Aug. 23, 2004

Columbia, Mo. -Missouri wrestling Head Coach Brian Smith announced today that former graduate assistant Robbie Waller has been named the Tigers new assistant wrestling coach. A 174 pound NCAA Champion in 2003, Waller graduated from Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in English and has served as Smith's Total Person Program Graduate Assistant for the past year. "Robbie has exceptional knowledge of the sport of wrestling," Smith said. "Growing up in a wrestling family, he has a lot of background experience from which he can draw. I know that his outstanding college wrestling credentials will carry over into a successful coaching career and we're glad that he'll be a vital member of the Missouri wrestling program." Among his responsibilities, Waller will assist Smith as Tiger Style Wrestling Camp Coordinator, oversee team academics and assist with recruiting duties. "This is a great opportunity for me to work with an elite program and national contenders on a daily basis," Waller said. "I believe in Coach Smith's emphasis on striving for excellence both on and off the mat. With our new facilities and the commitment from our administration we are looking forward to the challenges of the upcoming season." The two-time All-American and four-time NCAA qualifier compiled a 103-30 record in his four years at Oklahoma. As a senior in 2003, Waller was named to the National Wrestling Coaches Association Academic All-American First Team and was selected to the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll in each of his years at OU. Waller has served as a feature clinician and counselor at numerous camps including Missouri's Tiger Style Wrestling Camps. Over the past year, Waller began working towards his master's degree in English and will continue with classes over the course of the upcoming season. Waller replaces former assistant Lee Pritts who has taken a coaching position at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va.