Dynasty is one word that has been used to describe a Christiansburg High School wrestling program, which has won 17-straight state championships.
Coach Cliff Warden begins his second year after going 12-4 in dual meets last season with losses to St. Eds of Ohop, Wyoming Seminary and Nazareth out of PA which were all top 15 teams in the country, but the end result speaks volumes.
Warden came to Christiansburg from Independence High School in Coal City, West Virginia where he won four state championships.
Independence boasted the top three wrestlers in three West Virginia AA/A weight classes two years ago and locked up the championship before most of the team took to the mat in the semi-finals.
The scenario has been similar with Christiansburg dominating the mats on this side of the border for a while. Warden led the Patriots to four consecutive AA/A state team titles while twice earning WVSSAC Coach of the Year honors and the 2015 NFHS Mideast Section Coach of the Year award. Warden wrestled for Edinboro University with current Virginia Tech wrestling Coach Tony Robie so there are a lot of local connections.
Last year, Christiansburg took 13 guys to the state tourney, placing 10 while winning seven out of nine state finals matches. Over the years, this has been one of the most consistent in the state of Virginia and maybe the entire southeast.
The local program has produced three NCAA All Americans, five four-time state champs, six three-time state champs, 50 state champs and 86 state place winners.
This year, they return nine state qualifiers, three state champs, two runner-ups and another place winner.
Warden’s expectations remain high. “I think we can place multiple guys at the national level tournaments- Ironman and Beast scoring enough points to put us in the top 10 as a team in those events. To score as many or more points in the state tournament as we did last year. The goals for the year will definitely be tough task losing four state champs from last year’s team, but our guys have put in the off-season and work that it will take.”
When looking at individuals, Warden said all with have to play a huge role in accomplishing what we have set out to do.
“Obviously we need leadership from our returning state champs and place winners but everyone will have to score points to accomplish what we have set out to do,” he said.
Christiansburg is trying to build the program from the bottom up with a feeder program for grades K-6.
These wrestlers have the opportunity to practice 2-4 nights a week at Hawkeye Hall.
The numbers have been below average, according to Warden, the last couple of years during the youth season but the rec season in March was great last year.
“We are hoping that some of these wrestlers will make the transition,” he said. “These wrestlers will learn the fundamental skills, drills, mentality and character to be successful on and off the mat.”
The end result, Warden hopes, will be more state championships and regain national recognition with homegrown student-athletes.
Chris Johnson is in his third year at the helm of the Blacksburg varsity program, and this year could be their time to shine. After a 15-5 last season and a third place finish in the regional tournament, the Bruins are primed for the next step.
In two seasons, Johnson has led the team to a 22-6 mark. Despite the fact, they reside in the same district as Christiansburg, Blacksburg no longer has to worry about following in their footsteps as they jumped to Class 4 while the Blue Demons stayed Class 3. Thus, both schools can claim a state title this year.
Blacksburg returns 10 wrestlers including heavyweight Shane Mitcham who was state qualifier and captain from a year ago. Logan Eberhardt also qualified for the state competition at 132 pounds last season.
Johnson’s expectations are simple—hoping to match their performance from last year in the region.
“It could be challenging as I have three starters who are not returning. The sport requires too much commitment for them,” he said.
Other returning wrestlers include: Sam Baker (138 pounds), Logan Vance (126), Blaise Butler (195), Gavin Snyder (145) and Oliver Peacock (160).
Over in Auburn, there is some similar optimism. Jeff Carter is in his fourth year at the school and returns eight wrestlers from last season when the Eagles were 4-10.
“Several of the returning wrestlers should have competitive season this year,” he said.
Carter cites Tristan Perry, Devin Davis and Jared Houseman, all with legitimate chances of qualifying for the Class 1 state tournament.
“Obviously having Grundy and Rural Retreat in the Groups makes it tough sledding for a young, relatively inexperienced team. Also Parry McCleur and a few other solid programs is hard to contend with, having such little experience,” he said.
All of the squads will open their dual schedule next week.
