West York Wrestling Alumni

www.westyorkwrestlingalumni.com
CONGRATULATES
Charles E. "Charlie" Jacobs
on his induction into the PWCA 2015
Pennsylvania Wrestling Hall of Fame
Congratulations, Charlie!... Don Lehman


The Pennsylvania Wrestling Hall of Fame
▪ Norm Palovcsik, HOF Chairman.  ▪ Mike Smith, HOF Master of Ceremonies.


2015 Pennsylvania Wrestling Hall of Fame Class (13)
Nelson Fritz, Nick Grego, Charles Jacobs, Richard Kelvington,
Jerry Lattimore, Dustin Manotti, Kerry McCoy, Ronald Nelson,
 John Reich, Carl Rhodes, Jon Trenge, Gene Waas, Lyman "Beans" Weaver.
(April 12, 2015 Induction @ Ramada Inn... State College, PA)     Bios
▪ photo by Tom Elling of PA Wrestling


▪ A FULL PWCA HALL OF FAME LIST...1970-2018 ▪
 

Q & A with...
Dover High Wrestling's
Charles E. "Charlie" Jacobs

  ∙ Dover HS Coach Charlie Jacobs
with son Nate Jacobs at a Dover HS Eagles dual mat meet.


1989 District III Wrestling Tourney
@ Shippensburg University
   The PIAA AAA District III Mat Finals 1989
▪ 1989 -- West York's 103 lb. Dave Maday (left) w/WY coach John T. Toggas
and WY Assistant Coach Tom Toggas (back left).  Also, in above '89 photo...
(L-R) ▪ Dover's (red) 112lb. Mark "Eck" Eckenrode with coach Charlie Jacobs,
Spring Grove's 119lb. Scott Forry with Spring Grove head coach Gary Grim, &
South Western's 125lb. 3-time PIAA State Champ Joey Wildasin - (far right).
*note ▪ The 1989 District III AAA Tourney had five YCIAA Champions!!
▪ Dover's Mark Eckenrode, Spring Grove's Scott Forry,
South Western's Joey Wildasin, South Western's Steve Elicker ... and
Red Lion's Tac Thomas ▪ all won DIII AAA titles in '89 @ Shippensburg.
▪ In AA competiton, Eastern's Chad Barshinger picked
up an '89 AA title - for the YCIAA Wrestling League.

CHARLIE JACOBS INTERVIEW
"Once wrestling is in your blood, it never leaves...
and I wouldn't want it any other way!"

photo submitted by Charlie Jacobs         CHARLIE JACOBS INTERVIEW by Don Lehman            JACOBS ACCOMPLISHMENTS   ∙ PA District III Wrestling Hall of Fame '91.   ∙ York County Sports Hall of Fame '05.   ∙ PWCA Pennsylvania Hall of Fame '15.     Dover, PA High School Coaching Resume   • Dover, PA High School Head Coach - 1976-1992 (16 years).   • Dover, PA Elementary Wrestling Director/Coach (20 years).   Overall Varsity Coaching Record 194-56-2 (77% win perc.).   YCIAA ▪ YAIAA League Record 141-32-1... (81% win perc.).   (Undefeated YCIAA Dual Meet Seasons ▪ '82-'83 & '83-'84).   YCIAA League Championships (2) in '82-'83 & '83-'84.   YCIAA League "Coach of the Year" in '82-'83 & '83-'84.   Sectional Team Championships (4) in '80, '84, '91, '92.   PIAA District III SC AAA Tourney Team Champions '83.   PIAA District III SC AAA's "Coach of the Year" '82-'83.   Manheim Central Christmas Tournament Champions '83.   Gilman, Maryland Duals Champions '84.   South Western HS Christmas Tourney Champions '84.   Carlisle HS Buffalo Mat Tourney Team Champions '89.   40 YCIAA/YAIAA Sectional Wrestling Champions.   9 Individual PIAA DIII South Central Regional Champions.   24 PIAA State AAA Wrestling Tournament Qualifiers.   8 PIAA State AAA Wrestling Tournament Medalists.   1 PIAA State AAA Wrestling Tournament Champion.   District III Wrestling Hall of Fame - 1991.   York, PA Area Sports Hall of Fame - 2005.   PWCA Pennsylvania Wrestling Hall of Fame 2015.  THE CHARLIE JACOBS BIO Charlie Jacobs - The Coach! 1965 - Dover's Charlie Jacobs (bottom) with Eagle teammate Pat McFadden.         ▪ Former Dover High School Wrestling Head Coach Charlie Jacobs graduated from Dover High School in 1965... and, is also a 1971 West Chester State College (University) graduate with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education .  Charlie always knew what he wanted to do in life, as he was treasurer of the Dover 1964-65 "Future Teachers of America" and a three-year member of the famed National Honor Society.  (Source: The 1965 Dover Memoscope Yearbook)  Mr. Charles E. "Charlie" Jacobs became much more than a teacher - he became a coach!   Charlie Jacobs captured a YCIAA Sectional Wrestling Individual 95lb. title while wrestling for Dover High School under * Mr. H. Leon Senft, in 1964.  The 1963-64 Dover High School Eagles Wrestling Team was 10-2-1 and won the YCIAA Sectional Team title.  Joining Charlie Jacobs as a Dover HS YCIAA Sectional Champion in 1964 were - Raymond Luckenbaugh and Richard Holtzapple.  The Dover High School Wrestling Team record in 1964-65 (Charlie's senior year) was 9-2.  Charlie's 1965 Dover Memoscope senior yearbook has his quote as "Don't sweat it man!" - and Charlie's patience and positive attitude shown with his student athletes is reminiscent of his passion with regard to sports, family and his life. * note: Coach H. Leon Senft (below) is a 1949 West York Area High School graduate... and was a 2-time District III Wrestling Champion & a 2-time PIAA State Qualifier. West York's Leon Senft '49 ▪ 1948 & 1949 PIAA State Qualifier! ▪ 1948 & 1949 District III Champion Charlie Jacobs photo (above) from York Sports Night.   Charlie has been married for 23 years to the lovely Sherry - and Charlie and Sherry Jacobs are very proud of their two sons... Nate Jacobs (20), who is in his second year at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a football player for the IUP Crimson Hawks (former West York Football All-County player), and... Aaron Jacobs (17), who is a senior at West York Area High School and Penn State bound.  ▪ Charlie's brother, Brad Jacobs (above)... is the Register of Wills for the York County Government. Charlie Jacobs is also a HUGE - Penn State University Wrestling supporter!               ▪ Charlie Jacobs' son, Nate Jacobs. ▪ Charlie Jacobs retired as a teacher in the Dover School District in 2006 after 30 years!  Charlie also taught at York Vo-Tech for 4 years and Tussey Mountain School District for 3 years.  