NORMAN, Okla. – The University of Oklahoma wrestling program announced on Friday the hiring of assistant coach Robbie Waller. A standout OU wrestler and former 174-pound NCAA national champion, Waller replaces former head assistant coach Barry Weldon who resigned in March.
“We couldn’t be more excited, “said OU head coach Jack Spates. “This is a welcoming home of a distinguished NCAA champion and competitior. Robbie is a talented individual who is going to do a wonderful job.”
After graduating from OU in the summer of 2003, Waller served as the Total Person Program Graduate Assistant for the University of Missouri during the 2003-04 season and was hired as an assistant coach with the Tigers in 2004. At Missouri, Waller helped lead the Tigers to their best NCAA finish in 20 years (11th), and coached three All-Americans.
Waller brings a wealth of collegiate success. The two-time All-American and runner-up at the 2001 and 2003 Big 12 Championships finished his wrestling career at Oklahoma with a record of 103-30, made four consecutive appearances at the NCAA Championships and placed first at the tournament in 2003.
As a senior, Waller was named to the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) All-Academic First Team. He was selected to the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll in each of his four years at OU and was an Academic All-Big 12 selection three times (2001, 2002, 2003).
After helping OU place third at the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships and crowning two-time national champion, 141-pound Teyon Ware, Weldon announced he was leaving his position with the Sooners to pursue a career in medical supply sales.
Weldon completed his sixth season on the Sooners staff under Spates. Since joining the Sooner coaching staff, Weldon helped coach five NCAA champions, including Waller, and 23 All-Americans as well as being part of two Big 12 Conference team championships.
During his tenure, Oklahoma placed third at the NCAA Tournament three separate times (2002-03, 2005) and fourth twice (2000-01).
“Barry is a wonderful individual and coach, who has been a loyal partner and friend. We will miss him and we are confident he will be successful in his new endeavors, “said Spates. “He will always be a valued member of the Sooner wrestling family.”
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