District IX Wrestling Hall of Fame
District IX

2002
2001
2000
1999

The District IX Chapter of the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association (PWCA) will honor the fourth class of inductees to the District IX Hall of Fame. These five gentleman will join our first three induction classes based on their outstanding accomplishments and achievements as wrestlers, coaches, and contributors to the sport of wrestling. The entire District IX wrestling community proudly joins to honor both the hours of devotion and expertise these men have demonstrated and to celebrate the great sport of wrestling.

WILLIAM BAILEY

Mr. Bailey is a 1974 graduate of Clearfield Area High School where he competed in wrestling for state Hall of Fame coaches Ron Park and Neil Turner. Bill earned honors as District IX and Northwest Regional Champion as well as PIAA state runner-up at 185 pounds. He was also voted honorable mention, All-state football his senior year. The University of Pittsburgh was the next stop for Bill where he was a four-year letter winner with a win-loss record of 67-14-1. During this time he served as co-captain two years, won two EWL titles, and qualified for the Division I Nationals four years. In his final year at Pitt, Bill placed in the top eight at nationals making him a modern day All-American. Bill also is a two time National Junior All-American in placing second in Grecco Roman and third in freestyle. Mr. Bailey has been inducted into the EWL Hall of Fame and the Clearfield County Hall of Fame. He has served as assistant coach at both West Virginia University and Clearfield High School. Bill is now employed at Clarion University as Dean of Enrollment Management.

DALE BUDD

Dale is a 1988 graduate of Port Allegany High School where he was coached by John Kriner. A three-time District Nine finalist, Dale captured titles in both '86 and '88. He also twice competed in Northwest Regional Finals with a championship his senior year. Capping off his high school career, Dale became Port's first PIAA State Champion with a title at 167 pounds. He accepted a scholarship to Lock Haven University where he compiled a Division I collegiate career record of 90-41-2. At the Haven, Dale was voted EWL Freshman of the Year and in 1993 the EWL 190 pound tournament champion. He made two PSAC tournament finals appearances with a title in 1992. A three-time NCAA qualifier, Dale brought home All-American status in 1993 with an eight-place finish.

JOHN CAPPIELLO

At Ridgway Area High School, John amassed a career record of 131-8 and four District Nine titles from 1978-1981. In 1981, upon winning his fourth District IX Championship, he became the first district wrestler since Walter Clark of Clearfield in 1964 to win four district titles. In 1979 Cappiello placed third at the Central Northwestern Regional Tournament. He also won two consecutive regional titles in '80 and '81. In the PIAA State AA Tournament, John was a two-time place winner with a third and a 1981 runner-up finish. Also in the summer of '81, John placed second in the USWF National Freestyle Championships. John's career record of 133 wins was the District IX record until 1999, when fellow Elker wrestler, Bruno Iorfido won 135 matches in his four year career.

RANDY CATHCART

Randy is a 1977 graduate of Curwensville where he was a three time District IX Champion, Regional Champion, and in 1977 a PIAA State Champion. His career record at Curwensville was 82-13-2. In total, Randy earned 12 varsity letters while in high school with four each in wrestling, football, and baseball. Randy's love for football won out as he entered Clarion University and was a three-year letter winner for the Golden Eagles football team. Upon graduation, Mr. Cathcart began what is now his 22nd year in education and as a head wrestling coach, first at Curwensville and then Clarion High School. Randy has coached to date, 20 District IX Champions, two District IX Class AA Championship teams, three Regional Champions and 5 PIAA Class AA State Champions, including his son Kyle. Randy also serves as the District IX President of the PA Wrestling Coaches Association and member of the PWCA Executive Committee where he has been instrumental in developing the District IX wrestling rankings and the District IX Hall of Fame. He serves as Assistant Principal at Clarion High School. Randy will be inducted into the PWCA State Hall of Fame in Hershey this March.