At Tussey Mountain, Charlie also was an assistant varsity wrestling coach and junior high wrestling coach during those 3 years.   Charlie Jacobs, in addition to the fantastic coaching wins & losses record at Dover High School in 16 years... 194-56-2 (overall 77% win) - 141-32-1 (league 81% win) - 2 undefeated seasons ('82-'83... 16-0) & ('83-'84... 19-0)... Charlie has coached 40 individual YCIAA Sectional Champions & 95 YCIAA Sectional Place-Winners, 9 individual District III SC Regional Champions & 24 District III SC Regional Place-Winners, 24 PIAA State Wrestling Championship Qualifiers, 8 PIAA State Tournament Place-Winners and 1 PIAA State Wrestling Champion - Shaun Smith '83 PIAA AAA State Champion @ 138lbs.  Shaun Smith decisioned Kurt Bowman of Waynesboro, 5-3, in the 1983 PIAA State AAA Finals to finish his '82-'83 season at a perfect 26-0.  "THE JUMP!" Dover High School... To College     Shaun Smith went on to wrestle at Delaware Valley College and became a 3-time NCAA Division III Wrestling Champion and NCAA All-American (88-1 career record at Delaware Valley College!).  Another Dover Wrestler that was coached by Charlie Jacobs, Randy March (2-time YCIAA Section Champion)... had an excellent college career at Millersville University and is a candidate for the Millersville 2011 Hall of Fame.  Randy March amassed 110 victories in the 167lb./177lb. weight class for Millersville U. ('78-'82) and leads all Millersville U. wrestlers in that categories history!  Randy was also given the Theodore H. Rupp Most Valuable Wrestler Award in '81-'82 and captured the Floyd "Shorty" Hitchcock Tourney crown in 1982.  Mr. Randy March is currently a PIAA Wrestling Official.  Rodger Gay... a Dover alumnus who was a two-time YCIAA Sectional Champion, 3rd Place at the '80 District's, and a career mat record of 57-13-5... earned a wrestling letter at East Stroudsburg University in 1982 - (ESU Letter List). Dover's Chad Gentzler, 2nd ('87) and 4th ('86) at the PIAA State Tourney, a District III SC Regional Champion in '87 and 81-13-2 career... earned a full wrestling scholarship to Lock Haven University LHU.  Dover's Mark Eckenrode, a 2-time PIAA State Medalist, 2-time District III SC Regional Champion and 2-time YCIAA Sectional Champion... attended the University of Maryland.  Dover's Steve Frank, a PIAA State Place-Winner in '84 - wrestled at the University of Pittsburgh.  Dover's Wayne Witmer, a 2-time YCIAA Sectional Champion in '76 & '77 and a District III runner-up in '76 & '77... wrestled at Millersville University and was a PSAC Wrestling Champion in 1979 at Hwt. ∙ Also to be included in Charlie's Dover coaching resume is an '84 runner-up Team finish at the District III SC AAA Regionals to Cedar Cliff High School, a 3rd place Team finish at the '85 District III SC AAA Regionals... and a District III Team Duals semi-final appearance in '91.  Charlie coached 11 Manheim Central Christmas Tournament "Individual Champions" with Shaun Smith earning a Manheim Central Tourney Outstanding Wrestler Award. Y.C.I.A.A. Wrestling... "A Look Back AT DOVER HIGH SCHOOL"  Take a look @ the 1983 YCIAA Sectional Champs with Shaun Smith... CLICK HERE! ∙ Charlie Jacobs coached the following Dover High School PIAA State Place-Winners: PIAA State AAA Champion - Shaun Smith... 1983   PIAA State 1st - *Shaun Smith '83.  (81-6-1 career record - 92% winning percentage)   PIAA State 2nd - Chad Gentzler '87.  (81-13-2 career record)   PIAA State 3rd - Mark Eckenrode '89.   PIAA State 4th - Jim Langstaff '84, Steve Frank '84, Chad Gentzler '86.   PIAA State 5th - Dru Gentzler '84.  (81-9-2 career record)   PIAA State 6th - Mark Eckenrode '88. Shaun Smith   *Shaun Smith was a 3-time NCAA DIII Wrestling Champion @ 142lbs. '85-'86-'89.   COACHING AWARDS Charlie Jacobs was selected YCIAA Wrestling Coach of the Year (by his peers) two times in '83 and '84.  Charlie was selected District III Wrestling Coach of the year in '83, and was named the York Daily Record Coach of the Year - twice... in '80 and '84.  ∙ In 2005 - Charles Jacobs was elected to the York County Sports Night Hall of Fame.     3/19/75 Munich, Germany Mat Tour ▪ Front Row (L-R) Randy Hoffman (Cumberland Valley), Chuck Nace (West York), Robert Jones (Hanover), Herb Webb (Dover), George Wagner (Carlisle), Earl Ward (Cumberland Valley) & Denny Reed (Cumberland Valley). ▪ Middle (L-R) John S. "Moc" Toggas (Gettysburg), Keith Smith (Dover), Jeff Meckley (West York), Dale Rohrer (Manheim Central), Doug Krebs (Susquehannock) & William Brenneman (Big Spring). ▪ Back Row (L-R) Coach Charles "Charlie" Jacobs, Coach Mike Williams, Mark Miller (Dallastown), Wolfgang Woods (Big Spring), Brian Weigle (Cumberland Valley), Paul Nickel (Big Spring), Larry Lucas (Cedar Crest), Jack Campbell (Big Spring) &... Asst. Coach Tom Smith.   (absent from the  3/19/75 photo was Coach Ivan Steel) photo submitted to Don Lehman by Dover's Charlie Jacobs   Charlie Jacobs has been VERY active in wrestling activities and organizations!  To say the least... Charlie Jacobs loves the very tough sport of wrestling and PROMOTED the sport during his coaching tenure.  Charlie has been President of the District III Wrestling Coaches Association, a member of the District III Wrestling Coaches Executive Committee, a PIAA Wrestling Official from '69-'92, an instructor at the Lock Haven and Clarion Wrestling Schools and President of the York County Wrestling Club.  In 1975, Charlie was the head coach of the District III Cultural Exchange Freestyle team that took at trip to Munich, Germany.  Also in 1975, Charlie was an assistant coach for the USA-PA vs. Poland Freestyle Exchange match.  It's hard to list all of the positions Charlie has held with AAU and PA Junior/Schoolboy Freestyle and Greco-Roman Mat Teams - but they are many, believe me - in his basement archive!!   Charlie Jacobs has led wrestling teams domestically and internationally...   dedicating most of his life to wrestling.   Charlie Jacobs served as a member of the West York School Board of Directors from 2003 - 2007, the York County High School Board of Directors from 2003 - 2007 - and is... a present member of the York Area Sports Night Board of Directors and HOF Selection Committee. ∙ Charlie Jacobs presently works for River Rock Academy as a counselor for junior and senior high school alternate school students.  Charlie tracks their credits and graduation requirements, serves as a liaison with their home school districts and makes referrals to community support agencies as needed.   I asked my good friend and close neighbor, Charlie Jacobs... to complete an interview for the West York Wrestling Alumni website and fans. Don Lehman Don Lehman Webmaster, Archivist & Owner of westyorkwrestlingalumni.com 2010 Charlie Jacobs Interview... by Don Lehman DL   ... Don Lehman CJ   ... Charlie Jacobs Charlie Jacobs photo (above) from York Sports Night. DL - Charlie, thanks for taking the time to share your mat and life memories with the readers of my website.  As I read your bio and background, I know the sport of wrestling has been a huge part of your life!  At what age did you take up the sport, and who were your early influences and mentors? CJ - Wrestling became a part of my life in 1959 when I was a student in the 7th grade (51 years ago!).  I wrestled with other Dover classmates in a practice setting, since there wasn't any junior high league in York County at that time.  We would prepare for  the novice tournament which was held every year at the York YMCA.  Coach Senft helped us prepare for this event.  I was able to win the 85 lbs. weight class in 1962 and I still have that wood/metal trophy.  I really enjoyed the sport and decided to make it a large part of my life. DOVER HIGH SCHOOL EAGLES WRESTLING 1963 - Dover, PA High School's Charlie Jacobs @ 95lbs.                                                                             ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ DL - You graduated from Dover High School in 1965, and captured a 1964 YCIAA Sectional Crown @ 95lbs. under the tutelage of Coach H. Leon Senft - himself a West York High School graduate and 2-time District III Champion and PA State Qualifier!  How did Coach Senft affect your life both on and off the mat? CJ - Coach Senft was like a second father to me.  He provided me an outstanding role model which has had a positive influence on me my whole life.  He was much more than a wrestling coach.  His emphasis on academic achievement and sportsmanship helped lay a solid foundation when I became a teacher, wrestling coach, husband and parent.  He was a coach who always emphasized the importance of maintaining an ethical approach to competition and life in general. West York's Leon Senft '49 ▪ 1948 & 1949 PIAA State Qualifier! ▪ 1948 & 1949 District III Champion                                                                             ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ DL - What was your conditioning routine during the early to mid-60's when you wrestled at Dover... and did you participate in any other sports in high school? CJ - We did a lot of one-on-one drilling and running to develop technique and endurance for competition.  Weight training was not emphasized in my early years, since we didn't have any weight-training equipment in our school or at home.  In addition to wrestling, I participated in soccer and baseball.  I was lucky to have had Mr. Harry Little as my high school soccer and baseball coach at Dover High.  He was an All-America and team captain on the Penn State University soccer team in the early 1950's.  He provided me a fine example of how to be a successful leader of high school athletes.  His example greatly influenced me in my future coaching career.                                                                             ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ 1964 York County Section I Champions @ Dover HS Front (L-R) Charlie Jacobs (Dover), Ray Luckenbaugh (Dover), Dennis Kramer (Spring Grove), Dennis Grim (Northeastern), Don Myers (Spring Grove), Marlin Keeney (Dallastown). Back (L-R) Gary Grim (Spring Grove), Richard Holtzapple (Dover), Joe Farcht (Northeastern), Bill Fry (Northeastern), Charles Diehl (Dallastown), Eugene Shank (Spring Grove). Charlie's 60's Page                                                                             ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ DL - Can you remember a couple very tough match opponents from your high school days in the 60's?  And, who were the tough teams to beat in York, PA at that time? CJ - Since I didn't have much physical strength in high school, all of my opponents were tough at 95 lbs.  Bruce Quickel (Eastern), Gary Carbaugh (West York) and Dave Bricker (Spring Grove) were a few of my tough opponents which I can recall.  Team-wise, I would have to list West York, Hanover, York High and Central York as tough teams in the early 1960's.                                                                             ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ DL - You wrestled in the early to mid-60's - and coached from the early 70's to the early 90's.  What are the biggest changes you have seen with this great sport? CJ - With the influence of freestyle on our high school folkstyle wrestling, I'd say the emphasis on takedowns and tilts must be considered the major changes which took place.  Takedowns became the major focus in our practices.  If one could score takedowns consistently, he could win a vast majority of his matches.  In addition, being able to expose an opponent's back, gave one a distinct advantage.  The emphasis on increasing an athlete's physical strength instead of the acceptance of losing large amounts of weight brought about a very positive change.  