The Golden Wave Standard: 27 and Counting!

Winning state titles is a family tradition for two Grundy Wrestling families. Read more about it inside ...

In Other Words …

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I started going to the wrestling  tournaments and state a few years ago due to my grandson Bryce Looney was a member.  I had heard all the hoopla of how great it was but couldn’t understand.  It’s just wrestling  right. Ok after a few state tournaments  I began to understand.  What I see is that every person  there cheers for our guys on the mat no matter  who’s up next. You don’t see that at most tournaments.  I’m guessing that’s why we were asked by another team to cheer her son on because  we were grundy and had the best team and cheering  squad.  Proud to be a cheering  granny at the grundy wrestling  tournaments..GO WAVE!!!”

Karen and Dean Owens

Commitment and Consistency define Grundy Wrestling (& the whole community). The day in and day out commitment to the program and all the needs of a great program have lead to great consis-

tency. Grundy is and always has been a solid HS wrestling program year after year.

Most impressive!

- Kevin Dresser

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Like Father, Like Son

Winning State Title Becoming A Family Affair for the Griffey Bunch

By Jessica Hoerter

‘I wasn’t sure if I would be as good as him, but I always wanted to try to surprass him.’

- Carson Griffey Grundy State Champ

Grundy, Va. - In the world of wrestling, where every drop of sweat tells a story of grit and determination, there exists a unique bond unlike any other — the bond between a father and his son, united by a shared passion for wrestling and a shared desire to be the best.

Grundy’s Jimmy Griffey, Class of 1998, and his son Carson, Class of 3024, form a duo whose connection transcends generations and is woven with the threads of wrestling glory.

Both have grappled on the same school mats under the guidance of the same coach - only separated by 26 years - yet bound by a common pursuit of excellence.

Jimmy, a two-time state champion in his heyday, passed the torch to his son Carson, who has since etched his own name in the annals of wrestling history.

Theirs is a story of familial legacy, sweat-soaked triumphs, and the

(Above) Father and son pose at the Super 32 tournament, an off-season gathering in North Carolina known to be where the best in the nation meet-up.

Carson Griffey comes off the mat as a youth.

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unbreakable bond forged through the relentless pursuit of greatness. Their remarkable journey is a tale of athletic prowess and a testament to the enduring strength of a father-son relationship forged on the mat.

Jimmy Griffey’s life became intertwined with the legacy of the Grundy wrestling program when he transferred from an elementary school in Mouthcard, Kentucky, to Big Rock Elementary School in Buchanan County, Virginia.

This move marked the beginning of his journey into the world of wrestling, laying the foundation for his deep connection to the program.

Despite never having watched a wrestling match before his eighth-grade year at Grundy Junior High, Griffey embraced the sport, largely influenced by his friends’ active involvement.

During the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, under the coaching of Kevin Dresser, who played a crucial role in shaping the program’s success, Grundy Wrestling was poised to become one of the most renowned programs in Virginia, and Jimmy was one of the athletes who would help make that happen.

While Jimmy stumbled upon wrestling by chance, finding himself in the right place at the right time, his son Carson, a senior at Grundy High School, was immersed in the sport from a young age, steeped in the lore surrounding Grundy’s wrestling legacy.

Growing up as the son of a two-time state wrestling champion at Grundy High School and an athlete connected to Grundy’s storied sports history, Carson’s passion for wrestling was ingrained early on.

While it’s common for children to aspire to follow in their parents’ footsteps, Carson’s ambition extended beyond emulation; he aimed to surpass his father.

Reflecting on his aspirations, Carson remarks, “I wasn’t sure if I would be as good as him, but I always wanted to try to surpass him.”

That kind of competitive spirit, even with those closest to us, has made Grundy Wrestling what it is today and cemented the strong bond between Jimmy and Carson Griffey.

Most great stories start with a phenomenal foundation, and Jimmy Griffey’s wrestling journey is intricately tied to the guidance of two influential coaches.

