Knights’ staff recognized at state, regional level
Manheim, Pa. – It’s hard to argue the logic.
The Robbinsville Black Knights’ coaching staff has been named the National Wrestling Coaches Association’s Boys Assistant Staff of the Year for North Carolina. Robbinsville was also recognized by the association as its Section 3 assistant staff of the year, beating out eight other states in the Southern region for the honor.
Even more impressive is that the staff was runner-up for the National Assistant Coaching Staff of the Year, a distinction that went to Flathead (Mont.) High School (Section 8).
“Congratulations to a great group of men,” recently retired Robbinsville head coach Todd Odom told The Graham Star last week. “Robbinsville wrestling’s success is largely attributed to their time, dedication and efforts.”
The Knights have became a force in the 1A ranks of North Carolina over the last several years. Robbinsville won the state dual-team title in 2017 and finished as both the Western Regional Dual Team Runner-Up and Individual Team State Runner-Up this season.
In February, the Knights crowned five different individual state champions:
* Aynsley Fink, a two-time women’s champion;
* Kyle Fink, who won three 1A titles during his career;
* Kage Williams, a sophomore who has already clinched two state crowns in two different weight classes (182 pounds his freshman year; 195 last season);
* Ben Wachacha, who won back-to-back, 220-pound gold medals and is committed to wrestle at the University of Mount Olive;
* Alexis Panama, who tore through the 106-pound bracket en route to his first varsity championship.
Robbinsville is known for its willingness to travel long hours to participate against tough competition – as well as its gritty practices, which often last several hours at its state-of-the-art facility on the high school campus.
Odom also provided statements on each member of the coaching staff that contribute to the Black Knights’ success, while noting that the descriptors were just a “snippet” of their importance to the program:
* Weston Haney: “The technique guy. Has more wrestling knowledge than anyone else in the room. Teaches 90 percent of the things we show in the room. Wrestles with the light guys. Still in incredible shape.”
* Travis Hooper: “Sets a great example of a man who works hard, acts like someone on and off the mat, and lights up like a Christmas tree when he has the opportunity to talk about Jesus. He not only has made us better in the room with some old-school technique, but he makes us better people by being there.”
* James Keifer: “Strength/Conditioning Coach. His demanding and extreme-conditioning techniques have prepared our kids for wars on the mat.”
* Billy Knight: “The guy in charge when I’m not there. Responsible for scheming our matches and providing me with some harsh reality checks. Also the man behind the wheel on all of our trips. Middle School co-coach. Still mixes it up with the big guys group.”
* Brandon Lee: “Currently serving in the U.S. Navy. Uses his leave and extra time to come in the room and make our kids better. Brando is second – only to (Josh) Winfrey – for the most energetic personality.”
* Wren Millsaps: “The numbers guy. Schemes our matches and recruits kids for the program daily. Has kept the team organized with paperwork for a number of years. Wrestles with the big guys. Has co-coached the middle school with Billy for a number of years. Super passionate about the sport.”
* Josiah Phillips: “Wrestled heavyweight for us and continues to spar with the heavies. He’s always smiling and rarely has a bad day. His energy is contagious and he can talk trash with the best of them.”
* Irvin Portugal: “Dedicated coach to all of our lower weights. Works them out in the off times. Incredibly talented. Mixes it up with everyone from 106-145. A true inspiration to what the sport can do for someone.”
* D.J. Robinson: “Assistant for 15 years. Incredible off bottom. Hammer on top. Kills people on his feet. Wrestles everyone from 152 pounds and up. He makes our kids better every day.”
* Jason Tom Sawyer: “The truth guy. He pulls no punches. The kids know up front when they screw up, or do something not conducive to winning. Has taken kids all over the country to expose them to the best competition. Loves the sport as much as anyone I know. Wrestles with the guys 125-145 pounds.”
* Colby White: “Schemes, wrestles and stays on top of things. Former head coach at Andrews, he is consistent at keeping me up to date with my numbers for the team. He – along with Wren – runs a morning workout program for the kids who want to get better.”
* Carter Williamson: “The new guy. Dangerous on his feet. A big reason our upper weights are as good as they have been. Loves the sport and has been instrumental in taking kids to off season tournaments. Very technically sound as a coach and an even better dude.”
* Joshua Winfrey: “The motivator. Gets in the kids heads/faces and is able to bring out their best effort. Currently is the head coach for the Far West Kids Club. He has nothing but positive energy that the kids react to. He is hyper competitive. Wrestles with 182 pounds – heavyweight.”
Odom also praised the staff as a whole – which he affectionally dubbed “The Dirty Dozen,” even though the sum of its parts is technically 13.
“A group of men who have chosen to check their egos at the door and impart their knowledge, so that the kids they coach can be better than they were,” said Odom.
“I am very fortunate to have these people in my life and am very proud to call each one of these incredible individuals my brothers.”