Huntington’s Archer reaches milestone

By DAVID WALSH - The Herald-Dispatch

HUNTINGTON -- In an office where the walls are already filled with pictures and plaques, Huntington High wrestling coach Bill Archer has to make room for two more items.

The latest additions are plaques to commemorate Feb. 13, 2003, the night the Highlanders beat Greenbrier East, 61-12, to give Archer his 400th career victory in dual matches.

"It’s awesome to become a part of history. I’m excited for him," said Jeremy Ray, a senior who won his match at 140 pounds. The other two senior starters are Mike Waldeck (145) and Jeremy Patick (160).

Archer, the first state champion in Huntington High (before consolidation with Huntington East) history, began coaching the then-called Pony Express in December, 1971. He got his first dual win that month over Hurricane, 27-23. 

Since then, Archer has compiled a mark in duals of 400-82. His teams also have won 22 Class AAA Region 3 championships. The Highlanders will seek No. 23 on Feb. 22 at Cabell Midland.

"It’s amazing what he’s accomplished," said Robbie Archer, who once wrestled for his dad and now works with him as an assistant. "He’s brought this program from zilch. Everything we have today is because of him."

The inscription on one plaque read: "Thanks from all coaches, wrestlers and parents of the past and present HHS family." Below the writing are two pictures showing Archer in action during that first season. One finds him in a chair and the other shows him shaking hands with Roger Riggs after Riggs won a match. 

The pictures were donated by Bill’s wife, Diane, who has put together numerous scrapbooks over the 33 years her husband has been in charge.

Wrestlers and parents admit they owe a lot to Archer.

"I’m proud of coach Archer. It’s a great honor to be on the team," said Mike Waldeck, who won his match by decision. "When he’s on me, it’s for my own good. He wants me to meet my potential."

Ray agreed.

"He helped me get my head on straight," he said. "He’s all about discipline."

Patick learned that after the finals of the Nitro Invitational. After his match, he tossed his headgear in disgust and the Highlanders got penalized a team point.

"You don’t make a scene," Patick said. "I got an earful. Everything he’s done has been to make me get better."

One interested observer Thursday night was Beverly Murrell, who teaches at the school and whose son, Byron, wrestled four years under Archer. His best showing was state runner-up at 135 in 1997. Beverly still works the scoring table at the WSAZ Invitational and State Tournament.

"I don’t know how to put it," she said. "Byron loved him. He’s a good role model. He has the kids’ best interest at heart."

Archer, who is 54, said there’s one special moment that hasn’t changed over the years.

"When I see them (kids) do something I taught them it’s still a thrill," he said. "And now with Robbie, it’s even better."