His wrestling career began with Coach Kevin Dresser, who led Grundy to eight consecutive state titles from 1989 to 1996. Dresser coached Jimmy until his sophomore year, and then Coach Travis Fiser took the reins the summer before his junior year.

Reflecting on his experience,

He credits Fiser with elevating his skills to new heights, emphasizing, “Coach Fiser not only developed me as a wrestler but, most importantly, played a key role in shaping me as a man.”

Jimmy acknowledges the impact of both coaches, stating, “Both coaches brought their own special style, but Coach Fiser really put it all together for me.”

Jimmy also remembers Dresser with the utmost respect as he shares one of his favorite wrestling memories from the 1997 VHSL state championships when he used the Dresser Dump to secure the state title. Jimmy recalls, “As I [glanced] into the crowd, and there, at mat level, sat Coach Dresser. Our eyes met, and Coach Dresser gave his signature ‘nice’ head nod of approval as I flawlessly executed the Dresser Dump, gaining the advantage and ultimately securing my first state title.”

Carson Griffey echoes his father’s sentiment regarding Coach Fiser’s coaching prow-

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Jimmy and Carson Griffey back in the youth wrestler, youth wrestler coach days.

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ess and the legacy they’ve built together.

Carson reflects, “It’s pretty surreal that Coach Fiser has coached two generations of Griffeys to state championships. I believe we’re the first father-son combo that he has coached to win state titles.”

Despite noting differences in Coach Fiser’s coaching approach between them, Carson appreciates that Coach Fiser maintains the same high standards for him as he did for his father.

The guidance of dedicated coaches is pivotal in shaping the development of everyathlete, and Carson Griffey is no different. Having been coached by his dad when he was younger provided a foundation in wrestling that would guide Carson as he grew.

However, as with most parent/child relationships, as Carson matured as a wrestler, their relationship changed.

According to Jimmy, “During Carson’s elementary and middle school years, our dynamic was that of a father coaching his son, which generally worked well but had its challenges at times.”

Both Jimmy and Carson view the journey as father/coach and son/athlete, as a

journey they wouldn’t change.

However, Jimmy recognized Carson’s need for independence and ability to grow as an athlete, stating, “I consciously shifted toward a larger father role and a lesser coaching role as he entered high school. Stepping back entirely from coaching after his freshman year allowed Carson the space to navigate his own path, mature as an athlete, and establish his own legacy without my daily coaching influence.”

Jimmy Griffey is confident that this shift enabled him to develop his own unique wrestling style and carve out his place in the sport.

Even though Jimmy wrestled his last high school match 26 years ago, the shared

experiences between him and Carson as wrestlers have not only strengthened their father/son bond but also laid the groundwork for a deeper mutual respect and understanding.

Jimmy is able to understand the challenges Carson faces and can support him in a way that only a former wrestler can.

According to Jimmy, despite their wrestling styles being different, he and Carson keep communication open and maintain mutual respect when it comes to Carson’s wrestling career.

Reflecting on their relationship, Jimmy explains, “Whether it’s bouncing ideas off each other, discussing preparation strategies, or making match adjustments, we’ve formed a strong partnership on and off the mat. As Carson has matured and advanced in his wrestling journey, I’ve taken a step back, offering my opinion only when asked, allowing him the freedom to shape his own wrestling identity.

Jimmy credits this acknowledgment of respect between them as wrestlers, which has made their journey even more meaningful, highlighting the importance of

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The Griffey family has two spaces on the march of time shown along the wall of champions in the Grundy wrestling room.

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support and understanding within their family.

Carson also appreciates the profound relationship and understanding within his family, especially when reflecting on his most memorable moment as a wrestler: winning his first state title in the 132-pound weight class in 2021.

“I entered the state tournament as the lowest seed and ended up winning the state title. Only my parents and I truly understand the years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifices that led to that freshman state championship,” Carson shares.

On Saturday, Feb. 17, at the VHSL Class 1 wrestling championships in Salem, Virginia, Carson Griffey etched his name in Grundy wrestling history for the final time as he surpassed his dad’s championship count by winning his third state championship.