In the early 1960's, many wrestlers spent too much time losing weight instead of perfecting good technique during practice.  If a wrestler practices hard, weight trains , eats well, drills good technique and invests the necessary time on his academics, he and his family will truly enjoy the sport.  However, if a wrestler spends his time losing weight it will affect him and his family in many negative ways and they will never experience the true value of the great sport of wrestling.  I always said "You don't play wrestling. You can play basketball, football, volleyball, golf, tennis, or baseball... but wrestling demands a special type of effort."  Wrestling provides a tremendous introduction to the world of WORK.  To be good in any sport, one needs to invest a lot of time and effort.  A wrestler stands alone and can't pass the blame for a loss to a teammate who didn't block for him or didn't pass the ball to him or had a error which allowed a run to score or didn't serve well.  He doesn't share a loss with others as he would with different sports.  If an athlete experiences what wrestling can provide he will be able to face many challenges which he will have in his lifetime.  It has helped and will continue to prepare young people for a very successful life.                                                                             ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ DL - Was there any "living room" wrestling in the Jacobs' house as you grew up?  Did your parents support your decision to wrestle back in the day? CJ - My brother, Brad, encouraged me to join the wrestling team while he was a manager for Mr. Senft.  My parents never discouraged me, but my mother always worried about my involvement.  She disliked my weight loss.  During my junior year, I weighed 118 lbs. and dropped to 95 lbs. for Sectionals.  I was able to win Sectionals, but when I attempted to repeat that move my senior year, I developed shingles and couldn't finish that year.  That experience led me to discourage my teams from losing too much weight.  I encouraged them to weight train, eat well, study hard and drill good technique.  I know I had some boys who lost too much weight, but I never encouraged it.                                                                             ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ DL - Charlie, you were Head Wrestling Coach at Dover High School for 16 years... and, Dover Elementary Wrestling Director and Coach for 20 years.  How important is that early elementary and junior high coaching with regard to having success at the high school and college levels? CJ - Early exposure can be very beneficial or very detrimental.  If a young wrestler is taught correct technique and enjoys being involved, it can be terrific.  However, if he is taught incorrectly and forms bad habits, it can be a bad experience.  In addition, if he is being forced to participate by a parent and doesn't want to be involved, he suffers.  A young person must want to do it for himself and not for someone else.  Wrestling is too demanding to be doing this work for someone else.  I was fortunate to have excellent junior high and elementary coaches who provided an outstanding foundation for our program.                                                                             ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ DL - As the Head Wrestling Coach at Dover High School, you won 2 YCIAA League Championships, 4 YCIAA Sectional Team Championships, a District III SC Regional Team Title, a Manheim Central Christmas Tourney Title... and numerous other team accomplishments!  Can you pick your "best" overall team at Dover, and why? CJ - I can't select a "best team" because each team was the best they could be in their own way.  Some teams accomplished more than others, but each one was very special to me.  In naming a few team accomplishments, I need to recognize the 1982-83 (16-0) and the 1983-84 (19-0) teams which went undefeated.  The 1981-82 (15-1), the 1984-85 (15-1), and the 1988-89 (12-1) teams lost only one dual match during each of their seasons.  The 1979-80, 1983-84, 1990-91 and the 1991-92 teams all claimed York sectional titles.                                                                             ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ DL - I'm sure you wrestled "out-of-county" schools during your coaching tenure.  What non-YCIAA team was your toughest contest - and, what holiday tournament stands out "above the rest" as the toughest tourney you entered as a team? CJ - In the 1985-86 season we participated in a double-dual with Easton, Phillipsburg (NJ) and Cannon McMillan.  Wrestling Easton and P-burg on the same day was a major challenge.  One other time, Vic Stanley invited us to wrestle his Council Rock squad.  We left without winning many bouts.  When I think about holiday tournaments, there is one that far exceeds any other.  That one is the Manheim Central Christmas Tournament.  We participated in the tournament for 15 years.  With teams like Easton, Cannon McMillan, Erie Prep, Meadville, Bald Eagle Area, Mount St. Joseph, Caesar Rodney, North Schuylkill and many others, the competition was second to none!                                                                             ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ DL - In the YCIAA, you had OUTSTANDING coaches such as West York's John T. Toggas, Dallastown's Bill Bence, Hanover's Terry Conover, Spring Grove's Gary Grim, South Western's Mark Bowersox... etc., (and I'm sure I'm missing someone!) as weekly opponents for the annual York League Mat Title.  Was there a coach that you faced who made you "strategize" to the maximum and also drove you nuts?  And, are there any memorable moments that stand out when you think back to your "big match" contests in the YCIAA Wrestling League? CJ - Since Dallastown was the most successful team during my 16 years as head coach, I have to identify the Wildcats as the opponent needing most of my attention.  