BILL RENSEL

Mr. Rensel has worn many hats in the wrestling world over the course of three plus decades culminating in his induction tonight as a District Nine Hall of Fame Contributor. Bill is a four-year letter winner at DuBois High School and a scholarship wrestler for Waynesburg College where he also lettered four seasons. Returning to his alma mater to teach, a 35-year career in social studies and guidance, Bill served as assistant wrestling coach to Hall of Famer Don Shobert for 15 years until he retired from coaching in 1974. Mr. Rensel continued his involvement in wrestling by announcing local matches on radio station WDBA for eight years. Rounding out his contribution to our sport, Bill officiated for twenty years as a district, regional, and state tournament levels. Mr. Rensel is now retires and resides in Rockton.

The District IX Chapter of the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association (PWCA) will honor the third second class of inductees to the District IX Hall of Fame. These five gentleman will join our first two induction classes based on their outstanding accomplishments and achievements as wrestlers, coaches, and contributors to the sport of wrestling. The entire District IX wrestling community proudly joins to honor both the hours of devotion and expertise these men have demonstrated and to celebrate the great sport of wrestling.

BOB CARLSON

Bob is a 1962 DuBois High School graduate where he served as the captain of their wrestling squad. He acted as both coach and competitor on the United States Air Force team winning two USAF championships and placing second on two occasions in the All Service Championships. Following his service years, he attended Utah State University, wrestling there and then becoming head coach for 19 years amassing a 224-75-1 record. Mr. Carlson has served on many boards and administrative positions including Associate Athletic Director of USU, President of the National Wrestling Coaches Association, USA Wrestling Board of Directors, and NCAA Rules Committee. Bob returned to District IX and Clarion University in 1987 as Associate Athletic Director and was promoted to Athletic Director in 1990, the position he holds today. During his time at Clarion, Bob has contributed to wrestling by serving as a liaison to PSAC wrestling championships and the PIAA district and regional tournaments held at this fine site.

JOSEPH A. KAGY

Joe is a 1930 graduate of DuBois High School and a 1934 graduate of Allegeny College in Meadville with a degree in economics. Joe also earned a Masters of Secondary Education Degree at Duke University.

Mr. Kagy is being inducted as a contributor in the District IX Hall of Fame for his 28 years of PIAA officiating. While not wrestling in high school or college, he returned to DuBois and joined famed coach Hub Jack as assistant and co-head coach. Joe has earned the respect of his peers through more than a quarter of a century of officiating at district and state level tournaments.

JARED KULECK

Jared is a 1991 graduate of Ridgway High School where he was coached by Gary Gerber. His scholastic career record stands at 97-11-1 (89%) over four years with 70 falls to his credit. He scored a hat trick in 1991 winning the District, the Northwest Regional Title (O.W.) and capturing the PIAA State Title at 189 pounds and becoming Ridgway's first state champion. Jared's accomplishments earned him a full wrestling scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown where he was a four-time Division II National Qualifier and a three-time All American under the supervision of Coach Pat Pecora. He amassed a 98-29-2 record with 48 falls as a four year starter while earning degrees in elementary education and, later, a masters in curriculum and instruction from Penn State University. Jared is currently teaching at his alma mater as well as assisting in the wrestling program at Ridgway.

JAMES MOHNEY

Jim is a 1942 graduate of Clearfield Area High School and a 1950 graduate of Penn State University with degrees in Health and Physical Education and Secondary School Administration. Jim's high school career shows a 31-3 record (91%); two-time District 6-9 Champion and a two-time PIAA State Champion, under Coach Art Weiss. An injury shortened his collegiate career but not before he captured an EIWA title in 1944 for the Nittany Lions. As in the case with many greats of his era, wrestling continued for Jim after college with state and regional honors in AAU and YMCA competition. Coach Mohney logged 18 years as a head coach starting at Tyrone High School, where he guided nine district champions and two PIAA champs. Long Branch, New Jersey benefited from Mohney's experience producing nine district champions, two regional and one New Jersey state runner-up. Possibly the most enjoyable contribution Jim has made to wrestling has been 25 years of officiating in New Jersey and Pennsylvania at both the scholastic and collegiate levels. Jim Mohney, after 38 years of service, retired from a career in education as an administrator at his alma mater, C.H.S.