Carson reflected on how bittersweet a third title would feel because he had hoped to win four state titles but fell short his sophomore year. However, having one more state title than his dad, Carson says, “is pretty cool to me.” Jimmy Griffey views Carson’s third state title as the culmination of a journey that extends beyond wrestling.

“My main goals were twofold: to nurture a fine young man who remains humble in

his successes and to equip him with the tools and knowledge necessary to surpass my own achievements. Now, in wrestling circles, it’s Carson’s image and legacy that come to mind.”

This sentiment reflects their powerful bond as a father passes the torch to his son, cementing both of their legacies as Grundy wrestling champions.

With unwavering support from each other and their family, Jimmy and Car-

son’s journey in wrestling has come full circle, culminating in Carson’s recent victories on the mat and a future that is shining brightly. As Carson’s senior year comes to an end in the coming months, he will continue wrestling for Reinhardt University in Waleska, Georgia, and be able to step out from Grundy wrestling and the legacy he and his dad helped create to forge a new path outside of Virginia. Looking toward the future, Jimmy is proud of what he and Carson have created.

Endings are always filled with mixed emotions, but Jimmy knows that there might be an opportunity for a third generation of Griffeys to come through Grundy wrestling, and what a special opportunity that would be.

“If we’re blessed with that opportunity, it would be very special. The fact that you’re seeing generational wrestlers progress through the Grundy Wrestling Club is a testament to the vision that Mr. Robertson had.”

Most of all, Jimmy Griffey knows these are bittersweet times but is embracing what lies ahead for Carson and their family.

“I’m so very proud of the man he’s become and the progress he’s made throughout high school. I’m excited to see what his future holds!”

106 Pounds

Colton Clevinger

Colton Clevinger nabbed sixth place, falling to Westmoreland’s Eli Castellanos 6-4 in his final match of the season.

Clevinger kicked off his tournament with a 9-4 win over Giles’ Carson Campos before falling to Castellanos in overtime in the quarterfinals. Clevinger battled back with a pinfall of Franklin’s Julius Mckeller before losing 9-0 to Rural Retreat’s Houston Bear. He then met up with Castellanos again in the battle for fifth.

Clevinger was third in the regional tourney, taking a 5-1 decision from Holston’s Dodger Sluder.

113 Pounds

Bryce Looney

Bryce Looney settled for second in the state finals, dropping a 4-3 heartbreaker to Rural Retreat sophomore Caleb Gibson.

Looney launched his tournament with a first-period pin over Franklin’s JaQuan Brinson. He followed that up with a pin over J.T. Porter of Grayson County.

In the regional tournament, the tables had been turned with Looney hanging a 7-6 loss on Gibson.

120 Pounds

Talan Hall

Talen Hall clinched a championship with a 7-2 finals victory over Rural Retreat’s Gabe Crewey. Like the 113-pound bout, the state finals was a rematch of the regional finals. In that one, Hall had stuck Crewey, pinning the Indian in the finals.

Hall’s state run started with a 35-second pinfall win over David Lane of Westmoreland. He then took an ultimate tie-breaker win over Grayson County’s Caleb Thompson in his toughest match of the day.

126 Pounds

Blake Broyles

Blake Broyles took silver at Salem, dropping an 11-5 decision to Grayson County’s Sergio Rodriguez.

Broyles kicked off his tournament run with a 13-2 win over Jordan Brokenbrough of Parry McCluer. In the quarters, Broyles pinned Franklin Cardenas of Mathews High School before sticking Jack Hughes of Fort Chiswell in the second period.

At the Region D tournament, Broyles finished in third place, pinning Lane Sparks of Castlewood in the second period.

Brody Coleman

Brody Coleman gave the Wave their second individual state title of the 2024 season, stinging Merrick Buchanan of Holston 9-5 in the finals.

The meet-up in the finals was a replay of the Region D tournament, where Coleman bested Buchanan 5-2.

Coleman’s state journey began with an 18-7 decision over Fort Chiswell’s Jeremiah Cline. He then tuned up Ashby Russell of Lancaster High School, 15-1, before facing off with Buchanan again.