Coach Bill Bence and his staff always had them prepared for any YCIAA competition.  The dual meet in the 1982-83 season with Dallastown has to be considered one of those "big matches."  They had a 74 match win streak and we were able to end it and eventually claim the YCIAA mat championship.                                                                             ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ DL - Charlie, you coached many young men during your years at Dover.  Obviously, one who stands out is Shaun Smith, the 1983 PIAA State AAA Wrestling Champion @ 138lbs.  That year ('83"), Shaun decisioned Kurt Bowman of Waynesboro, 5-3 in the finals... and a couple of future NCAA DI Champions placed 3rd and 5th respectively @ 138lbs. in Scott Turner of Bethlehem Freedom and Rob Koll of State College.  That weight class must have been something to watch!  How special was it to coach a young man like Shaun? * note: Shaun's brother Keith Smith was a 2-time PIAA State B/AA Champion in '75 & '76 @132lbs. CJ - Shaun's senior year contained enough events needed to make a movie or write a book.  He entered the Sectional tournament undefeated after winning the Manheim Central Christmas Tournament, being named the OW in that event...and defeating Joe Cesari (North Schuylkill) in the finals.  During the week leading up to the Sectional Tournament, his father (Lamar) died unexpectedly.  His family encouraged him to participate in the tournament because they all thought his father would have wanted him to continue.  He was able to defeat Kurt Bowman (Waynesboro) 7-2 in the finals.  The District III Tournament was held at Shippensburg University and he was able to defeat Kurt Bowman 5-2 again in the finals.  In the process, he injured his knee but never told me until the following Monday.  When he arrived at practice, his knee was swollen and very sore.  I immediately made an appointment with a doctor and headed to the York Hospital.  The doctor said, "You're done!  You will not be able to wrestle in the State Tournament."  Shaun and I were both stunned.  We went looking for a second opinion.  That second opinion was given by a doctor at the Camp Hill Holy Spirit Hospital.  His opinion was more optimistic.  He said, "Whatever damage you did or will do, I will repair it.  However, you can't wrestle before your first match on Thursday.  You need to swim and ride a stationary bike this week."  He instructed us on how to tape his knee for competition.  During his first match, he defeated Jim Gulibon (Derry) 6-4 and advanced to the next round.  His second match was against Scott Turner (Bethlehem Freedom) who was undefeated 29-0.  Shaun was able to win 3-2 and advance to the third round.  He faced Rob Koll (State College) who was undefeated (24-0) and the son of Bill Koll (former PSU head wrestling coach) and won in overtime, 4-2.  (Rob Koll is presently the head coach at Cornell University)  That win put him in the finals against a very familiar opponent named Kurt Bowman who was 25-2.  His only losses that year were to Shaun.  Shaun was able to pull out a 5-3 win and claim the state title.  (Scott, Rob and Kurt all claimed state or NCAA titles in the following years.)             Shaun Smith Losing a father, dealing with a serious knee injury, and meeting the same opponent in three consecutive "finals" matches (Section, District, State) was extremely challenging in his pursuit of a state title.  Sharing that experience with Shaun was very special.  When I tell the whole story, it still brings chills to me.                                                                             ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ DL - In addition to Shaun Smith's success at the PIAA State Tournament... you had 7 other place-winners in the 80's.  Names like Chad & Dru Gentzler, Mark Eckenrode, Jim Langstaff and Steve Frank.  I'm sure there are a couple of those great wrestlers that had a good shot at winning the PIAA title.  Who had the best chance and what were the deciding factors in the athlete missing out on that elite title? CJ - Having many good athletes with outstanding skills required to claim a state title was enjoyable.  Chad Gentzler (185 lbs.) who claimed the state runner-up title in 1987, was so close to being a state champ.  His opponent, Bradd Weber (General McLane) was a very solid wrestler, however Chad had prepared well and almost took the title, losing by a 7-5 decision.  In addition, Mark Eckenrode (112 lbs.) who finished third in the PIAA state tournament had Ty Moore (North Allegheny) locked in his favorite move (the "Eck" roll) and almost pinned him in 1989.  Ty Moore went on to claim the state title. (one of his "four" PIAA AAA State Championships!)                                                                             ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪       ▪ 3/19/75 Munich, Germany Trip               ▪ Front (L-R) Randy Hoffman (Cumberland Valley), Chuck Nace (West York),       Robert Jones (Hanover), Herb Webb (Dover), George Wagner (Carlisle),       Earl Ward (Cumberland Valley) & Denny Reed (Cumberland Valley).            ▪ Middle (L-R) John S. "Moc" Toggas (Gettysburg), Keith Smith (Dover HS),       Jeff Meckley (West York), Dale Rohrer (Manheim Central), Doug Krebs       (Susquehannock) & William Brenneman (Big Spring).            ▪ Back Row (L-R) Coach "Charlie" Jacobs, Coach Mike Williams, Mark Miller       (Dallastown), Wolfgang Woods (Big Spring), Brian Weigle (Cumberland Valley),       Paul Nickel (Big Spring), Larry Lucas (Cedar Crest), Jack Campbell (Big Spring)       &... Asst. Coach Tom Smith.  (absent was Coach Ivan Steel)   DL - You really kept busy with other activities over the years such as officiating, numerous committees and boards, summer camps, and, a "ton" of time coaching in off-season Freestyle and Greco events from Mexico to Hawaii to Germany (above photo) and... Iowa to Nebraska to California (to name a few areas!).  Do you miss those times? CJ - Wrestling provided me with many opportunities which I doubt I otherwise would have experienced.  Being part of some national coaching staffs which took teams to world tournaments in Mexico and California was outstanding.  Taking the Pennsylvania FS and GR teams to the Junior Nationals in Iowa provided many learning experiences which I used to improve our Dover program.  The Olympic 200 instructional program conducted at the University of Nebraska provided me additional opportunities to develop our overall wrestling curriculum at Dover.  The cultural exchanges to Hawaii and Germany introduced me to parts of the world I had never experienced before.  I will always remember those experiences and appreciate the opportunities provided to me and our program.                                                                             ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ DL - Charlie, you were inducted into the District III Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in '91, you were twice named YCIAA Coach of the Year by your peers, you were twice named YCIAA Coach of the Year by the York Daily Record, you were named District III Coach of the Year selected by your peers in '83... and, you were inducted into the York County Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.  Which award means the most to you and why? CJ - All of these recognitions and awards would not have happened without the help of assistant high school and junior high coaches, supportive Dover wrestling families, school administrators, and the best group of young men any coach could receive.  None of these awards is more important than the others.  Each represents a special place in my heart.                                                                             ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ DL - Charlie, one last wrestling question... during your coaching years, and they were mostly on the AAA level - who was the best YCIAA/YAIAA wrestler you saw compete?   Joey Wildasin CJ - Joey Wildasin from South Western, with no hesitation!  A 132-1 career overall record with 3 PIAA State AAA Championships and one 2nd place PIAA AAA finish - Joey Wildasin had unbelievable aggressiveness and powerful moves that made him one of a kind! *note - I'm confident Charlie would add KD's Chance Marsteller in 2015!                                                                             ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ DL - I know family is very important to you.  Your son Nate is at IUP (2nd year) and son Aaron is a senior at West York High School getting ready for that next step in life*.  Do you and Sherry look at each other and say "Where did the time go?"  And, what will you do once the house is a little more empty next year?  Maybe attend some more wrestling meets!?! CJ - My father had a saying which probably says it best.  "Each year in life goes faster than the previous one."  I now know what he meant by that statement.  As I look back on my 37 year career as a public school educator, it seems to have flown by so quickly.  My sons seemed to grow up overnight.  Seeing Nate achieve well academically and play football at IUP is bringing much pride.  Seeing Aaron pursue his academic interests and pursue his future endeavors in biology also makes us very proud.  With both boys pursuing their educational careers, our house will feel quite different in the future.  I will attempt to attend a few local matches and state tournaments.  Once wrestling is in your blood, it never leaves... and I wouldn't want it any other way! *2015 note: Nate has graduated from IUP and Aaron is a senior at Penn State - soon to be medical student @ Hershey Medical School.                                                                             ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ DL - Charlie, I want to thank you for sharing some great mat memories with me and the westyorkwrestlingalumni.com website readers! CJ - Thank you, Don... for all you've done for the wrestling community with creating the best wrestling website in the country! ∙ You can e-mail Charlie Jacobs HERE! &... Don Lehman HERE! Y.C.I.A.A. Wrestling... "A Look Back AT DOVER HIGH SCHOOL" Click below to see a "few" of Charlie's Dover Mat Champions...   ∙ 1978 YCIAA Sectional Champions Photo   ∙ 1979 YCIAA Sectional Champions Photo   ∙ 1980 YCIAA Sectional Champions Photo   ∙ 1981 YCIAA Sectional Champions Photo   ∙ 1982 YCIAA Sectional Champions Photo   ∙ 1983 YCIAA Sectional Champions Photo   ∙ 1984 YCIAA Sectional Champions Photo   ∙ 1985 YCIAA Sectional Champions Photo 1978 YCIAA AAA Sectional Champions ▪ Front (L-R) George Harrison (York High), Ken Shorts (West York), Jim Kurnick (Vo-Tech), Jed Hoffman (Dallastown), Gordon Bell (Dallastown). ▪ Back (L-R) Larry Mescan (York High), Randy March (Dover), Tate Myers (Dallastown), Kevin Baughman (Red Lion), Bill Shellenberger (Red Lion), Jerry Stokes (York High). photo submitted by Charlie Jacobs 1989 District III SC Regional CLASS AAA Champions ▪ Front (L-R) Troy Longenecker (Governor Mifflin), Mark Eckenrode (Dover HS), Scott Forry (Spring Grove), Joey Wildasin (South Western), Brian Willoughby (Red Land), Jeff Witmer (Garden Spot). ▪ Back Row (L-R) Tom Stallings (McCaskey), Chad Pines (Cedar Cliff), Jeff Martin (Warwick), Steve Elicker (South Western HS 160lbs.), Terry Naugle (Juniata), Tac Thomas (Red Lion), Jeff Hollenbush (Lower Dauphin). 