Waynesburg University men’s wrestling has a new head coach for the 2025-2026 season who has quite the background. His name is Bobby Patnesky. The 48-year-old began wrestling at the age of five in the Canon-McMillan.

Patnesky’s coaching career began at NCAA Division I Davidson for 12 seasons, where he led his team to 68 dual match victories. He then took on coaching at Penn State Behrend for five years, before coming to Waynesburg. 

“I stepped out of wrestling for a little while to help my family,” Patensky said. “Then, I realized that I missed the sport and helping others.” 

Patnesky realized that Waynesburg was a special place before he was the head coach. He was very close to former head coach, Ron Headlee.

Patnesky does have goals for all the wrestlers. One of them is that the team has a 3.0 GPA. 

“It’s about the students and their goals,” Patnesky said.    

Presidents’ Athletic Conference 174-pound champion Jessie Orbin offered his thoughts on head coach Patnesky.

“I believe the mentality and approach are 100 percent different than former head coach McKinney,” Orbin said. “He is a veteran when it comes to coaching at a high level.”

Patnesky hit on the point of transitioning for him. 

“Transitioning is a very difficult thing to overcome,” Patnesky said. 

Part of transitioning for Patnesky is a new style of wrestling as wrestling is always evolving. Patnesky also wants trust to be a two-way street; they trust him, he trusts them.

Orbin agrees with what coach Patnesky is trying to do.

“He will lead us differently and show us a different perspective of coaching,” Orbin said. “He will bring a new type of energy with him.” 

The most important thing Patnesky wants the wrestlers to do during their time here is to make their own legacy and all come together and work as a team. 

Patnesky brought up Orbin and what he believes he can do this year. 

“Orbin has potential but he can’t focus on the end goal,” Patnesky said. “He has to focus on the small victories and take it step by step throughout the season.” 

Patnesky wants this for all of his wrestlers and he knows that everyone can accomplish something big if they focus on the small things. 

Orbin, who has put the time and effort into the past two seasons, shows emotion for the change. 

“I am excited about coach Patnesky coming to Waynesburg, because he’s from this area and has a great background of wrestling,” Orbin said. “He knows the standard of wrestling in Pennsylvania and can improve this team.”

Patnesky is very excited to be at Waynesburg University and plans to keep Waynesburg Men’s Wrestling fun to watch.