Virginia Tech has yet to lose in 2026 and the reasons, according to coach Tony Robie, are simple — consistency and focus.

“I think our guys are going out and wrestling the same every time they step on the mat, regardless of the opponent, regardless of the venue or the crowd, whether it's good or bad,” Robie said. “So I think we've just been focusing on ourselves and improvement and wrestling in the areas where we're good and trying to score points. And, wrestling the whole time, whether it's seven minutes, nine minutes, 10 minutes, whatever it takes to get the job done. I've been pleased with that.”

The #7 Hokies have downed #12 Pitt (18-15), Appalachian State (39-0), #22 Stanford (22-14), #8 North Carolina State (21-12) and Virginia (32-7) in the annual Commonwealth Clash.

“We've got a lot of guys who are scoring bonus points. That's been a huge emphasis for us this year,” Robie added. “I think it's a lot of things. And, we just have some guys that are pretty good as well. So that makes it a lot easier.”

One of those is redshirt senior Eddie Ventresca, ranked #2 at 125 pounds. He scored his fourth straight win over reigning NCAA champ Vincent Robinson of NC State in the recent dual meet, this one on a tiebreaker.

“Obviously, he (Robinson) presents some problems athletically — his speed, his strength,” Robie said. “So I think Eddie is stylistically a good matchup. Eddie holds position really well. He never breaks stance. He's really good at getting his hands on you without being vulnerable and being able to wrestle from the tie as much as possible with that guy. 

“And then it's just persistence. It's a little bit of patience sometimes, and it's just finding ways to win matches, too. That's just an underrated skill is understanding and figuring out how to win in those tough situations. That's an area Eddie's gotten a lot better in. So it's been fun to watch.”

Next Man Up

Redshirt freshman and four-time Ohio champ Dillon Campbell had molded a 17-5 record at 133 before suffering a season-ending injury between the matches against Pitt and Stanford.

In came three-time champ and four-time Pennsylvania state finalist Aaron Seidel. The true freshman from North Lebanon High School in Pennsylvania is already ranked #6.

“I wouldn't say he's exceeding our expectations. Obviously, we knew he was great when he committed to us in high school, but his growth and improvement over the course of that time is what's gotten him to where he is,” Robie said about Seidel. “You never know if that's going to be the case when you sign a high-caliber kid when they're a junior in high school. Aaron's really continued to elevate and get better, and he's just an incredible kid with a great approach.”

Robie said Seidel is the whole package.

“He's tough, and when you have that, and you have a lot of talent, and you've had a ton of success throughout the course of your life, it usually continues to go in a positive direction,” Robie added. “I think his top game has elevated maybe more than we anticipated. We knew he was good on top in high school for sure, but he wasn't turning guys and scoring points probably to the degree that he is now against the best guys. It's been fun to watch Aaron and coach Aaron, and he's just the kind of kid you want to have in your program.”

Interesting End To The Season

Since it hosts the ACC Championships on March 8, Virginia Tech will remain on its home mat until it goes to Cleveland for the NCAAs. The Hokies have ACC matches with North Carolina (Friday) and Duke (Feb. 20), but in between on Feb. 15 comes #3 Oklahoma State to complete the home-and-home series between the two schools.

“I don’t know what the numbers will look like, but I anticipate it will be among the best crowds we've ever had in Cassell Coliseum,” Robie said. “I've had a lot of people reach out. They're excited about it, and that's important for our program to draw attendance like that, to get people excited, to get people to travel from all over the state of Virginia and from this region to come watch us compete.

“It's great for our program. I think it's great in terms of how we're viewed within our athletic department. And we're excited for the challenge and the opportunity to wrestle Oklahoma State.”

While several good bouts could occur, the first two will generate tons of interest if they materialize. Ventresca would have #7 Troy Spratley at 125 and Seidel could face #10 Jax Forrest, who left Bishop McCort High School in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, a semester early to compete for the Cowboys.

If it occurs, it would be a rematch of the 2025 PIAA state finals in which Forrest beat Seidel 7-1, preventing him from becoming a coveted four-time PA state champ.

“We would love to see that,” Robie said. “Just from a fan standpoint, everybody would love to see that. Obviously, they're doing what they feel like is best for their guy. If that is the case, and I don't even know if that is the case.

“If they don't put Jax out there, they'll put out a quality guy that we’ll have to go out and compete against. But for the sport of wrestling and for our fans and for everybody, I think there's a lot of people that would love to see that and it draws a lot of excitement. Obviously, you’ve got to do what's best for your guys as well.”

A February Anomaly?

Big intersectional matches like the Hokies and Cowboys typically are held prior to conference action, but it’s just how the schedule worked out this year, Robie said.

“I wouldn't say I like it or dislike it; sometimes scheduling isn't perfect,” he said. “It probably wouldn't have been exactly where we would have wanted it, but it's not bad.

“And I think it's good this time of year to have two weigh-ins in a weekend and have a little bit of a simulation where it's more than just a Friday night dual meet for us.”

Robie noted that it’s first things first, that the Hokies are focused on #31 UNC.

“We’ve got to take care of business there,” he said. “They've got a really good, solid team. Their lineup is good from top to bottom, and they present some challenges. So that’s where our focus is; we'll get through that, and then we'll start looking at Oklahoma State.”

Peaking For The ACCs?

Robie believes that the Hokies’ training has gone well and that a postseason peak is probable.

“I guess we'll see,” he said. “I think we're training smart, and up to this point, I think we've wrestled well. We haven't over emphasized anything in terms of the schedule or certain opponents or events. 

“I think, from an emotional standpoint, we're just trying to stay even keel and steady. I think that's the best approach. Physically, we're going to do the same things that we've done in the past, and traditionally we've wrestled pretty well at the end of the year.”