By Derrick Smith

Robert Washington has been the head wrestling coach at Moore High School for twenty-seven years. During that time, he has coached a lot of wrestlers and taught many students in the classroom. 

“I have built relationships with a lot of athletes and families over the years,” he said. “I enjoy watching the young people grow into men and women. I also love state tournament time and just coaching the kids.” 

Yancy Kite is a junior on the wrestling team and says coach Washington really cares about people.

“He’s the person to never give up on someone and keep pushing you when you need it,” Kite said. “He’s pushed me to become a better wrestler from when I came in my freshman year to now, my junior year. There isn’t any other coach I’d rather have in high school.” 

Over the years, Washington says that he has made a lot of great memories, but if he had to narrow it down to one, he knows what that one would be.

“Getting to coach my son, Mckale, was definitely the highlight of my career,” he said. “It was great to be able to spend that time with him and watch him grow.” 

Another of Washington’s wrestlers, senior Garrett Weaver, says that he would not be where he is today without his coach.

“Coach Washington is probably the best coach I’ve ever had,” he said. “He will always have your back regardless of the circumstances. I am a senior and I wouldn’t be the wrestler or person I am today without him, he teaches me how to become a better wrestler while leading life lessons along the way.” 

Mercadies Miller, a sophomore wrestler, says Washington takes care of his athletes outside of wrestling too.

“Coach is passionate about wrestling but also patient,” Miller said. “I remember on one of my first days of practice, he told us one of the most important things is to have a positive mindset, not just in wrestling but in life too. Ever since then I’ve been able to see a change in myself not only as an athlete but as a person.”