Mark Strickland Head Coach: 

2004 USA and AAU National Coach of the Year

Strickland has long been a proponent of the philosophy of the Granby School of Wrestling as created by legendary coach Billy Martin, Sr. He has high expectations for his wrestlers, and they have responded to the challenging demands. He skillfully develops their wrestling technique by repetitively drilling sound techniques, stressing a high level of conditioning and endurance, and building self-confidence with frequent exposure to some of the toughest competition in the country.

His work with his wrestlers, however, does not stop with technique. To Coach Strickland, wrestling accomplishments are only one factor in the growth of each wrestler. His main objective as a teacher and coach is to develop successful individuals as well as productive athletes. His impressive rapport and positive support guides his wrestlers in finding a balance between the academic and athletic environments. That balance leads to success in both the scholastic and sporting areas.

Strickland’s wrestling background indicates his belief in hard work and dedication. Mark Strickland was a 2x State Champion and a High School All-American for national powerhouse Great Bridge High School in Virginia. From there he went to Garden City Junior College, where he was an undefeated National Champion his first year. He then had the honor of starting for John Smith at Oklahoma State University. After OSU, Mark returned to finish his career at ODU where he won the CAA Conference and the Most Outstanding Wrestler award (1988).  After college graduation, with Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Old Dominion, Mark went back to his Alma Mater, serving as an assistant for three years at Great Bridge. He then moved to New Orleans, where he was an assistant for one year before taking over the reigns as head coach at Jesuit High School.  Leading Jesuit to win 3 State Championships in a row and ranked among the top 25 teams in the USA by WIN Magazine. Mark continued to compete on the Senior level after college which included competing in the USA vs. Russia Dual.  After New Orleans, he moved back to Virginia and currently is the head coach for VA Team Predator wrestling club, including a Granby School of Wrestling Technician and Instructor for 26 years and a Professional MMA fighter.

Phone: 757-329-7085

Email: mark.strickland150@yahoo.com

Paul Turley wrestled for Thomas Dale High School, located in Chester, Virginia, placed 4th in the Virginia State Tournament and was a 2-time Central Regional Champion and a 1-time Central District Champion. Paul wrestled for two years in college at Virginia State University. He is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.S. in Education. Paul was the head coach for Dale Wrestling Club for 10 years and has been the Assistant Coach for VA Team Predator Wrestling Club in Chester, Virginia since 2007.

Phone: 804-479-6017

               Email: baguba77@hotmail.com

 

Austin Coburn career began at Cosby High School where he was a 2x state finalist and won the state championship in 2011 at 171 lbs. His senior year finished a perfect 44-0 and compiled an overall record of 177-21 with over 100 pins. From there he attended Old Dominion University and wrestled under Hall of Fame coach Steve Martin. While at ODU, he was a 3-year starter and started at four different weight classes. Austin was on the All-Conference Academic team 3 years and graduated with a 3.56 GPA. Austin majored in Sports Management and minored in exercise science.

Phone: 804-539-1105

 

Curtis Johnson – Has been a student of the sport of wrestling since he first found it as a senior at Varina High School. After high school he returned to his alma mater as a volunteer assistant before becoming the head JV coach and now head varsity wrestling coach for the last 10+ years. During that time, he has coached wrestlers of various levels to include state finalist, numerous state qualifiers, regional, conference, and district champions. He has also served as a youth wrestling club assistant and head coach over the last 7 years where he has tried to help young athletes develop a strong well-rounded foundation in the sport of wrestling.  Curtis’ sons, Colby and Curtis both attend Virginia Team Predator.

Phone:(804) 332-7273

 

Michael Carter- I wrestled at Saranac High School in Upstate NY from 1995-1999. During my time there,  I was a 3 year captain, voted sectional outstanding wrestler, and state qualifier. I coached K-12 wrestling in Peru, NY from 2016-2020. 

Phone: (518)335-3696

Andrew Romanchik- Andrew began wrestling in the Cleveland, OH area where he attended Padua Franciscan Highschool. He was a 3x State Placer (4,-,3,4) as well as placing 6th in the Ironman and Super 32 as a Senior. After Highschool, Andrew continued his wrestling career at Ohio University. There, he was a 4 year starter for the Bobcats. He wrestled 149lbs for his first 2 years, redshirted due to an injury, then competed at 184lbs for his final two years when he qualified for the D1 NCAA wrestling tournament both years. Once completing his undergraduate, Andrew moved on to be the Graduate Assistant Wrestling Coach at Lake Erie College for a 2 year MBA program. At Lake Erie, Andrew coached an All-American in D2 NCAA. Most recently, Andrew came to us after taking a job in Minneapolis, MN in business where he spent the last 4 years. While in MN, he coached at Wayzata High School. Andrew and his girlfriend Rachel, moved with work to be closer to family who now reside in VA. 

Phone: (216) 410-5562

David Wesley

NHSCA JR National Champ, 3rd at Beast, 2nd at National Preps, 4th at Super 32, 2x VISAA State Champ, Division 1 wrestler at UVA and VA Tech