Editor's note: To highlight the positive contributions of a local resident through The Chronicle’s Community Spotlight series, email photos and details to news@chronline.com.
“Robert Coates is a father, businessman and wrestling coach in the Doty and Pe Ell area. He grew up wrestling and, because of his love of the sport, eventually became a coach and brought wrestling to the kids of Pe Ell. Known as Coach Rob by the kids, he dedicates his time across all three wrestling programs (youth, middle school and high school), taking time away from work, his wife, hunting and even his own wrestling. During the offseason, Coach Rob still coaches many of the Pe Ell kids while they wrestle for Twin City Mat Cats. It would be easy for Rob to just focus on his own wrestling, or even just his kids wrestling achievements, but for Coach Rob, he dedicates himself to each kid he trains, always reminding them that, win or loss, each match is a learning experience. He pushes every wrestler to do their best and work toward greatness but is still right there to console a loss. Robert Coates is a coach worth acknowledging, and so many kids and parents are thankful for him and the work, effort and support he puts in when it comes to helping these kids become amazing wrestlers.” — submitted by Amanda Faulkner.
