First I'll say what an outstanding job Dresser did to elevate our wrestling program which was in shambles after another Iowan left for greener pastures. I'm still bitter from that fiasco. Unlike Brands, Dresser, however, leaves Tech as an elite collegiate program consistently ranked in the top 5. Few schools are in that rarified air. He did the same at Grundy and at Christiansburg. I watched him when he was in Grundy which is the same district were I went to high school (and wrestled for 4 years). He was successful as an individual wrestler winning a national championship and he knows the sport like few others. His work ethic and drive are unparalleled. I'm absolutely confident he will turn around Iowa State's currently morbid program. We lost not a good one but one of the best.
I understand all the reasons cited to justify his leaving. Some are valid others suspect. Family connections and obligations are certainly understandable. However, when you boil it all down it comes down to what was best for Kevin Dresser and Iowa State. Not Virginia Tech. Decisions based on self interest rather than sacrifice and their affect on others is certainty the current cultural norm. There are numerous people in the Tech community that are disappointed and hurt by Dresser's decision to leave, not the least of which are our team members that have ACC and National Championships over the next couple weeks. But it serves Iowa State's program well. It well help keep their recruits on board. To me being a Hokie means more than until you get a better offer (or opportunity). To me being a Hokie means more than I like you but you're not my first choice and sorry for the disappointment and inconvenience in my departure. To me "This is Home" really resonates as being true. I guess I'm old fashioned and probably naive as well but I put a premium on loyalty. I'm a Hokie, always have and always will be. Till death do us part baby, Loyalty is a quality I always did and still do admire about Coach Beamer and Coach Foster. Both had numerous offers that would have been "advancements or better opportunities " yet they were committed and loved Va Tech. There was no better job than the one they had! Tech was and still is "Home". Loyalty is based on a commitment and love. It's a great character trait in a person and in a coach. Coach Dresser built a program just like Coach Beamer (and Bud). I just wish he deemed his creation worthy of seeing it through.