PAT WILTANGER

In 1991 Pat became Clarion High School's first Northwest Regional Champion and a PIAA State Champion capping off a scholastic career record of 75-27-2 (72%), while wrestling for coach Randy Cathcart. He was selected to perform in both the Pittsburgh Press Classic and the Challenge of Champions All-Star meet, winning both bouts. Pat's summer wrestling schedule resulted in All-American status in both greco roman and freestyle wrestling at the U.S.A. Junior Nationals. He was also a four time District IX place winner. Pat was awarded an athletic scholarship in wrestling at the University of Pittsburgh and wrestled for coach Randy Staltelmyer. While at Pittsburgh, Pat was a three-time EWL finalist with one title in 1996, three-time NCAA Division I national qualifier, earning All- American status in 1996 by placing eighth at the championship tournament. Pat ranks third for wins in the University of Pittsburgh wrestling history.

The District IX Chapter of the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association (PWCA) will honor the second class of inductees to the District IX Hall of Fame. These five gentleman will join our first induction class based on their outstanding accomplishments and achievements as wrestlers, coaches, and contributors to the sport of wrestling. The entire District IX wrestling community proudly joins to honor both the hours of devotion and expertise these men have demonstrated and to celebrate the great sport of wrestling.

SCOTT COLLINS

Scott is a 1986 graduate of Clearfield Area High School and a 1991 graduate of West Virginia University with a degree in Health and Physical Education. He also completed a master's degree in Community Health Promotion from WVU in 1993. At Clearfield , Collins complied a 112-10-1 record (C.H.S.'s best); along with 4 District IX Championships, 2 Northwest Regional Titles, a 3rd place finish in the 1985 State Tournament and a PIAA State Title in 1986. Scott concluded an outstanding collegiate career in 1991 by being chosen to participate in the National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Star meet, voted EWL Wrestler of the Year, earning academic All-American standing, winning the Eastern Wrestling League Championships, and becoming only the second District IX wrestler to capture a NCAA Division I, National Title. He holds the WVU record for wins at 119 (28-3). In 1994 Scott was inducted into the EWL Hall of Fame and will be inducted into the PWCA Hall of Fame this March at the state tournament. Collins has been employed by his high school alma mater for the past 7 years, leading the Bisons as head coach the last 2 seasons.

LENNY FERRARO

Coach Ferraro wrestled and graduated from Brookville Area in 1969 under Hall of Fame Coach, Les Turner. He then graduated in 1973 from Slippery Rock State College where he wrestled under legendary Coach Fred Powell. Lenny started teaching and coaching career solely in District IX as a one year assistant for Ridgway. head coach at Johnsonburg from 1974 to 1984 then back to his alma mater as assistant to Turner, assuming the head position in 1993 for 5 years. Lenny led the Raiders for 5 years until his untimely death. Coach Ferraro has a career record of 151-66-4 with 16 District IX Champions, 2 Regional Champions, and 6 State Place Winners. His team won two District IX titles with Lenny being named AA Coach of the Year on 4 separate occasions. Under Coach Ferraro's leadership his 1996 and 1997 squads were ranked # 1 dual meet teams in the state and as high as 13th nationally. Lenny coached a total of 24 seasons, 15 as head coach as well as countless weeks and months of post season activity. For two decades Coach Ferraro could be found, during the off season, anywhere in the country with his wrestlers. As further proof of the impact Lenny has had on District IX wrestling, 9 of his past wrestlers are now participating in NCAA Division I wrestling programs. Coach Ferraro, Lenny, has been an inspiration to all who knew him and those who will take the time to learn about him.

