Wellsboro Wrestling team receives new mat

By: Ed Weaver  /  May 5, 2022  /  Photo: Ed Weaver

The Wellsboro Wrestling team received a new wrestling mat to use next season.

The program received $10,000 in grants from The Tabor Foundation and the Wellsboro Area Education Foundation (WAEF). Former Strength and Conditioning Coach John DeLeonardis worked with both entities and wrote the grants, with the cooperation of Glenn Poirier.

"I can't express enough gratitude to both the Tabor Foundation and WAEF for their generous donation to our program," head coach Bryce Bitner said. "Our kids are thrilled to have a new mat to be able to go out and compete on. We'd also like to thank John DeLeonardis for all his hard work for helping our program get this mat and all of the hard work that he has done for Wellsboro Area School District. On behalf of myself, my whole coaching staff, and the Wellsboro Wrestling Program, we would like to thank everyone involved and are extremely excited to see the progress and return of this great sport to Wellsboro."

In 2020-21 Wellsboro's wrestling program was reinstated and returned to full-time competition for the first time since 2017. They went 3-10 (2-6 NTL) in their first year. The year prior the team returned and wrestled a handful of matches.

"In my two years here, this community has been extremely helpful and supportive and it has made this process very smooth," continued Bitner. "Wrestling is a sport that gave so much to me growing up and it has been my goal to give those lessons and experiences back to others. Wellsboro has a pool of great athletes and the potential for this program is high. I'm excited to see where the program goes and look forward to working with everyone to make it a success."

Starting in 2022 the team's matches will be at the Hornets' primary gym in the New High School.