Paul Stehman
Ralph Wetzel
John Hosage
Lyman 'Beans' Weaver
Pete Wolf
John Carr
PA Chapter - National Wrestling Hall of Fame Class of 2003
Paul Stehman |
Ralph Wetzel |
John Hosage |
Lyman 'Beans' Weaver |
Pete Wolf |
John Carr |
Stillwater, OK
Announces
The
10th “Lifetime Service to Wrestling Awards”
Pennsylvania Chapter
Stillwater, OK – The National Wrestling Hall of Fame has announced the 2003 class of Pennsylvania coaches, officials and contributors to be recognized with a “Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award.” This award is given annually to coaches, officials or contributors who have given a lifetime of service to wrestling, their communities and most importantly to the young people they have coached, taught, motivated and inspired.
The honorees are:
Paul Stehman graduated from Donegal High School in 1965. He continued his education by attending Northwest Missouri State University on a wrestling scholarship. Paul was a three time NCAA College Division All-American placing 4th in 1967, 5th in 1968, and in 1969 was the National Champion. Coach Stehman started his teaching career and coaching at Line Mountain High School in 1969. During his 18 years at Line Mountain his teams had a record of 169-121-3. Paul spent one year coaching at Seaford High School in Delaware and coached his son Matt to a Delaware State Championship. Paul returned to Pennsylvania as teacher and coach at Shamokin High School. During his 11 years at Shamokin his teams compiled a record of 131-62-1 and coached 5 P.I.A.A. state champions. Three of his six state champions were his sons, Matt, a Delaware State Champion, and Kirk, a 1993 and 1994 P.I.A.A. – AAA State Champion. In his 30 years as a varsity wrestling coach his teams compiled a record of 300-183-4.
Thurman “Pete” Wolf graduated from Bald Eagle-Nittaney High School in 1957, where he became the 1st District 6 wrestling champion from Bald Eagle. He continued his education and wrestling career at the University of Maryland and Lock Haven University. In 1962 he accepted a position at Hughesville High School and to this day he still helps with their wrestling program. His record as head coach at Hughesville was 203-74-7. During the 20 years as head coach, his wrestlers won 28 District Championships and 21 Regional Championships. He also had 15 State Place Winners. Coach Wolf also coached 8 state champions. In 1974 Coach Wolf was named P.I.A.A. “Coach of the Year” and 25 years later in 1999 he was named “Assistant Coach of the Year”. In 1969 at Camp Rocky Point, Coach Wolf started one of the 1st Elementary-Junior High Wrestling Camps in Pennsylvania.
Dr. John Hosage wrestled at G.A.R. Memorial High School in Wilkes-Barre, and Wilkes College, but is more recognized as an outstanding official for the past 40 years. At the conclusion, of the 2002-wrestling season, Dr. Hosage worked 26 straight P.I.A.A. State Championships as either an official, state interpreter or supervisor of officials. In 1969 John became a college official and was a member of the EIWOA and EWL. After 25 years of college officiating he was inducted into the EIWOA Hall of Fame. John officiated numerous EIWA, ACC, PSAC, and MAC championships as well as three National Championships.
Lyman “Beans” Weaver for many years was the assistant coach for Hall of Fame coach Mal Paul. In the 1950’s he helped Shamokin set-up its elementary wrestling program and along with Coach Paul traveled to neighboring schools of Ashland, Northumberland, and Selinsgrove to set-up they’re wrestling programs. One former wrestler said it best. “As mat mentors, they played the classic roles of good cop, bad cop when teaching us to be better wrestlers, and molding our characters to face life as adults with positive moral values.” It was Coach Weaver we could go to for some comfort.” Coach Weaver was an assistant coach for Larry Lauchle and Jerry Swope. From his wrestling days at Shamokin High School in 1938, while placing 2nd at states in 1941, Coach Weaver then enrolled at Millersville State College where he wrestled for Hall of Fame Coach, Ted Rupp. After graduation from college, Beans found his way back to Shamokin, where his contributions and coaching achievements are legendary.
The Late John Carr graduated from Hanover High School, where he was a 4 time District 2 champion. He continued his wrestling at the University of Pittsburgh and then transferred to Wilkes. In 1967 Coach Carr returned to Hanover High School and for the next 22 years compiled a record of 210-129-3. His teams won 7 Wyoming Valley Conference titles and 4 District 2 titles. Colleagues hailed John as the best coach and wrestler to come out of the Wyoming Valley. His college coach and Hall of Famer John Reese stated, “ John was one of the finest wrestlers we ever had at Wilkes and did a great job coaching. After recoving from by-pass surgery, Coach Carr died of a heart attack in 1999.
For their dedication and lasting influence on wrestling, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, Stillwater, Oklahoma, will present the “Lifetime Service to Wrestling” award. The Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame will honor these men on April 26, 2003. Banquet and induction ceremonies will be held at Genetti Lodge in Hazelton. Please call Mike Clair 717-665-3232 for information and reservations.
Pennsylvania Chapter Board Members
Howard Kroesen Alray Johnson Allen Fasnacht
John Thomas Ron Weller Stan Zeamer Dave Vannoy Ann Perry Ritter
Richard Hurst Marty Strayer Tom Elling