McLean County Times

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Brett Robbins announced his resignation as the head wrestling coach for both the men's and women's teams at Illinois Wesleyan University on Thursday, July 18. Robbins played a significant role in rebuilding the university's wrestling program.

"This has been an incredibly tough decision, but it is one that is in the best interest of my wife and kids," Robbins stated. "Having the opportunity to come back home to Bloomington and be a part of Titan wrestling has been incredible. From working with exceptional student-athletes, a great support staff, and the most supportive administration I have been around in my career I have learned how special Illinois Wesleyan is. My family has become big Titan fans over the past year and will continue to cheer on all the IWU sports teams from afar."

Illinois Wesleyan Athletic Director Mike Wagner expressed gratitude for Robbins' contributions: "I want to thank Brett for everything he poured into the program and our student-athletes. He provided leadership at a pivotal time for us as we reintroduced our men's program and started the women's program and did so with the student-athlete experience at the forefront. Brett has set a foundation in place for the next coach to come in and hit the ground running. We wish him, Holly, Nora, and Jack the best."

Robbins joined IWU from Division I University of Northern Iowa before the 2023-24 season. His Division I coaching experience was instrumental in reviving IWU's men's wrestling program after nearly 40 years and introducing women's wrestling to campus. In his tenure, Robbins led a team of nine men and one woman, graduating only three athletes while recruiting 12 new members for the upcoming year.

Robbins also contributed to creating an off-campus wrestling facility equipped with practice mats, cardio and weight training equipment, locker rooms, athletic training space, and a lounge area.

During his time at IWU, junior Bobby Conroy earned All-College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin honors with a third-place finish in the 184-pound weight class at the CCIW Championships in February. Freshman Austin Johnston narrowly missed podium placement by finishing fourth and was named IWU's CCIW RESPECT recipient. The team collectively scored 30 points, securing a 10th-place finish.

A national search for Robbins' replacement will commence immediately.