Rob started his wrestling career at McDonogh School, where he placed fourth at the MSA tournament as a freshman under the coaching of Tom Potts and 2nd in the MSWA as sophomore under Coach Dan Blakinger. That year, four McDonogh wrestlers managed to finish second as a team at the Lehigh National Prep School tournament: Seniors Scott Naylor and Muraji placed first; Pat Dulany finished second; and Smoot, a sophomore, placed third. Rob missed his junior year with a back injury, but trained all summer long with McDonogh alum Bob Pac to get back on the mat. In his senior year, Rob won the Ray Oliver Holiday Tournament and was named Outstanding Wrestler. He capped off his high school career with its highlight: Capturing the MSA championship at 134 pounds. After high school, Rob competed at Duke University for Coach Bill Harvey. There, he was a four-year starter and co-captain of the team his junior and senior seasons. Rob won the Citadel, Pembroke and Catawba tournaments and was named Outstanding Wrestler at Catawba, going unscored upon. His best finish at the ACC tournament was second as a senior. That year, Duke honored Rob with its ACC Scholar Athlete Award. After graduating from Duke, Rob returned to McDonogh to teach and coach. Initially, he coached the JV and assisted Henry Hooper with the varsity. From 1984 to 1993, Rob was the head varsity coach and was assisted by Bill Seal. During this time, Rob coached several MSA champions and led the team to a runner-up finish to perennial power Mt. St. Joe. In 1993, Rob gave up the reins of the varsity and coached middle school for three years. For the past 16 years, Rob has headed up the JV and assisted Pete Welch and Joe Bakewell with the varsity. Together, they enjoyed much success, including four years in which McDonogh won the MIAAs and the private school states. Rob and his wife, Liz, are still teaching. They have two daughters, Brielle and Brandy, and one son, Hunter, who are all McDonogh grads. Brady helped manage the wrestling team throughout high school and Hunter was awarded the Ray Oliver Character in Wrestling Award.