BENJAMIN KUNDICK

Coach Kundick is a 1949 graduate from New Bethlehem High School and after serving in the U.S. Navy, graduated from Clarion State College as a Math major in 1958 and received a master's in Elementary Education in 1968. With no high school or college programs at these schools to participate in, Ben's first exposure to the sport ,he would coach for 31 years, was as an assistant to the 1980 PWCA Hall of Fame inductee, Jesse Caldwell, who started the program at Redbank Valley. Following 8 years as an assistant to Caldwell, Ben took over as head coach for the 1969-70 campaign and maintained the program for the next 4 years before stepping down for two seasons. He assumed the head position for the 1975-76 and remained until his retirement in 1992-93. In 22 years as head coach, Kundick compiled a 207-73-1 record for a 73.6 winning percentage, was named District IX Coach of the Year 3 times by his peers, and guided his team to 3 district championships with only 1 losing season during his tenure. Coach Kundick has had over 100 District IX Place Winners, 29 District IX Champions, 8 Regional Champions, 23 PIAA State Qualifiers, 9 PIAA Place Winners and 1 State Champion. Ben returned to the sport he loves as a Jr. High Assistant Coach this past season for Redbank Valley.

RONALD SMITH

Ron is being inducted as a contributor and coach for 30 plus years of involvement in any and all areas of our great sport. A 1953 Canton Area and 1957 Lock Haven State College graduate in Health and Physical Education. Ron started his 32 year coaching career at West Synder as head coach. He moved to Clearfield Area then Curwensville Area and back to Clearfield for 3 terms as head Coach at each with a total record of 55-64-1 over 9 years. Smith also spent 23 years as a jr. high/elementary coach with a 66-9 jr. high record. In all, Ron has coached 7 Section Champions, 22 District Champions, 4 Regional Champions, and 8 PIAA State Qualifiers with 2 place winners. He was selected District IX Coach of the Year in 1980 by his peers. Ron's additional involvements include officiating for 15 years, 3 as the head rules interpreter for District IX. His guidance has been felt in his 30 year involvement in the Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling program as Area V Chairman for 15 years and All Area Chairman for 8 years where he expanded the program to include the entire state. He has been a feature clinician at numerous locations in Pennsylvania. Ron can also be heard as an announcer for wrestling events on WCPA showing he truly is the "Man of Many Hats" in the wrestling world.

TIM WITTMAN

Tim is a 1987 graduate of St. Mary's Area and a 1992 graduate of Penn State University. He should be considered the most consistent performer at the scholastic and collegiate level in the modern era of District IX wrestling. Wittman was a 4 time PIAA State Qualifier with 3 District IX Titles, 2 Northwest Regional Titles, and a 2 time finalist in the PIAA State Tournament winning the crown in 1986. His collegiate achievements are equally impressive as a 4 time ALL-American placing 4th, 6th, and 7th. Tim was also voted the Outstanding Wrestler of the EWL his senior year and served as team captain of the Lions from 1990-92. Since graduating he has continued in wrestling as assistant to State College High School and now serves as assistant at Bucknell University.

Since 1970 the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association (PWCA) has honored outstanding accomplishments in the sport of wrestling through its state level wrestling Hall of Fame induction program. Tonight, the District IX Chapter of the PWCA will start the same tradition. Our first class of inductees includes some of the state's legendary wrestlers, coaches, and contributors to the sport of wrestling who have all resided in the District IX area. Each of the 19 members inducted tonight has been recognized at the state level Hall of Fame as well as many who have received national recognition for their expertise, devotion, and contribution to our great sport. The District IX wrestling community would like to honor and thank the following gentlemen tonight for their endless devotion to the sport we all love.

HOMER BARR

Outstanding wrestler at Clearfield High School and Penn State University. He accomplished something probably no other Pennsylvania wrestler has ever done. He did not participate in wrestling until his senior year and then went undefeated and won a state championship at 185 lbs. Homer went on to win two EIWA titles, going undefeated in dual meets and placed second, third, and fourth in the NCAA tournament. Mr. Barr coached State College High School for 10 years compiling a 99-10 record with five PIAA State Champs before moving to the University of Massachusetts helping to improve wrestling in the New England area.              

