VFMC Announces Rob Hjerling as Head Coach to Lead the Return of Wrestling

Valley Forge Military College (VFMC) announced today that Rob Hjerling, one of the most accomplished coaches in Southern Conference wrestling history, has been appointed Head Wrestling Coach as the College reinstates its wrestling program.

Hjerling brings more than two decades of NCAA Division I coaching experience, national-level success, and a proven track record of developing high-performing cadet-athletes. He joins VFMC after a distinguished career at The Citadel, where he served as head coach for 21 years.

During his tenure, The Citadel achieved some of its strongest competitive results. Hjerling coached four NCAA Division I All-Americans and more than 30 NCAA qualifiers. His 2004 squad captured both the Southern Conference tournament championship and the dual-meet title, marking one of the program’s best seasons. He was named SoCon Coach of the Year twice.

“Rob is exactly the leader we want building this program,” said Colonel Stuart B. Helgeson, USMC (Ret.), President of Valley Forge Military College. “He understands the balance of athletic excellence, academic responsibility, and character development. His experience in a military college environment makes him an ideal fit for VFMC and for the cadet-athletes who will help us reestablish wrestling as a flagship sport.”

Before entering coaching, Hjerling wrestled at American University, where he earned a conference championship, a berth in the NCAA Championships, and the conference’s Most Outstanding Wrestler honors. His coaching career includes roles at American University and George Mason University before his long-standing success at The Citadel.

Hjerling said he is excited for the opportunity to build the program from the ground up.

“VFMC has a proud history of developing disciplined, motivated young leaders, and I’m honored to be part of bringing wrestling back to The Forge,” Hjerling said. “There is tremendous potential here. We’re going to recruit talent, build a strong culture, and create a program the Corps of Cadets and alumni community can be proud of.”

The wrestling program will align with the College’s commitment to developing leaders through rigorous academics, military structure, and competitive athletics.

VFMC will begin recruiting immediately and has applied for membership in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 19, Division I. The Trojans will begin competition this winter as part of the National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA).