LHU gets new wrestling coach
Jason Seyler
Issue date: 11/12/09 Section: News
|
Such is the case as Lock Haven University officially announced Robbie Waller as head coach of the Bald Eagle wrestling team Tuesday.
Following the retirement of long-time wrestling coach, Anthony "Rocky" Bonomo, Waller brings new life to the Lock Haven wrestling program and a lineage of success.
"I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to lead such a tradition-rich program," said Waller who will continue the same two-year contract he signed this past summer, but now as head coach. "Our coaching staff, athletes and administration are committed to returning Lock Haven University wrestling back to national prominence."
After an outstanding high school career at Mount Pleasant Area where he posted a 128-3 record and a 1998 state championship, Waller disappointed some Pennsylvania wrestling fans by going to the University of Oklahoma.
During his collegiate career as a Sooner, Waller was an All-American in 2002 and won the 174-pound national championship his senior year, finishing 31-7 in 2003.
While working on a masters of education degree at the University of Missouri, Waller was a graduate assistant with the Mizzou wrestling team from 2003-2005 before returning to the Sooner program.
For the past three seasons, Waller has worked in Norman with Coach Jack Spates to produce 12 All-Americans and four NCAA finalists.
Behind him all the way has been his father and legendary coach, Rob Waller, Sr.
A two-time Olympic finalist in 1972 and 1976, the elder Waller is a state and national hall-of-fame wrestling coach of 25 years.
Waller, who joined the Bald Eagles in July as an associate head coach, is no stranger to the legacy of Mat Town, U.S.A.
"Being from Latrobe, it wasn't too much of a transition from Norman to Lock Haven, and my family is really excited for me," said Waller, who attended wrestling camps at Lock Haven growing up. "The town and community are passionate about the sport, and our goal is to provide them with a team and style of wrestling they can support and be proud of."
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Rowdy Roddy
posted 11/13/09 @ 12:59 PM EST
Sounds like that PLOW group needs come out in the public and quit hiding behind a PR firm.
It's too bad a group with money can minipulate a unverstiy and affect, or try to, who is hired, fired or in this case retired. (Continued…)
Carol
posted 11/17/09 @ 8:06 PM EST
As a Bald Eagle wrestling mom, it was time that Rocky retired. Enough said. Coach Waller is just what the guys need to rebuild the program that has faltered in the past few years. (Continued…)
A Former Wrestler
posted 11/18/09 @ 1:07 AM EST
As a former wrestler at Lock Haven from 1997-2000, I place alot of the blame on Sharon Taylor. Bonomo should have done the right thing and left 3 years ago, but Sharon Taylor should have given Rocky ALL HIS SCHOLARSHIPS. (Continued…)
book report ideas
posted 11/19/09 @ 11:08 AM EST
He should be retired. New coach is the only hope.
anonymous
posted 11/19/09 @ 5:24 PM EST
It's awesome. Haven't been to a match in years and I'm psyched to check it out!
Post a Comment