Wrestling Obsession

Grundy known far and wide for its passion, success in the sport

By Jessica Hoerter

Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains is an area known for its beauty and rugged terrain. The mountain roads that lead here are distinctively steep in some places and uncomfortably narrow in others.

High school football rules in most small towns in America; however, Grundy is unlike most small towns.

The biggest sport here has no quarterback and is not played in a stadium packed with hometown fans. There are no cheerleaders and no marching band. Neither football nor Friday night lights have put this small Appalachian coal mining town on the map.

er that often floods, where resilient Appalachian families have thrived for generations, this is where Grundy wrestlers are built. Grundy wrestling is a tradition of excellence that has strengthened community ties over four decades. Grundy won its first state title in 1978, and over the past 46 years, they have amassed 27 state team titles and countless individual state champion titles. Now, the tradition and lore of Grundy wrestling speaks for itself.

Grundy wrestling began its meteoric rise when the coal industry started to decline, and the whole region began experiencing economic downturns. As the county shrunk, the team’s celebrity soared.

No, Grundy’s obsession is wrestling.

Through the narrow roads of Buchanan County, beside a riv-

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With a fanbase that bleeds gold and blue, Grundy has garnered a loyal following beyond parents, community members, and teachers. Admiration for the Golden Wave extends far beyond the hills of Buchanan County; Grundy wrestling is a topic of discussion in wrestling circles far and wide.

What does it mean to someone when they hear the phrase “Grundy wrestling?” To understand what Grundy wrestling means to its community, fans, athletes, and families, you must start at its foundation. The foundation of Grundy wrestling has always started with the kids in Grundy getting their start with wrestling through the Grundy Wrestling Club, which was started in 1983 to provide opportunities to the kids in Buchanan County.

According to Grundy head coach Travis Fiser, the key is starting them young so that by the time they reach high school, wrestling is a way of life. And that is just what Grundy wrestling has become: a way of life, not just for the scrappy, tough Grundy kids that people say were made

for wrestling, but for their entire community.

Year after year, spectators at the VHSL wrestling tournament in Salem witness the unwavering support of the Grundy wrestling community as fans travel over three hours to back their team. Clad in navy and gold, each fan has a unique reason for being there.

Some are anxious parents, eagerly awaiting their sons’ pursuit of individual state titles. Others are former wrestlers returning to cheer on their alma mater or reminisce about their own victorious moments. Then there are those loyal supporters who simply adore Grundy wrestling and wouldn’t miss a state tournament for the world.

But what is it about Grundy wrestling that inspires such devotion? What sets this team apart, capturing the hearts of its supporters year after year?

According to many loyal Golden Wave fans, Grundy wrestling is more than just a sport—it’s a tightly-knit family. This fam-

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Congratulations to the Grundy

friend Grundy Wrestling Team on No. 27

From a

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journey and place within the club by helping with little league tournaments and also the Agie Skeens Tournament for 10 years. Grundy Wrestling was and is my family. Not by birth, but by choice. I am grateful to the wise men who set it up many years ago and also for the success in the personal lives of so many young men who may have otherwise been lost in society.”

Smith-Justus’s personal experience exemplifies the deep bonds formed within the Grundy wrestling community. For her, and many others like her, Grundy wrestling represents more than just a sport—it’s a supportive network that extends beyond the mat and into the fabric of their lives.

Wrestling mom Cheri Hall echoes the sentiment. Her stepson transferred from Tazewell as a state championship winner in 2022. She shares her perspective as an outsider, having attended tournaments with her stepson as part of the Tazewell Bulldogs. Despite being from a different team, Hall noticed and appreciated the strong support and sense of community among Grundy fans. She emphasizes that Grundy wrestling is more than just a team; it’s an entire community dedicated to loving and supporting their wrestlers.

Hall recounts how her stepson, Talan, was one of three wrestlers on the Tazewell wrestling team and felt like an outsider in high school due to a lack of understanding and respect for wrestlers. However, when given the opportunity to transfer to Grundy, Talan didn’t hesitate, expressing his eagerness to be a part of something significant.