1988 PIAA District III SC AAA Champions ▪ Dover, PA Head Coach - H. Leon Senft (left), Asst. Coach Ed Strayer (middle) and Asst. Coach Charles E. "Charlie" Jacobs (right). H. Leon Senft is accepting a nice remembrance for his coaching retirement! H. Leon Senft, a 1949 West York High School graduate... was a 1948 and 1949 District III Wrestling Champion for West York Area... and wrestled for Charles "Chuck" Richards - the 1st coach of West York Wrestling! Charlie Jacobs was a YCIAA 1964 Sectional Wrestling Champion for Dover and Coach Senft. ∙ View the... 1972 - Dover & West York Dual Meet w/Leon Senft vs. John T. Toggas! photo submitted by Charlie Jacobs ▪ '75 Germany Coach and Dover High School Head Coach, Charlie Jacobs (left) with 1984 Olympic Greco-Roman Wrestling Gold Medalist, the late Jeff Blatnick (right). Blatnick was also a 2-time NCAA DII Champion in '78 & '79 for Springfield College. note: Jeff Blatnick is wearing a Dover Wrestling T-Shirt! photo submitted by Charlie Jacobs         1983 - Dover's Shaun Smith with Head Coach Charlie Jacobs after winning the '83 138lb. PIAA State AAA Wrestling Title. photo submitted by Charlie Jacobs ▪ The YCIAA/YAIAA State Wrestling Champions Page 1983 PIAA AAA State Wrestling Champions ▪ 1983 PIAA AAA State Wrestling Champions ▪ Front (L-R) Jack Cuvo (Easton), Eric DeRemer (WV West), Mickey Torres (B. Liberty), Scott Pifer (State College), Mark Noll (Dallastown), Greg Dellorso (Canon-McMillan). ▪ Back (L-R) Shaun Smith (Dover), Tom Allen (Erie Prep), Jim Kwortnik (North Penn), Craig Costello (Erie Tech), Chris Leon (North Allegheny), Mike Kirkling (Hempfield). photo submitted by Charlie Jacobs ▪ "Charlie Jacobs meets Dan Gable"  ▪ 1976 - Dover's Charlie Jacobs (left) gets an autograph from wrestling legend - Dan Gable.    WYWA's Dan Gable Page                                                                                            PENNSYLVANIA WRESTLING HALL OF FAME                                         www.westyorkwrestlingalumni.com                                                                                      York, PA's PWCA Hall of Fame Inductees (11)                               ▪ Charles "Chuck" Richards (West York) 1976                               ▪ John T. Toggas (West York/Biglerville) 1992                               ▪ Bill Bence (Dallastown) 1993                               ▪ Dr. D. Kenneth Ober (West York/Elizabethtown College) 1994                               ▪ Terry Conover (Hanover) 1996                               ▪ Shaun Smith (Dover/Del Val) 2003                               ▪ Joey Wildasin (South Western/GCCC/OSU) 2004                               ▪ Tony Koontz (Delone Catholic/N. Iowa) 2011                               ▪ Brad Lloyd (Red Lion/LHU) 2013                               ▪ Charlie Jacobs (Dover) 2015 (46th Annual Ceremony Inductees)                               ▪ Bill Luckenbaugh (West York/East Stroudsburg State) 2016                                           PWCA HALL OF FAME (1970-2015)                   * 2009 interview w/3-time NCAA All-American & 2015 PWCA HOF - Jon Trenge                                           Dr. Ken Ober & John T. Toggas are in the                                            National Wrestling Hall of Fame   westyorkwrestlingalumni.com interviews... ▪ Some Other Archived... Q & A Interviews: Billy Randt, Rod Stough, Jeff Wolfe, Keith "KRW" Warehime, Randy Blasdell, David Maday & Jason Abel Turnbull, Mary Jane & John T. Toggas, Jon Trenge, Wilmer Pressel, Dr. Bill Welker, Mike Stambaugh, Todd Reynolds, Gary Narber, Fred & Matt Callahan, K.C. McCleary, Brian Kuntz, Dr. Perry Tallman, & more!. ∙ Don Lehman Webmaster, Archivist & Owner of westyorkwrestlingalumni.com

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November 05, 2014 2015 PWCA HOF - Charlie Jacobs Ex-Dover Coach Joins Elite Group Author:  11/05/14 COLUMN By Steve Heiser of The York Dispatch  Charlie Jacobs loves wrestling.  He loves the toughness it demands.  He loves the lessons it teaches.  He loves the character it develops.  And, most especially, he loves the way it turns boys into men. For those reasons, Jacobs dedicated much of his life to the sport, first as a competitor and later as a coach.  Now, the wrestling community is paying back Jacobs for his many contributions.  The long- time Dover High School coach has been selected for induction into the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame.  The induction ceremony is set for April 12 in State College. The Shiloh resident becomes just the 10th man from the York area to earn the honor, joining Charles "Chuck" Richards, John Toggas, Bill Bence, Dr. Ken Ober, Terry Conover, Shaun Smith, Joey Wildasin, Tony Koontz and Brad Lloyd.  Those are legendary wrestling names in these parts, and Jacobs deserves to be in their company.  "It's a great recognition," Jacobs said.  "I was elated to hear that.  When you look at the list of inductees, to join that kind of group, I'm really elated and happy to get that recognition." As a high school wrestler at Dover, Jacobs won a sectional title at 95 pounds.  He then served as the Dover High head coach from 1976 through 1992, compiling a 194-56-2 overall record (77 percent), including a 141-32-1 league record (81 percent).  He won two York County titles (1983, 1984), four sectional crowns (1980, 1984, 1991, 1992) and a District 3 championship (1983).  He also coached 40 individual sectional champs, nine individual District 3 champions and one state champion (Shaun Smith in 1983).  Jacobs credited much of his wrestling success in wrestling and life to two men who coached him at Dover High - Leon Senft and Harry Little.  They served as his role models when he started coaching. At the height of his coaching career, however, after winning his fourth sectional title in 1992, Jacobs decided to step away.  Not because he was burned out, because his family came first.  "My first son was 2 years old and I needed to be more involved in his life than in coaching," he said.  "I wanted to move on and do a better job of raising my son.  