Trion Wrestling Hires Randy Steward as New Coach

Trion Wrestling has a new coach, Randy Steward, who was sold on the school’s culture and is excited to lead the program in the twilight of his career.

“After interviewing Mr. Lanham and Mr. Edge, I was sold on the culture of this place. I already knew the wrestling program was great,” Coach Steward told AllOnGeorgia. “The more I learned about Trion Schools, the more I began to think of one word—EXCELLENCE! I am honored beyond belief to have the opportunity to lead this program in the twilight of my career.” 

Coach Steward’s goals for the program are clear: 

• Continue building on the powerful tradition established by legendary coach Eric Brock: “The guy is a LEGEND, and I am proud to follow in his footsteps,” Steward said of Brock. 
• Compete for team and individual state championships. 
• Ensure that all kids involved in the program have a positive experience.

To achieve these goals, he plans to keep all existing assistant coaches in place and bring on Trevor Burdick and Chris Thompson to assist part-time.

Steward’s philosophy truly sets him apart. For him, winning on and off the mat is equally important. He wants to impact every kid in the program from K-12, teaching them values like accountability, dedication, commitment, and sacrifice that come from wrestling. 

“Winning at wrestling is very important to me, but winning at life is more important,” he said. 

“I am an old-school country boy with old-school values. I’m a firm believer in “You get what you earn”! Right now, more than ever, every kid in this country needs to be taught these values and experience them daily,” Steward said. 

As for his teaching role, Steward will teach Physical Education at the Trion High School. His passion for excellence and old-school values will impact his students both in and out of the wrestling room.

Steward was recently inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. He has devoted an impressive 41 years of service to wrestling. He just finished his eighth season as Sonoraville High School’s head coach, leading the Phoenix to three GHSA traditional titles. 

Before making his mark in Georgia, Steward served as the head coach and assistant professor at the college level for 25 years, spending two years at Ellsworth Community College and 23 at Loras College in Iowa. He coached six NCAA D3 national champions and 56 D3 All-Americans during his tenure. Notably, Steward is also an inductee into the NWCA D3 Wrestling Hall of Fame, and his expertise as a clinician and camp instructor is highly sought after across the country.

“I am humbled by the Hall of Fame induction,” stated Coach Steward. Wrestling, competing, and then coaching have been my passions for as long as I can remember. I am grateful for this honor.”

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, situated in Stillwater, Oklahoma, is dedicated to preserving the history of wrestling, recognizing outstanding individual accomplishments, and inspiring future generations to engage in the oldest sport known to humankind.

Steward received a Bachelor of Special Studies from Cornell College in May 1982, majoring in Physical Education with K-12 Certification and minoring in History with a concentration in Business. He also earned a Master’s of Education from Northwest Missouri State University in May 1986, majoring in Physical Education.