Coach Robert L. Toran was born to the late Robert Jr. and Hattie D. Toran in Norfolk, Virginia, the fifth of six children.

A product of Norfolk Public Schools, he graduated from Norview High School in 1982. Toran was a tri-athlete for the Pilots, lettering in football, wrestling, and baseball.

He was introduced to wrestling by the legendary Coach Ken Whitley. Under his guidance, Toran won two Eastern district titles and earned a scholarship to wrestle at Winston-Salem State University. He captured two CIAA titles and received Honorable Mention All-American honors in 1984.

In 1988, Toran was back at Norview to begin a 30-year coaching career, hired by Ken Whitley as an assistant coach in football and wrestling.

He built a reputation there that won him a position at Booker T. Washington High School in 1992 as the head wrestling coach and offensive coordinator in football, compliments of Larry Stepney.

Toran spent 11 years at the helm for the Mighty Bookers, winning three district titles and more than 100 matches.

In 2004, Coach Toran, now a school counselor, returned to Norview, accepting both the head football and wrestling coach positions. In this busy seven-year tenure, his wrestling teams won two district titles and once again reached the 100-win mark. He also produced his first state champion (Adrin Taylor).

In 2012, Coach Toran was promoted to School Counseling Director and offered the head wrestling position at Salem High School. His impact was immediate and lasting, as he guided his SunDevils to a conference and a regional title while approaching 100 wins with his third different team. He has had the privilege at Salem of coaching two more state champions (Tyrone Gayle and Anthony New).

Coach Toran and his wife Andrea have been married for 27 years; out of their union they have produced four outstanding children, Aleyshia, Andre, Robyn, and Aaron. Their unconditional love and support has been instrumental in his success as a high coach.