“His whole demeanor has changed since joining Grundy wrestling. He carries himself with such pride and he is so determined to improve. We are looking forward to the next two years and we feel very blessed to be a part of this community,” Hall said.

To some, Grundy wrestling is synonymous with hard work and the making of champions, earning the admiration of even other coaches

and teams. Grundy wrestlers and their commitment to excellence have been leaving an impression since the 90s.

The Golden Wave and their dominance made everyone a believer and inspired an entire region of wrestlers.

“Grundy’s program has been an inspiration to me; you have set the bar in the Southeastern US and I still admire your accomplishments, culture, and legacy,” says one fan posting in the Grundy Wrestling Club Facebook group, who is also a wrestling coach for an out of state wrestling team.

Golden Wave wrestling fans are from far and wide, just like Andrea Holdren, who follows the Golden Wave. Holdren isn’t from Grundy or the sur-

rounding area. She grew up watching her brother wrestle for a former VHSL Class 2 member school, Lord Botetourt High School in Daleville, Virginia, which is three hours away from the community that supports Grundy wrestling.

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144 Pounds

Carson Griffey

Grundy senior Carson Griffey rolled to a third state title with an 18-3 tech fall over Sam Mello of George Wythe.

That finals tech fall wasn’t the only time

Griffey demonstrated technical superiority.

Griffey teched Northampton’s Andrew Daggins 19-4 in the semifinals. He kicked off his third state title run with a pin over A.J. Woodson of Bath County High School.

At the regional finals, Griffey won first with a first-period pin over Hunter Pennington of Rural Retreat.

150 Pounds Shaiem Gordon

They call him Flash. And Shaiem Gordon made speedy work of earning another state title, pinning Jackson Brockenbrough of Parry McCluer in the second period during the 150-pound finals.

Gordon’s state run kicked off with a first-period pin over Zane Perkins of George Wythe, followed by a second-period pin over Aiden Hogg of Westmoreland.

In regions, Gordon majored Jake Bush of Castlewood, just missing a tech fall.

Carson Deel hung on in the state finals to claim a title off a 5-3 decision over Grayson County’s Cole Lorenz.

Before battling Lorenz, Deel had stuck Trenton Hall of George Wythe and Ivan Schaible of Mathews, both in the first period.

In the Region D finals, Deel claimed the crown with a 26-second pin over J.I. Burton’s Braylon McConnell.

165 Pounds O

Brody Ford

dell Stroupe of Rural Retreat broke the string of Grundy champs with a 6-3 decision over Brody Ford in the state finals.

The state tournament result was a near mirror image of the Region D match, where Ford hung a 5-3 loss on Stroupe.

Ford kicked off his state tournament with an 18-second pinfall win over Albert Pollard of Lancaster High School. In the semifinals, Ford pinned Parry McCluer’s Junior Convers in 37 seconds.

175 Pounds

Andrew Scarberry

Andrew Scarberry claimed a state title with a second-period pin over Caden Carico of Galax.

Scarberry had battled injury before the state tournament, but little of that was evident as he kicked off the weekend with a 7-4 decision over Giles’ John Smith, followed by a pinfall win in the semifinals over Mathews’ Richard Hahn.

At regions, Scarberry had finished in second, losing in the finals 3-2 to Eastside’s Dayton Stanley.

190 Pounds Talon Looney

Talon Looney pulled out a 5-1 win over A.J. Ashworth of Galax to claim the state’s 190-pound crown.

Looney started off Friday with a pin over George Wythe’s Trey Sparks and then took a quick pin in the semifinals over Colby Yeago of Buffalo Gap.

In regions, Looney took first with a first-period pin over Chilhowie’s Daniel Hutton.

At the Virginia Duals, Looney claimed four victories, including a first-period stick of Great Bridge’s Grayson Ringwald and a second-period win over Hunter Pearson of Skyline. At the Virginia Duals, Looney claimed four victories, including a first-period stick of Great Bridge’s Grayson Ringwald and a second-period win over Hunter Pearson of Skyline.

