Cox hires away Grassfield's wrestling coach

After months of speculation over who would be the Cox High School wrestling coach, Principal Brian Matney had a message for the faithful Thursday:

"Good things come to those who wait," he said as he announced that Matt Small will move to Cox from Grassfield, ending a search to replace Corey Williams, who was arrested for public swearing/intoxication and eventually dismissed in February. "We are thrilled."

It seems to be a perfect marriage. Cox is one of the most storied wrestling programs in Virginia and Small is a rising star in the coaching ranks, groomed in arguably the state's greatest program.

The Falcons have won five state team titles, though the last one came in 1986. Since 2000, Cox has claimed 18 individual state titles but hasn't gotten over the hump in the team race - thanks largely to Great Bridge's dynasty.

Small, 31, helped build that, then helped tear it down. He placed fourth in the state for the Wildcats in 1996 and later became an assistant coach in the program.

When Great Bridge Principal Carolyn Bernard left for the new Grassfield High School in 2007, she hired Small.

He built up the Grizzlies in a hurry. After coming within a point of beating Great Bridge in a dual match in Year 1, Grassfield finished the feat this season, winning the Southeastern District's regular-season title and becoming the first team from Virginia to beat Great Bridge in a dual since 2001.

Grassfield went on to end Great Bridge's' 24-year reign at the district tournament. Then the Grizzlies put four in the Eastern Region finals and flirted with winning the team title. Grassfield finished second in the region, fourth in the state and crowned its first two Group AAA state champions.

"Deciding to leave was very, very emotional," Small said. "But in the end, you only have one chance to chase your dreams. I looked at it long and hard... and I thought I had a chance to be part of something big."

Small said Cox's returning lineup, which includes two-time state champion Ben Dorsay, is built for success. He is excited that Cox has quality feeder programs at the middle school level.

Small, who will be a special education teacher at Cox, said some of his staff already is set. He plans to retain assistants Eddie Escobar and Michael Martin, a four-time state champ at Great Bridge. He'll add Christian Staylor, a three-time state champion at Great Bridge, and has spoken to a few others about joining the staff.

"It's bittersweet for everyone, because I'm considered a Chesapeake boy," Small said. "But I'm looking for big things out there. I'm so thankful to Dr. Matney and the school system for giving me this chance. There is the potential to be in the hunt for a state title every year and to have a national ranking.

"That's my goal, and I know it's theirs."

Kyle Tucker, (757) 446-2374, kyle.tucker@pilotonline.com