[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 160 (Tuesday, September 30, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E916]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIFE AND CAREER OF SOUTHWEST VIRGINA COACHING ICON PHIL 
                                ROBBINS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 30, 2025

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exceptional 
dedication and service of legendary coach Phil Robbins, a dedicated 
football coach in Southwest Virginia who helped build legacies across 
the district.
  As a student-athlete, Coach Robbins played both college football and 
baseball at Emory & Henry College. His time at Emory & Henry made an 
impression on him to continue in the world of sports as a leader, 
mentor, and coach.
  His coaching career started as an assistant coach at Washington 
County's Patrick Henry High School for four years. In 1971, Coach 
Robbins took over the football program at John Battle High School in 
Washington County.
  Later in 1977, Coach Robbins led Christiansburg High School in 
Montgomery County. He helped lead the Blue Demons to the program's 
first playoff game in 1981.
  Coach Robbins then went to Powell Valley High School in Wise County, 
where he would build a strong foundation for a storied football program 
that achieved monumental success. From 1983 until the school's final 
football season in the fall of 2010, Coach Robbins helped Powell Valley 
claim seven state titles. During that time frame, his teams accumulated 
more than 260 wins.
  According to Tim Hayes of the Bristol Herald Courier, the 1998 Powell 
Valley team under Coach Robbins is considered by many as the best prep 
football squad to play in the coalfields of Southwest Virginia.
  His coaching not only produced NFL running backs Thomas Jones and 
Julius Jones, but countless college standouts over the course of his 
career and many who followed in his coaching footsteps. Coach Robbins 
contributed to other programs, including Powell Valley's track and 
field program. Under his tenure, Powell Valley's track and field team 
produced two state titles.
  After his tenure with Powell Valley, Coach Robbins remained in the 
coaching community. He spent the past few years helping with the 
football team at the University of Virginia's College at Wise.
  Southwest Virginia communities appreciated all the hard work and 
dedication that Coach Robbins put into the development of student-
athletes in the region. Last year, the Phil Robbins Field was 
christened at Wise County's Bullitt Park, where Union High School plays 
its football games. With this, we honor Coach Robbins in the most 
memorable way. Players and coaches should be inspired by his legacy, 
defined by a deep personal calling to coaching and athletics in 
communities across Southwest Virginia.

                          ____________________