Rivals ‘surprised’ at Waters’ departure

By Robert Sisk

Published: June 12, 2008

Less than a week after Fort Defiance made public its decision not to renew wrestling coach Terry Waters’ contract, fellow coaches are still letting the news sink in.
“I think without knowing any specifics I was [surprised],” said Turner Ashby and longtime rival coach Will Crockett. “He’s a good coach and he’s made good kids and a good program. When you see that, it catches [you] off guard.
“It’s a shame that’s he’s being let go. I hope he lands somewhere because he’s a good coach.”
Augusta County Supervisor Gary McQuain told The News Virginian on Tuesday that Fort Defiance did not renew Waters’ contract after deciding to go in a new direction. Contacted on Thursday, Fort Athletic Director Jack Tucker said he could not comment on the decision.
Christiansburg coach Daryl Weber has led his team to seven-straight Group AA titles and is one of the most dominant forces in the VHSL. Weber said that Waters made a point to send his wrestlers to take on his team.
“We always tried to work something out,” Weber said. “All the coaches have each others e-mails. When we have tournaments he brings his kids and always sends stuff out to us. We’ve always tried to get together and he’s always tried to get good competition for the kids.
Before the nine-team Valley District was split into the Massanutten (Rockingham County and Harrisonburg schools) and the Southern Valley (Augusta County, Rockbridge, Waynesboro and Staunton schools) Turner Ashby and Fort Defiance battled for the top seed nearly every year.
“I think describing it a friendly rivalry would be right,” Crockett said. “He was really competitive. We aren’t in the same district anymore, but when we were in the same district we appreciated the fact that they were strongest competition, that brings out the best in your kids.”
Unlike Rockingham County, Augusta County Middle Schools do not have wrestling programs. Waters established the Battlefield Wrestling Club to help funnel talent into the high school program.
“He hasn’t had the kids that have been in an organized program like most of ours has,” Crockett said.
Waters led the two Indians to state championships and two undefeated seasons and, according to Weber, boosted wrestling’s influence in Augusta County.
“He’s always been very involved, always been advocate of wrestling in that he’s helped it grow,” Weber said. “I’ve been here for nine years he’s always gone to our tournaments. He’s always been an asset to the sport.”