Erik Spjut's Cavalier Wrestling program grooms a champion in Hunter Robinson

THE WOODLANDS, Texas— A few weeks removed from her gold medal win at the UIL Wrestling State Championship, College Park senior Hunter Robinson has spent her Spring Break different than most—preparing for a national championship.

Robinson, who competes in the 148-pound division, has already accumulated a number of accolades including 2 bronze state medals and a silver. The gold came against Magdalena Meraz of Grand Prairie High School and will now participate in Nationals on March 21-24, the same event where she failed to reach the podium last year with a fourth-place finish. Over the years Robinson has stepped into her leadership role not only with her performance on match day but also in practice. Through injury and illness, the senior will still compete.

The All-American’s gold medal can serve as a sort of symbolism for the accession of College Park’s wrestling program since Erik Spjut’s arrival. Only four years into Spjut’s tenure as Cavalier Head Coach the school has achieved their first gold medal winner with Robinson’s performance. “ I learned quickly that not everyone has the same mentality. Hunter has been a big part of everyone buying in” Buying into Spjut’s philosophy has been a key factor for College Park’s turnaround, instilling a sense of toughness and fight that great competitors strive for. Spjut comes from an experienced wrestling background himself as one of the nation’s best during his time as a Highlander student back in 2009; eventually to a two-time All-American at Virginia Tech. The former Hokie isn’t past his prime yet either, hopping into drills and even shedding a little blood in the process.

“You have to be a little bit crazy to be successful in wrestling” Well said from the team captain that hasn’t had the easiest trajectory to being a champion. Robinson will compete for her shot at another title March 21 at the USMC Girl`s Folkstyle National Championships.