GARRY BARTON

Mr. Barton became Clarion State College's first NCAA Division I National Champion in 1972 by defeating five seeded opponents on his way to the 134 pound title. A graduate of Fairview High School, Garry compiled a 22-7 record while wrestling for Hall of Famer, Bob Bubb, at Clarion Mr. Barton coached at the University of Rhode Island and Clifton, N.J. before moving to Clearfield as head Coach where he coached four state champs, three in 1986 along with the 1986 team title and the Pennsylvania Coach of the Year Award.  

ROBERT BUBB

Mr. Bubb graduated from Lock Haven High School as a PIAA state runner-up and from Pitt university with a fourth place finish at the NCAA National Tournament. His coaching started at Tyrone High School then to Clarion State College in 1966. In his tenure at Clarion, he became only the fourth NCAA Division I coach to ever reach 300 wins. Mr. Bubb's overall record is an amazing 322-121-14, coached 7 NCAA Division I and 3 college Division National Champions, 27 All-Americans, 29 EWL Champs and 68 PSAC winners. In 1986 he was named NCAA "Coach of the Year" and in 1982 CUP's Distinguished Faculty Award. Now retired >from teaching and coaching, he is is the current Executive Director of the NWCA (National Wrestling Coaches  Association).  

JIM BUTLER

A native of Clearfield, he has made his presence known to state and national wrestling enthusiasts as a writer and photographer. Jim's Matside column in The Progress contributions to the Pennsylvania Wrestling Round-up as scholastic editor and coordinator and co-founder of the Keystone Wrestling Rankings has earned him many awards. In 1980, he was selected Scholastic Wrestling News Magazine Writer of the Year. In 1984, he picked up the Amateur Wrestling News' Dillinger Award. 1991 saw Jim named Amateur Wrestling News National Wrestling Photographer of the Year and in 1995 the National Wrestling Media Association Photographer of the Year.  

RALPH CLARK

Ralph is a graduate of Clearfield High School where he wrestled for Hall of Famer Art Weiss. While wrestling for the Bisons, Ralph captured four PIAA District IX and Northwest Regional titles and two PIAA State Championships in 1955 and 1956. Ralph attended Lock Haven State College where he wrestled for another Hall of Fame inductee, the late Hubert "Hub" Jack. At Lock Haven, Ralph was a four-time Pennsylvania Conference champ, two-time NAIA champion and placed third in the 1960 NCAA Tournament. For 18 years, he coached Erie McDowell High School where his teams earned a won-loss record of 147-61-4.  

JESSE CALDWELL

Jesse initiated wrestling at Redbank Valley High School in New Bethlehem, Pa. He coached for 19 years. During that time, he had 110 wins and ten District IX champions, one Regional champion and one State runner-up. He officiated for 18 years and was President of the North Central PIAA Wrestling Officials. He also served on the Rules Interpretation Committee for three years.

GLENN FEGAL

In 1950 Mr. Flegal was a District 6-9 Champion and PIAA runner-up at 120 lbs. Voted to high school All-American Team. Total overall record was 45 wins and 9 losses while wrestling for Clearfield. Captained Millersville State College his senior year and compiled an overall college record of 50 wins, 6 losses and 2 ties. First coaching experience was at Manheim Central High School and then started wrestling at Carlisle High School. After coaching at Carlisle for four years, he moved on to Dickinson College for three years and compiled a 23-7-1 record.  

SAM HARRY

Graduate from Clearfield High School and Penn State University, he was the first PIAA State Wrestling Champion, winning in 1938 in the 85 pound class. He lost one dual meet in three years of wrestling in high school and one dual meet in four years at Penn State. He was the Outstanding Wrestler in the EIWA in 1946. Competed for 17 years, 9 of those for the Harrisburg YMCA winning five Pennsylvania YMCA titles, the Wilkes Open and the National YMCA Tournament.  

