Legendary Coach Eric Brock Steps Down From Trion High School Wrestling Program After 17 Years

Coach Eric Brock, the head wrestling coach at Trion High School for the last seventeen years, has announced that he will be stepping down from his position to fill a role as an administrator at Trion Middle School. 

He said about his decision, “As everyone ages, I believe we begin to reevaluate our goals in life, and I think we all start to realize how valuable our time is. A combination of several factors led to my decision, but I must say that time commitment was what I struggled with the most.” 

Throughout his tenure, Coach Brock’s unwavering dedication led the Bulldogs to an impressive 416 dual meet wins, securing eight consecutive Area Team Dual Championships and eight consecutive Area Traditional Championships. 

The Trion Wrestling team also achieved two Team Dual State Championships and one Traditional Team State Championship and was the state runner-up six times. 

Coach Brock’s coaching prowess is evident in the 114 individual state placers he has guided, with 31 of them reaching the finals. Notably, eight of these individuals became State Champions, a testament to his profound influence.

He also worked hard to secure scholarships and walk-on opportunities for several wrestlers. 

Despite his continued success, Coach Brock realized he wanted to spend more time with his family and not miss out on valuable moments. “I tell my wrestlers all the time that anyone can excel at wrestling if they are willing to put in the time. My family has always been super supportive of my coaching, but all the long hours and living out of hotel rooms every weekend during the season has been weighing on me the last couple of years. As a grandfather now, I realized that I didn’t want to miss out on any more valuable time with family.” 

Coach Brock is grateful for his coaching career and his relationships with athletes and their families. He said, “I have been fortunate in my coaching career to have built a lot of great relationships with the athletes and their families. So for me, the one thing that I will miss the most and gets me choked up when I think about it are those memorable moments spent just hanging out in the cabins or hotels, taking the team snow tubing or to the arcades in Gatlinburg, the trips to Virginia and Appalachian State University. It is those moments that I will miss the most.” 

Coach Brock extends his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported him and his wrestling team. “I hope I have left the program better than I found it.”

Trion Athletic Director, Jason Lanham, said Coach Brock in fact left it much better than he found it. “Coach Brock is a true difference maker, he has influenced countless lives as a coach but has had even greater impact because of the man that he is. Eric Brock is a legend in the wrestling community and built one of the absolute best wrestling programs in the state from the bottom up…I always say to whom much is given much is expected and Coach Brock exceeded all expectations…he transformed Trion Wrestling into the Gold Standard of athletic programs!! Coach Brock thank you for loving our kids as your own, thank you for all the time you gave, thank you for your commitment to Trion, and thank you for leaving it better than you found it my friend. May God Bless you on your next journey and I have no doubt Trion Middle School is in great hands….We love you Coach Brock,” Lanham said.

Trion Wrestling will host a meet-and-greet with new head coach Randy Steward on Thursday, April 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. 

Coach Brock is confident in the future of Trion Wrestling under the leadership of Coach Steward. He believes the program is in good hands and that Coach Steward will continue to build on the foundation of success that has been established. 

In 2022, Coach Brock was named Coach of the Year, and he said, “Wrestling for me has never been about the wins and losses. It has been more about the relationships and making a positive impact to help shape young lives. My motto from the beginning has been ‘To build champions on and off the mat‘, and it is my hope that I have made a difference.”

Coach Brock’s impact on Trion Wrestling and the lives of the young men he has coached is immeasurable. He has not only built a successful wrestling program but has also shaped the character and values of his athletes. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide, and his records will go unmatched for many years. 

Here’s a look back at a few of the AllOnGeorgia articles over the years.

 

Brock Gets 300th Win, Bulldogs Win 4th Consecutive Area Duals Championship

Brock named Wrestling Coach of the Year

Trion Wrestling: Back 2 Back 2 Back Area Duals Champions! Back 2 Back 2 Back Area Traditional Champions!

Trion Wrestlers Claim McCallie Championship on the shoulders of Three Champs

Trion Wrestling 2022 GHSA Duals State Champions

Trion Wrestling to get First-Class Facility

Harris Kids to get Missing Ring

Trion Wrestling Wins State

Bulldog Angel brings win streak to Trion Wrestling

Trion’s Vaughn Ranked #1

Trion’s Eller Signs with App State Wrestling

Toby Maddux: State Champion

Brantley Willbanks: State Champion

Zach Sharp: State Champion

Logan Eller: State Champion

Floyd Commits to Wrestle in Indiana

Trion Takes Third at State Duals