Wrestling was always in me and will always be there. You appreciate the effort that kids put into the sport.  The life skills they learn are just so valuable, and to see them go on in life and succeed is gratifying."  After retiring from coaching at Dover, he continued to offer some individual coaching instruction and also became an avid spectator.  In 2005, he was inducted into the York Area Sports Hall of Fame. Keeping Busy:  At age 67, Jacobs continues to keep busy.  He currently works at River Rock Academy in Spring Grove, which provides alternative education services.  That followed a 37-year career in public education, including 30 at Dover.  He also serves as chairman of the York Sports Night Hall of Fame Committee and said he plans to volunteer at the prestigious Cadet Duals national wrestling tournament, which is scheduled to be wrestled at the Utz Arena in each of the next three summers. Jacobs was nominated for PWCA Hall of Fame by his friend, Don Lehman, who is a 1973 West York grad and the webmaster for westyorkwrestlingalumni.com, a very-well regarded wrestling website. "Charlie loves the sport of wrestling and promoted the sport for many years," Lehman said.  "I have spoken with athletes that wrestled for Charlie at Dover and others around the county that worked with Charlie in the offseason, and all spoke very highly of him as a coach and a great man.  Charlie is one of the most positive people I know.  He loves to talk about wrestling and sports in general... Charlie genuinely cared about every athlete he coached." Jacobs is still passionate about wrestling, and is quick to admit he's concerned about its future.  High school matches these days are often littered with forfeits and the Olympics recently tried to eliminate the sport.  "You don't play wrestle.  You play baseball.  You play basketball.  You play football," Jacobs said.  "Wrestling is a lot of work.  It takes a special kid to put in that kind of effort in succeeding.  I am worried about it.  But you can't make it less difficult, because it's so rewarding after the effort is put in."  Jacobs is a prime example of the type of man that wrestling can mold. And on April 12, the Pennsylvania wrestling community will bestow him with one of its highest rewards.  It's an honor he richly deserves. Section:  York Dispatch Sports Page - 11/05/14 *sports@yorkdispatch.com _________________________________________________________________________________ www.westyorkwrestlingalumni.com by Don Lehman *Sports column by Steve Heiser, York Dispatch Sports editor. (c) 2014 The York Dispatch.  All rights reserved. HEISER:  "Ex-Dover Coach Jacobs to Join Pennsylvania's Elite"

Don Lehman & Charlie Jacobs @ 2015 PWCA HOF Banquet Ceremony
▪ photo by Tom Elling of PA Wrestling

GAMETIMEPA.com  Throwback Thursday                                West York Wrestling's success can be traced back to a 1965 state championship                                                                             by Steve Navaroli  8/27/14                    In 1969, West York had a pair of PIAA wrestling champions in John Sprenkle (Hwt.)          and Bill Luckenbaugh (127).  In fact, that championship closed Sprenkle's stellar career with a 55-6          record and Luckenbaugh went on to star on the mat at East Stroudsburg, where he won both PSAC          and NCAA Division II titles in 1974.                    But the example of what was possible was set when Luckenbaugh's brother, Dana Luckenbaugh,          earned the first-ever PIAA championship won by a then-YCIAA (now YAIAA) wrestler.  Dana          Luckenbaugh topped former state champ Bill Welker of Shamokin High School, 4-3, in the 112-pound          final.  Sprenkle said that, and the entire 1965 West York squad, showed his team how to be successful.                    "I was blessed and fortunate to be on some great teams at West York," said Sprenkle, who was          also a football star for the Bulldogs.  "That '65 team was an awesome one.  (John) Toggas was a          phenomenal coach."  It capped an amazing three-year run for West York which won the YCIAA team          championship from 1963 to 1965, amazingly with three head coaches: Bob Brown, Ken Ober and Toggas.                    Dana Luckenbaugh was a three-time YCIAA sectional champ.  Teammate Darryl "Smokey"          Dennis (120 pounds), won two sectional titles.  Several years later, his brother, Bill, followed by Neil          Bupp, Kevin McCleary and Donald Lehman would go on to become the school's other three-time          section title winners.                   West York's 1965 PIAA State Wrestling Champion - Dana Luckenbaugh.          York, PA's FIRST... State Wrestling Champion!                    Sprenkle recalled seeing Dana Luckenbaugh when kids would go to the former A. H. Martin          Elementary School and "roll out the horsehair" wrestling mats under the watchful eye of coach          Don Strausbaugh.  "(Strausbaugh) could never keep Dana in the wrestling room.   He always wanted to          be up in the gym shooting baskets," Sprenkle laughed.  "Everything to him came natural.  He didn't have          to work as hard as Bill and I did."                    But Dana Luckenbaugh, who posted a 56-6-1 record as a high school grappler, was one of a kind.          Just ask Charlie Jacobs, who wrestled at rival Dover during the same time period.  "He was very strong,          he never panicked," Jacobs said.  "He used to read the comics before the matches.  Nothing excited Dana.          He had extremely long arms and thick hands. When he put a tight waist on you, you knew it.          He was very tough."                   Steve Navaroli YDR Article 8/27/14   STEVE NAVAROLI ▪ Reach Steve Navaroli at 717-817-3432 or navarolienterprises@gmail.com P.O. Box 365 Dallastown, PA 17313 ▪ 877-657-2539 or navarolienterprises.com

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