Lynchburg, Va. -- The University of Lynchburg and Director of Athletics Jon Waters are excited to announce the head coach of the new men's wrestling program, Vinny Barber.

"Coach Barber impressed our committee with his passion for the sport and especially for recruiting" said Athletic Director Jon Waters "he was able to convey an exciting vision for what our program can become within the ODAC , the region and ultimately on a national level".

"Having the opportunity to rebuild the wrestling program at the University of Lynchburg is an incredible honor," said Barber. "I am eager to begin this journey and to be a part of one of the most successful athletic departments in the country. I am excited and thankful to have the support from Athletic Director Waters, President Morrison-Shetlar, and the University of Lynchburg community as I begin to build this program into a National Championship-level team."

Barber brings a wealth of wrestling experience to Lynchburg in the world of wrestling. He has been a coach of the men's and women's wrestling programs at the University of the Ozarks in Arkansas since September 2018. Barber served four years as an assistant coach before being promoted to head coach. 

Under his leadership,the Eagles have achieved significant success, including coaching nine NWCA Academic All-Americans, seven NCAA D3 National Qualifiers, 13 Conference Champions, and leading the men's team to the 2024 SLIAC Team Conference Championship.

Along with the success he had in his six years at the University of the Ozarks, Barber has been the owner and coach of River Valley Wrestling Club-501c3 since 2018. In his role there, he managed daily operations for USA Wrestling, created practice and training plans for club athletes and competed in both age-level and senior-level Olympic-style competitions. 

Prior to his time as a wrestling coach, Barber was an associate content producer for FloWrestling. He created articles and edited video content for wrestling events across the United States, was a play-by-play commentator for live streamed wrestling events, created weekly podcasts, and studio shows and led marketing and promotion efforts for wrestling events.

Barber was a collegiate wrestler for both SUNY Oneonta and Centenary in New Jersey, both NCAA Division III programs. He posted over 50 wins and over 35 college falls at SUNY Oneonta and led the Red Dragons in pins his sophomore season. Barber is originally from Highland, New York and graduated from Ozarks with a bachelor's degree in communications in 2019. 

The University announced its addition of the men's wrestling program in June of 2024. The program will compete in the ODAC beginning in the Fall of 2026 and  will operate out of the Crosswhite Athletic Club, just minutes from Lynchburg's campus. The space features a newly enclosed 12,000-square-foot facility dedicated to the Lynchburg wrestling program, complete with locker rooms and a strength and conditioning area.

Related: Lynchburg Adds Men's Wrestling Program.

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