215 Pounds Wyatt Bush

Edwin Espinoza of Galax did something few had done over the course of the season. No, he didn’t beat Grundy star Wyatt Bush, who pinned his way to another state title – his third in as many years. But Espinoza did make it out of the first period, lasting until the 2:43 mark before clearing the way for Bush to climb to the top of the podium. His march to the finals came courtesy of 28-second (against Bath County’s Dillan Royer) and 64-second (over Aiden Acord of Buffalo Gap) pins.

In the Region D final, Bush pinned Chilhowie’s Ethan Doss in 50 seconds.

The biggest hurdle Bush faced this year is finding a team willing to put an opponent on the mat, with the big man getting two forfeits even at the Virginia Duals. The opponents who didn’t forfeit wound up counting the lights. The biggest hurdle Bush faced this year is finding a team willing to put an opponent on the mat, with the big man getting two forfeits even at the Virginia Duals. The opponents who didn’t forfeit wound up counting the lights.

285 Pounds

Luke Shelton

Luke Shelton’s celebration after winning the 285-pound title in Salem lasted longer than his match. The man they call Quake took first with a 35 second pin over Patrick Henry’s Thomas Hudson.

It took him a bit longer at the regional meeting, where Shelton stuck Hudson just before the halfway mark in the first period.

En route to the finals, Shelton stuck Bishop Whitaker of Galax in 34 seconds and took 37 seconds to beat Timmy Lesher of Parry McCluer.

At the Virginia Duals, Shelton wrestled four matches and claimed pinfall wins in four matches, with his longest time spent on the mat against Great Bridge’s Jayden Cuevas. Shelton took nearly 5 minutes to pin him. Against Skyline’s Tytus Drake, Shelton only took 13 seconds.

“When I hear Grundy wrestling, the first thing that comes to my mind is champion, and the second is good wrestling, [being] elite,” Holdren says. She watched her brother wrestle her entire life and now watches her nephews continue the tradition with her brother as a coach. Holdren’s family is a wrestling family, and Grundy is a household name. Holdren says, “When we talk wrestling, Grundy always comes up. That program has been strong since I was a little girl. So when you compare wrestlers to wrestlers, the words may come up, “better watch out for the Grundy boys because they are always a top contender.’” Holdren also has a deep respect for Grundy’s fan base. A favorite memory of hers is from the 1994 VHSL Class 2 state championships; the Grundy fans were decked out in their navy and gold Grundy attire, glitter, and feathers. Their cheers of “wave” drowned out everyone else in the Salem Civic Center.

For many, Grundy instills a deep sense of pride that follows them even outside the boundary of Buchanan County. Dean Owens, a 1987 graduate of Grundy High

School, still follows Grundy Wrestling even though he now lives in Roanoke, Owens explains, “That was the year that started the string of many State Champions. To me, being born and raised in Grundy, there is a sense of pride.”

Even though Owens only gets to see Grundy wrestle a few times a year now,

that same feeling of pride bubbles to the top when people ask where he’s from or say they wrestled someone from Grundy and got their butts kicked. Owens is proud to be from Grundy and proud of all the wrestlers that have gone through the pro-

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gram.

However, no one can explain what Grundy wrestling symbolizes to an entire region of wrestling fans better than former Grundy wrestler, wrestling assistant coach, and President of the Grundy Wrestling Club, Tass Robertson. Robertson elaborates, “Grundy Wrestling has many meanings to me, and it has continually evolved over my lifetime. First, Grundy Wrestling represents equal opportunity, effort-based success, merit-based judgment, and family. Wrestling gives everyone the same opportunity to succeed.” He explains that wrestling isn’t about who a kid’s parents are or their standing in the community. Robertson continues, “Hard work is all that is needed to achieve success, and wrestlers are judged individually. This accountability teaches each athlete to be responsible to and for themselves and leads to life success.” Lastly, Robertson stresses that Grundy wrestling is family, echoing earlier sentiments from

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Through my dad’s eyes

The rise, impact and enduring legacy of a powerhouse program

By Jessica Hoerter

After more than five decades of officiating VHSL wrestling—51 years to be exact—my father finally decided to leave the world of officiating behind and enjoy wrestling as a spectator, with more than a little coaxing from my mother.