JOHN K. JOHNSTON

Wrestled at Clearfield High School where he earned a PIAA State Championship. He started for Pennsylvania State University winning three Eastern Championships and the NCAA Championship with a record of 44-4. Mr. Johnston coached at Stevens Trade School with a record of 49-10 and Princeton University with a record of 105-53-2. He served as President of the National Wrestling Coaches Association.  

FRED KAVELAK

Inducted as a contributor. It is, at times, difficult to chronicle the contributions of non-wrestlers and coaches, but such is not the case of Fred Kavelak, a 1958 graduate of Curwensville High School, Curwensville, Pa. Mr. Kavelak covered wrestling for the Clearfield Progress for 25 years beginning in the mid-1960's. He teamed with Hall of Fame sportswriters Doug McDonald and Ron Bracken for the Centre Daily Times to elevate wrestling coverage in central Pennsylvania and throughout the district, regional, and state tournaments. He also provided detailed research into won-loss records for every athlete in the area, district, region, and state and shared this information with fellow writers at the PIAA tournament each year. He has served as a mentor for some widely recognized wrestling writers including Patriot News writer, Rod Frisco, Greensburg Tribune writer, Ron Mussleman, and Pennsylvania Wrestling Round-up editors Jim Butler and Norm Palovcsik.  

DON MAUREY

Don was a three time PIAA State Champion wrestler for Clearfield from 1946-48. As a freshman, he was a PIAA runner-up in 1945. Don was also a four time District 6-9 Champion. His scholastic record while at Clearfield High School was 57 wins and 5 loses. He won the 137 pound EIWA Championships in 1951 and placed third in the NCAA Championship the same year. Don also served as captain of the 1951 Nittany Lion Squad.  

DR. JAMES E. MAUREY

Wrestler and coach. Mr. Maurey is a 1945 graduate of Clearfield High School and a 1950 graduate of Penn State University. He earned further degrees in Educational Administration from Penn State in 1952 and 1965. At Clearfield, Dr. Maurey had a 224-3 record and was twice District 6-9 Champion. In 1944, he was a PIAA State Runner-up at 133 lbs. In 1945, he was a PIAA State Champion at 138 lbs. This was the first of eight state titles that would be won by the Maurey family. Moving on to Penn State, Dr. Maurey had a 41-6 record, placing 3rd in the NCAA Championships. Following his graduation, he competed for the New York Athletic Club. Dr. Maurey began coaching in 1951 at State College High School and two years later moved on to Stevens Trade School in Lancaster. In 1959, he became the head coach at Millersville University where he coached for seven years. In addition, he was a PIAA, EIWA, and NCAA official for 12 years.  -

JERRY MAUREY

Graduate of Clearfield High and Penn State University. Mr. Maurey was Pennsylvania's first four-time Pennsylvania State Champion with a high school record of 67-0. While at Penn State his record was 34-5-1 including two EIWA titles and two NCAA 3rd place finishes. He notched wins over such notables as Tom Evans and Myron Rodrick in 1956. Coached at Clearfield High School from 1959-62 with a record of 52-7.  

NORM PALOVCSIK

Norm compiled a 62-3 high school with a PIAA state title while at Clearfield High School. After wrestling for Penn State University he began a coaching and teaching career at Everett and Hazelton High Schools before moving on to the college ranks at Youngstown and later Penn State University/Altoona Campus. His ten year coaching career saw a 113-63-2 overall record. He is the co-author of the Keystone Wrestling Rankings and the History of the PIAA State Wrestling Round-up, as well as, a member of the PWCA Executive Committee where he is the Hall of Fame and Membership Chairman. He was awarded USA's Wrestling Writer of the Year, Dellinger Award.  

