The Athletic Department will begin the process of searching for a new wrestling coach within the next week after head coach Colby Robinson stepped down to take over as the first head wrestling coach for the new program at Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

“We are sad about Rob leaving because he is a great part of this school, but happy because he is going back home to be a college coach,” athletic director Kevin Roberts said. “Robinson built the program in four years, so he did a tremendous job in the years that he’s been here.”

The Athletic Department will be taking resumes up until April 13 and hopes to have a new coach by the end of April.

“We have to find the fit for our kids,” Roberts said. “The applicant needs to have head coaching experience, and needs to know about De Smet, and fit into our culture as a school.”

Robinson’s first year at De Smet was in 2013, when he immediately took over the head wrestling coach job and began reforming the program. Robinson had an overall record of 30-26 at the school. One of his wrestlers, Cory Peterson, qualified for state, finishing 4th and 2nd place.

“Rob is one of the better coaches I’ve ever had,” sophomore Michael Cross said. “I don’t think anyone will be able to step up to what he did.”

Returning to Oklahoma will be a homecoming for Robinson. There, he attended Edmond North High School, where he won a state title his senior year. He went on to wrestle at the University of Central Oklahoma, where he earned 6th place in the Division II national championship.

“I’m sad to leave, but I’m excited for the future,” Robinson said. “I trust that the athletic department will pick a guy who is ready to take over the head coach position, because the foundation is set for the future.”