virginia Tech's Success
So, what sets Virginia Tech's wrestling team apart from the rest? Here are a few factors that contribute to their success:
- Strong Coaching: Head coach Tony Robie has been instrumental in the team's success, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the program.
- Talented Recruits: Virginia Tech consistently attracts top recruits, many of whom go on to become All-Americans and NCAA champions.
- Competitive Schedule: The Hokies face a challenging schedule each year, competing against top-ranked teams and wrestlers.
- Team Culture: Virginia Tech's wrestling team is known for its strong camaraderie and team-first mentality, which helps drive their success.
Notable Wrestlers
Virginia Tech has produced numerous talented wrestlers over the years, many of whom have gone on to achieve great success at the collegiate and international levels. Here are a few notable wrestlers:
- Joey Dance: A three-time All-American and NCAA champion at 125 lbs.
- David McFadden: A four-time All-American and NCAA runner-up at 174 lbs.
- Ty Walz: A two-time All-American and NCAA finalist at 285 lbs.
- Korbin Myers: A two-time All-American and NCAA finalist at 133 lbs.
Conclusion
Virginia Tech's wrestling team has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the collegiate wrestling world. With a rich history of producing talented athletes and a strong team culture, the Hokies continue to thrive under the guidance of head coach Tony Robie. As we look to the future, it's exciting to think about what the next chapter holds for this talented team.
What is the most successful season in Virginia Tech wrestling team history?
+The 2012-2013 season was the most successful in Virginia Tech wrestling team history, with the team finishing 4th at the NCAA Championships.
Who is the most successful wrestler in Virginia Tech history?
+Joey Dance is the most successful wrestler in Virginia Tech history, with three All-American honors and one NCAA championship at 125 lbs.
What is the name of the head coach of the Virginia Tech wrestling team?
+Tony Robie is the head coach of the Virginia Tech wrestling team.