RONALD M. PARK

Mr. Park is a 1951 graduate of Clearfield High School and a 1955 graduate of Springfield College, Springfield, Massachusetts. He further earned a M.Ed. in 1960 >from Penn State University in Education. Although he was not a wrestler himself, Mr. Park became a student of the sport. He served eight years as an assistant coach at Clearfield under Jerry Maurey and became head coach in 1964 where he remained for nine years. In 1968 he coached two PIAA State Champions, Dave Clark and Norm Palovcsik. In 1973 Coach Park moved to Hempfield High School, Greensburg, Pennsylvania where he coached for the next 13 years. During his 22 years as a head coach his teams compiled a 232-59-12 record. Mr. Park was a PIAA wrestling official for 13 years. he resides in Greensburg having retired from teaching and coaching wrestling in 1986.  

DON B. SHOBERT

Don B. Shobert - Don's overall coaching record at DuBois High School was an impressive 159 wins, 86 losses, and 0 draws. He coached 48 District champions, eight Regional champions, and one State champion and five State runner-ups. He was very instrumental in organizing Junior Olympic Wrestling programs in the DuBois Area. He was elected State Treasurer of the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association in 1966. He contributed a great deal in the field of physical protection in instituting the headgear program which has evolved in our State.  

LES TURNER

Wrestler and coach. Mr. Turner is a 1952 graduate of Clearfield High School and a 1956 graduate of Lock Haven University. At Clearfield, he compiled a 24-4 record under the direction of legendary Hall of Fame Coach, Art Weiss. During his senior year in 1952, Mr. Turner defeated a state champ and a state runner-up in route to an undefeated dual meet season. He was a Jr. AAU Champion and a Lake Erie Open Champion. At Lock Haven, Coach Turner toiled under another stellar Hall of Famer Coach, Hubert Jack, where he was a four year letter winner with only five dual meet losses. He was a PSAC Champion in 1955. In 1987, he won the Hollidaysburg Old Timers Tournament at age 54. In 1959, Coach Turner began his coaching career at Moshannon Valley High School in Houtzdale, Pa. In four years his teams compiled a 29-23 record. In 1964, he moved to Brookville High School where in 30 years his charges logged a 246-175-9 mark to bring his overall record to 275-198-9. He produced one PIAA State Champ, Chuck Yale in 1993. In addition to coaching, Mr. Turner was a PIAA wrestling official for five years and was President of the District IX Wrestling Coaches Association for two years.  

NEIL TURNER

Neil is a 1956 graduate of Clearfield High School and 1961 Penn State University graduate. He is the present Head Coach at Messiah College with an overall record of 87-42-1 since 1991, with three NCAA Division III All-Americans. Mr. Turner started his coaching career at Altoona High School and Stevens Trade School before moving on to assist Bob Bubb at Clarion State College where he became co-founder of the Pennsylvania Wrestling Round-up and assisted in founding the very successful Clarion Wrestling School. His coaching duties then took him to Campus Crusade for Christ and on to his high school alma mater as head coach in 1973. A 65 and 7 record was accumulated with three undefeated seasons and five state place winners at Clearfield. Before moving to his present duties, Neil served 11 years as head coach of Lock Haven University where he coached 25 NCAA qualifiers and four Division I All-Americans. His honors include inductee into the Clearfield County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, EWL and PSA Coach of the Year, Pennsylvania High School Coach of the Year and USA-High School Coach of the Year by Scholastic Wrestling News.  

ARTHUR J. WEISS

Mr. Weiss started wrestling at Clearfield in 1935 and continued as head coach for 25 years leaving a record of accomplishments unparalleled in high school sports history. Fourteen undefeated seasons, 133-22-2 record from 1937-1954, 184-37-3 overall record, 93 District Champions, 15 Regional Champs and 24 wrestlers combining for 31 State Titles. Mr. Weiss was the first inductee into the PWCA Hall of Fame in 1970. Mr. Weiss, the "Dean of Schoolboy Wrestling", has received many awards including induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. He retired from teaching math and biology at Clearfield after 42 years of service. Mr. Weiss and his wife still reside in Clearfield.

District IX       top