An Introduction to The Greenbrier East Wrestling Family
This Week in Wrestling is a new column chronicling the successes and challenges of wrestling programs in eastern Greenbrier County; what we commonly refer to as the Greenbrier East Wrestling Family. The Greenbrier East Wrestling Family includes the Greenbrier East High School Spartan wrestling team, the Eastern Greenbrier Middle School Knights, and the Eastern Greenbrier Wrestling Club Bears. Each of these programs work together to teach not only wrestling, but also the physical, mental, character, and moral discipline necessary for success in all aspects of life. Whether it be in the trades, the military, or college and professional schools, wrestlers have an unparalleled record of success.
All Greenbrier East Wrestling programs are committed to fostering character, building a strong work ethic, and instilling moral discipline in our athletes. Drawing inspiration from Vince Lombardi, we believe that while perfection is not attainable; by chasing perfection, we can catch excellence. Through this pursuit, we aim for success on the mat and in life, promoting accountability and finding joy in the thrill of competition.
Any successful wrestling program must start with parents, coaches, volunteers and supporters, and administrative and institutional support. The Eastern Greenbrier Wrestling Family is blessed with high character coaches able to teach the art of wrestling and the intensity and discipline required of the sport. On the retirement of Head Coach Mark Solak after the 2024 – 2025 season, Davis Solak was named Head Coach of the Greenbrier East High School wrestling team. Coach Solak graduated from GEHS in 2013. While at GEHS, Coach Solak was a four-time WV state qualifier and two-time MSAC Champion. Coach Solak wrestled collegiately at Alderson Broaddus University where he was a three year letterman and varsity starter. Coach Solak has eight years of coaching wrestling at the high school and middle school level. GEHS Assistant Coaches include Josh Smith (GEHS 2007; two-time WV state qualifier; 2006 Team West Virginia member – U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota; 2nd team WV all-state football 2007; collegiate football – West Virginia Wesleyan; USMC 2008 – 2012); Levi Hobbs (GEHS 2018; four-time state qualifier; four-time
conference champion; four-time regional champion; 3rd place WV state finisher; GEHS career takedown record holder; wrestled collegiately at Alderson Broaddus University); Laurie Fisher (20+ years coaching programs in the Greenbrier East Wrestling Family); and Rob Frank (U of Iowa, Cornell RFC, ICRFC, returning women’s coach).
Carter Shear is the Head Coach of the Eastern Greenbrier Middle School wrestling program. Coach Shear wrestled competitively for seven years (in Nebraska and Nevada) and has been coaching high school and middle school wrestling for the past 6 years. He is joined by Assistant Coach Rodney Fisher (8 time champion US Open; 2-time world bronze medalist; Assistant Coach at Greenbrier East for 25 years).
The Eastern Greenbrier Wrestling Club is coached by Camren Ritchey. Coach Ritchey is a two-time Maryland state place winner, and a Maryland freestyle wrestling state Champion. He wrestled collegiately at Alderson Broaddus University. The Greenbrier East Wrestling Family continues to be guided by the advice and wisdom of past coaches Brian Miluk and Mark Solak.
No school program would be possible without the support of the school district and its administrators. The Greenbrier Wrestling Family gives its profound thanks to GEHS Head Principal David Vincent, EGMS Head Principal Cynthia Lee; and GEHS Athletic Director Joey Hodge. In an ever tightening economic environment these talented professionals work with students, parents, coaches, and community supporters to make sure all young people have the opportunity to gain experience and mature through sports programs.
Finally, wrestling, like all athletic programs, relies in part on the generous contributions of parents, sponsors, donors, and volunteers. They are truly a part of the Greenbrier East Wrestling Family. If you would like to join our team of sponsors, donors, and volunteers, feel free to reach out to any of the coaching staff.
As the new school year approaches, the Greenbrier East Wrestling Family is diligently preparing for a new season. I invite you to join us as we pursue excellence in the 2025 – 2026 season.
