Wrestling receives largest single donation in program historyWrestling receives largest single donation in program history
Wrestling

Wrestling receives largest single donation in program history

Transformational gift will support recruiting, staffing, facilities, and many other programmatic needs

Opens in a new window Match the Million Campaign Opens in a new window Become a Hokies Wrestling Insider

BLACKSBURG - Virginia Tech wrestling head coach Tony Robie announced the single largest cash donation in program history - a $1 million philanthropic gift given by the generosity of Dave and Heidi Jester of Virginia Beach. The transformational gift will support recruiting, staffing, facilities, and many other programmatic needs.

 

I am humbled and deeply grateful for The Jester's belief in this program, in our coaching staff, and in our student-athletes. This gift is a statement. It tells our wrestlers, potential recruits, and the entire wrestling community that there are people in Hokie Nation who see what we are building and want to support this program and the student-athletes who choose Virginia Tech.

Head Coach Tony Robie

The Jesters make their landmark contribution with a clear purpose: they believe in Coach Robie and staff, in his vision for the program, and in the young men who represent Virginia Tech proudly on their singlet and off the mat each season.

What Tony has built at Virginia Tech is special and we wanted to do something meaningful to show Coach he has our support and while encouraging others to help him grow this program. We want the roster and the coaching staff to know this program has the backing it deserves. Coach Robie has assured me that he will use this support to continue to grow this championship brand in Blacksburg and that he will keep VT wrestling climbing the podium at the national level.

Dave Jester

The Jesters' gift includes a matching component, and Coach Robie is calling on everyone who supports Virginia Tech wrestling to join in. Whether contributions are made through the SERTC or the Hokie Club, the program's goal is simple: match $1 million in support by May 2027. Every dollar donated to Virginia Tech Wrestling, either through the SERTC or the Hokie Club, will count towards the match.

"This is a moment to capture and an opportunity to take advantage of," mentioned Robie. "The Match the Million campaign is something everyone can participate in. We want every fan, every former student-athlete, and every person who has ever believed in what we do here in Blacksburg to be part of this regardless of the amount. The Jesters set the bar, now let's meet them there."

Philanthropic contributions to Virginia Tech Wrestling through either the SERTC or the Hokie Club will count toward the "Match the Million" campaign goal. The campaign runs through May 2027. Individuals can make their gift to the SERTC directly by visiting the link at the top of the page or through the Hokie Club. Any questions regarding philanthropic support, either to the SERTC or the Hokie Club, please reach out to Evan Massengill at ebmass01@vt.edu.