Few things have brought my dad more joy than witnessing the rise of Grundy wrestling, transforming from an unknown outside of southwest Virginia to a wrestling powerhouse since the late ‘80s.

Rooted in southwest Virginia pride, Grundy’s tournament success became a source of communal excitement, shared among my dad and fellow wrestling enthusiasts as they carved their way. Dad would return from wrestling tournaments buzzing with tales of Grundy’s victories— almost like a cherished secret shared among southwest Virginia’s wrestling communities. However, as Grundy wrestling began to dominate the sport and emerge as the team to beat, this ‘secret’ became a point of pride for my dad and the wider SWVA wrestling community.

During the 1990s, conversations at our dinner table were often dominated by Grundy wrestling, and I never tired of hearing my dad’s passionate tales. Grundy wrestling permeated our household year-round as I found traces of wrestling season throughout the year—calendars, match programs, and highlighted results from local newspapers were commonplace décor. It felt as though Grundy wrestling was a member of our family, perhaps the older brother I never had.

Dad talked so much about Grundy wrestling that I was able to recount wrestler names and anecdotes whenever the topic of wrestling would come up. After college, when I moved states away from Buchanan County and the mountains of Virginia where Grundy Wrestling was built, it amazed me to discover that people would recognize the name all those miles away.

I would always call my dad recounting the Grundy wrestling fans I met, and we would agree that it was a testament to Grundy’s remarkable legacy, even though most people didn’t know how to find Grundy on a map.

This past December, I drove with my dad to watch the final day of the Aggie Skeens Tournament. As a child, I could always sense when Dad was gearing up to officiate the tournament because it was like Christmas to him. Who needed a round, jolly man dressed in red bringing gifts? Dad had Grundy Wrestling. I had once jokingly mentioned to my mom that I wanted a December wedding, only to be sternly reminded that any date close to “Grundy’s tournament” would mean Dad wouldn’t be there.

During the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Grundy on that sunny December day, Dad shared his insights on the day’s matches, and we delved into discussions about Grundy wrestling. We pondered the possibility of Grundy winning its 27th VHSL state championship in February. Then, with a contemplative gaze out the window, Dad paused for a moment before reflecting on his role as a VHSL official and what Grundy wrestling meant to

him.

He continued, “If you could officiate the Grundy Aggie Skeens Memorial Tournament, you should be capable of officiating any division of wrestling in Virginia. Grundy always positions itself as the gold standard. They have more heart than any other team you’ll see in Salem.”

High praise indeed — coming from my dad, who has always held a deep affection for the boys from southwest Virginia — ruggedly built and made for wrestling.

“Most teams used Grundy as a litmus test for their season. If any of their wrestlers could hold their own against a first or second-string Grundy wrestler, they knew they might do okay this season and find themselves at the state championship.”

He acknowledged that wealthier schools could invest heavily in their programs, but he also knew that Grundy wrestling possessed a secret weapon.

Dad said, “Not only were they the grittiest team out there competing, but they also embodied the heart of a champion.

The pursuit of those titles carried too much pride for them to be taken lightly — that’s Grundy Wrestling.”

That’s the Grundy Wrestling my dad knew and officiated for all those years. It’s the same program that defined the gold standard for high school wrestling in Virginia—a legacy I heard about throughout my childhood. And now, Grundy Wrestling has just clinched its 27th VHSL state title, solidifying its reputation as the most feared team in southwest Virginia.

Family Tradition

Webb has been involved in nearly every state title

By Zach Cooley

Raymond Webb never had awards in mind during his lifelong involvement with the Grundy Wrestling Club as a two-time state champion in 1987 and 1988, as a junior and senior in high school.

He did not consider an award when he served as an assistant coach to 143 of 149 of Grundy’s all-time champions over the past 35 years. He would have aided in the other six, undoubtedly, had he been old enough.

