Varsity Wrestling Coach (1969-1973)

Credited with Starting the Broncho Wrestling Program

1973 Michigan Wrestling Coaches Association Regional Coach of the Year

Bob Varner deserves the credit for starting the Broncho wrestling program in 1969. With a used mat for practice and meets, and a handful of kids who had no idea what they were doing, Coach Varner instilled pride in the Holly program. His assistant coach was Don Pluta. Coach Pluta remembers most that Bob Varner was extremely tough on the kids, yet had a very kind heart. He truly cared about his wrestlers and developed a sense of family in the program. Most importantly, the wrestlers were inspired by Coach Varner.

The first years were difficult as inexperienced wrestlers were out matched. However, the goal remained the same…respect. By the 1972-73 school year, the young team had grown and become one of the better teams in the area. That season a goal was realized, the Bronchos upset the defending Flint Metro League and state champion Fenton. At the end of that season, four short years after the program started, Bob Varner was named the Michigan Wrestling Coaches Association Regional Coach of the Year. In those four years, he had seven state qualifiers and numerous regional qualifiers. The Holly wrestling program had become established and was a respected program.

In the fall of 1973, Coach Varner tragically died of a heart attack. His dream of having a state champion was never realized, but his legacy lives on. Holly hosts the Bob Varner Memorial Wrestling Tournament each year. Every time a Holly wrestler takes the mat, it is with that same pride and dedication that he instilled in the 1969 team.