The Virginia Tech wrestling team added three transfers during the 2018 offseason, giving the team depth in weight classes where they may need it. One of those transfers was 133-pounder Korbin Myers who came to Blacksburg from Edinboro University.
Myers is the expected starter in the 133-pound weight class, replacing Dennis Gustafson. He won his bout 5-1 over Collin Gerardi during Virginia Tech’s intrasquad match last Friday.
“It was good, it felt great,” Myers said about the Orange vs. Maroon match. “A little nervous, but I think that’s expected, so got the first match, I guess you could say, out of the way for the year. I’m excited.”
Myers was a two-time NCAA qualifier at Edinboro. He won two Eastern Wrestling League championships and left Edinboro with a record of 74-34.
Coming from a small school in Pennsylvania to a large ACC school in Virginia has been a bit of a change for Myers, but he says it hasn’t been too tough.
“It’s a big transition from my previous school,” Myers said. “A lot bigger atmosphere obviously. But the transition was so smooth and I think that credit can go to my teammates and my coaches. They welcomed me in with open arms and it made me feel like I’ve been here for three years already.”
Myers wasn’t alone in coming to Blacksburg from Edinboro for the 2018 season as Billy Miller made the decision to transfer to Virginia Tech as well. Miller, who competes in the heavyweight class, is a three-time NCAA qualifier and two-time EWL champion.
The two wrestlers are joining a program that has been one of the best in the country in recent years, as well as attending a university that is consistently acclaimed for its academics.
“I kind of looked around and saw a great opportunity at Virginia Tech, obviously athletically and academically,” Myers said. “Once I had my visit and got to meet the coaches and some of the guys on the team, it was really a no-brainer.”
While at Edinboro, Myers was unable to place in either of the NCAA tournaments in which he wrestled. Virginia Tech head coach Tony Robie thinks that Tech has the ability to help Myers reach his goals, and that is part of the reason that he and Miller chose to join the Hokies.
“I think the reason they chose Virginia Tech is they felt like we had the pieces in place, the atmosphere and the environment in place for them to accomplish their goals of becoming All-Americans, becoming national champions,” Robie said.
While he does hope to further his career as an individual wrestler, Myers isn't just focused on himself. When asked what his expectations were for this season, his first answer was a team-oriented goal.
“Team-wise, I’d love to see a team trophy come back to Blacksburg,” Myers said. “That’d really be something special we could all share. And then individually, get on the podium for the first time in my career.”
All-American is the goal, but Myers is still dreaming bigger than that when thinking about the match he is most looking forward to this season.
“I’m gonna say the last one. Hopefully, it’s in the finals.”
Photo Credit: Dave Knachel/Virginia Tech Athletics
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