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Despite that, Webb has been named to the Virginia Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

“It’s a great honor,” Webb admitted. “But it’s never been about wrestling.”

In March 1982, Webb was riding bikes when Jim Wayne Childress invited him and a friend to join their wrestling team. That was a year before the Grundy Wrestling Club was founded. As a result, Webb found the family he never had among his coaches and fellow wrestlers and has since never looked back.

Beginning as a little leaguer in the seventh grade at Vansant Elementary, Webb would rank third in the state during his sophomore year before taking top honors for the next two consecutive years, a first-ever in the history of his hometown.

“I learned so many things that have helped me in my lifelong and career challenges,” he recalled. “Every life lesson I ever learned came from the Grundy Wrestling Club.”

Grundy would go on to claim 27 state titles and counting.

“I have been involved in 26 of them,” he noted. “The only reason I was not involved in 27 was because I was eight years old when the first championship was won.”

He knew the older winners, however, as coaches and mentors to Webb and his peers.

Donnie Mullins and Olen Owens, 1972 Grundy wrestling champions, were his heroes and inspired him to remain actively involved. Serving as assistant coach since graduating high school, Webb knew he wanted to continue giving back from day one.

“I coached the little leaguers from eighth grade on,” he said. “I coached high school as soon as I graduated up to the present time.”

Webb’s son Andy, now 25, followed in his dad’s footsteps in more ways than one. The two of them are the first father-son state champions in the history of Grundy High School.

Andy surpassed his father’s record, winning three consecutive state titles in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

“He teases me about it from time to time,” Webb said with a laugh. “Andy has been wrestling since he was potty-trained and it was awesome to watch him achieve those amazing goals.”

The bond between father and son extends far beyond wrestling.

Webb and his son are both decorated members of the Buchanon County Sheriff’s Office.

“It’s a bond that can’t be broken,” he said, choking up. “We would not be the men we have become without the Grundy Wrestling Club.”

Webb adds that his accomplishments are very minor in comparison to all the Grundy Wrestling Club has given him.

“Anything I’ve done is not even an ounce of what they’ve done for me,” he said as he fought back tears. “I owe everything to those guys.”

Webb says his coaches and mentors from the Grundy Wrestling Club inspired him to pursue his highly successful career as a narcotics officer for the Buchanon County Sheriff’s Office and investigator for the Virginia State Police.

“I had a very troubled homelife growing up,” he confessed. “They helped me become determined to stay on the

right side of the law.”

Webb would thrive as a policeman, receiving the prestigious Valor Award twice in his career thus far. One such instance involved his heroic efforts during a shootout, which claimed the lives of two of his fellow officers. Webb guided two other wounded officers and several civilians to safety during the March 2011 incident.

Webb received the award again for saving numerous lives during the floods in and around Buchanan County. Most recent-

Parting Shots

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parents and fans alike. “My parents were both only children, so I have no close relatives. I grew up in the wrestling gym, and the guys that came through our program have been my heroes, my brothers, my friends, my children, and my inspiration. They showed me how to overcome obstacles, push for goals and how to be a man,” stated Robertson.

In the world of Grundy wrestling, the echoes of tradition and success ring loud and clear, creating a story filled with family pride and unwavering support. Whether deep-rooted connections, the thrill of victory, or the long-standing customs, Grundy wrestling holds a special place in many hearts. Its impact stretches far beyond the wrestling mat, touching individuals across the region and the wider wrestling community.

Through shared experiences of friendship, resilience, and achievement, Grundy wrestling embodies the values of family, pride, support, tradition, and success, bringing together generations under the enduring symbol of the Golden Wave.

Continued from Page 44

ly, he rescued a woman from a moving trailer by cutting a hole through its roof and pulling her out. No matter the danger of any situation he faces, Webb draws from the lessons of his Grundy wrestling mentors. The father of five also credits his wife, Melissa, as being his greatest strength. “They remind me that I’ve been through worse,” he stated.

“They’ve made me strong enough to handle any tough situation.”