A Generation of Champions

The famous statement, “Like father like son,” perfectly personifies Grant and Bob Eddy’s wrestling careers. Both were influenced into wrestling in similar ways. Bob says, “I was always around wrestling because of my brothers.” Grant has always been around it because of the success of his father as a wrestler and coach. Looking at Bob and Grant you would not expect them to be such dominant wrestlers, but with their exceptional work ethics and that “never give up” attitude, the father-son duo persevered their way to the top.

Bob started wrestling in the summer after 6th grade and immediately showed signs of greatness. By the time he got into high school he was a dominant wrestler. He ultimately finished his high school career with a record of 88-8, one section IV championship, 3-time section IV Class C Champion, 2 times IAC League Champion, and even represented Team USA in meets against Iran and Norway. He went on to wrestle at Cortland and continued to have major success. While Bob is certainly an all-star wrestler, he is able to stay very humble. When asked what his proudest wrestling moment was, he could not pinpoint a certain match giving the impression that he appreciated every moment equally.

Grant wasted no time in following in his father’s footsteps. He began wrestling at the young age of six. When asked if his father pushed him to wrestle, Grant answered by saying, “No he didn’t, I was always around the sport.” Now as a senior at Creekview, Grant has set the standard for excellence. But, Grant was not just born with this skill. He had to continuously work on his game. Grant stated, “The hardest part about wrestling to me is the practices and losing or even gaining weight before the next match.” With the grueling workouts, three mile runs, and practicing technique continuously, Grant definitely defied all odds. As his wrestling accomplishments keep piling up, he still remembers his sophomore year the most when he placed 4th at the state tournament. He hopes to continue his wrestling career by attending Davidson University.

Currently, Bob Eddy is the Principal at Creekview High school, where Grant attends school. Bob Eddy says that his father was not a wrestler and that is not where his love for the sport came from. However, when Grant was asked the same question he answered very assuredly, “My father definitely influenced me, but I was able to choose wrestling on my own with no peer pressure.” And what better way for Grant to stay on the road of perfecting his wrestling style than have his father and his coaches at all of his matches?

Let’s not forget that Bob Eddy, before becoming a principal, has been a very successful wrestling coach. After finishing his college career Bob Eddy immediately turned to coaching and teaching. He started his coaching career by working as an assistant wrestling coach at Cortland. He then went on to become an assistant wrestling coach at Cherokee High School. While being a coach at Cherokee, he was able to find time to support and establish the Creekland Middle School wrestling program by purchasing additional mats and hiring high school teachers to coach the middle school team. He also hosted several middle school meets and tournaments. Bob Eddy’s coaching awards include: National Wrestling coaches association state assistant coach of the year 1999, Georgia state AAAA Wrestling Coach of the year 1996 and 1999, USA Team Georgia State coach of the year 1996 and 1999, Georgia Region AAAA wrestling coach of the year 1990, 1993, 1996, 1998, and 1999, he coached 20 individual Georgia state wrestling finalists with 13 becoming champions, and his overall coaching record was 186-41-1. Bob Eddy’s greatness goes beyond just his skill on the mat as he was able to teach young men, including Grant, to be just as successful as he.

Ryan Free

Hunter Williams