Wrestling holds a special place in the hearts of many communities, and few schools can boast the rich tradition and success of West Perry High School in Pennsylvania and Perry High School in Oklahoma. This article delves into the remarkable histories of these two wrestling powerhouses, highlighting their achievements, legendary figures, and the enduring impact they have had on the sport.
West Perry High School Wrestling
West Perry High School is a small, rural public high school located in Perry County, Pennsylvania. While the school is known for its academic and vocational programs, its wrestling program has also achieved notable success.
In recent years, the West Perry wrestling program has experienced a resurgence under the leadership of head coach Craig May. Despite facing challenges such as injuries and absences, the team has consistently demonstrated resilience and determination. In one memorable season, the Mustangs completed a remarkable run through the District 3-AA and PIAA-AA dual meet championships, solidifying their place among the top AA programs in the state.
May credits the program's turnaround to his dedicated coaching staff, supportive parents, and, most importantly, his exceptional wrestlers. Two special seniors, Brad Morrison and Deven Jackson, stand out as prime examples of the team's success.
Morrison, arguably the most accomplished wrestler to ever compete for West Perry, set numerous county records during his career. He was the first Mustang wrestler to win five postseason championships, qualify for three state tournaments, and wrestle for a PIAA title. Morrison's impressive senior season saw him achieve a 47-2 record, breaking the county record for wins in a single year. He concluded his high school wrestling career with 133 wins.
Read also: Learn about Island Jiu-Jitsu West
Jackson's career is equally remarkable, with 121 wins, four postseason titles, and two state medals. What makes Jackson's achievements even more extraordinary is that he accomplished them despite having both legs amputated after contracting meningitis.
The success of the West Perry wrestling program is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and unwavering spirit of its coaches and athletes. Their accomplishments have brought pride to the school and the surrounding community.
Perry High School: A Wrestling Dynasty
Located in Perry, Oklahoma, Perry High School has established itself as one of the most dominant wrestling programs in the United States. The Perry Maroons have amassed an unparalleled record of success, marked by numerous state championships and individual accolades.
The foundation of Perry's wrestling legacy was laid by Coach John Divine, who led the program for 30 seasons beginning in 1931. Divine's impact on Perry wrestling is immeasurable, and the home gymnasium of the varsity wrestling team is named in his honor. He coached four wrestlers who later became Perry coaches themselves, winning a combined 20 state championships.
From 1961 to 2019, Perry won 41 State Championships and never went more than two years without winning a State title. The Maroons have produced 179 individual state champions, 323 other state placers, and have averaged 8.8 state qualifiers since 1942.
Read also: Self-Improvement Through Martial Arts
With 43 team championships, Perry is listed in the record books of the National Federation of High School Sports as having won more state wrestling titles than any other team in the nation. In addition to the 43 state championships, the Maroons have won 20 Dual State championships, 4 Academic State titles, and in 2023 the Lady Maroons won the Academic State title for a total of 68 State Championships!
In 2019, the Maroons reached a significant milestone by winning their 1000th dual meet, becoming only the 4th school in the nation to achieve this feat. The Perry Wrestling Monument Park was opened on May 14, 2016, serving as a tribute to the program's rich history and accomplishments.
The Perry Wrestling Monument Park
Legendary Figures
Perry High School has produced numerous legendary wrestlers who have gone on to achieve success at the collegiate and international levels. Two of the most notable figures are Danny Hodge and Jack Vanbebber.
Danny Hodge: One of the most recognized and celebrated names in the history of wrestling, Hodge was an undefeated state champion for Perry in 1951. He went on to compete in the Olympics, winning a silver medal in 1956. At the University of Oklahoma, Hodge compiled an unblemished 46-0 record, pinning 24 consecutive opponents and never being taken down during his college career. He was a three-time national champion and was named the Outstanding Wrestler at the National Tournament twice. Hodge is the only wrestler to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. The Dan Hodge Trophy, wrestling's equivalent to the Heisman Trophy, is presented to the nation's best college wrestler each year.
Read also: Professional Wrestling in the Heartland
Jack Vanbebber: Vanbebber overcame a severe childhood injury to become a three-time undefeated national champion at Oklahoma A&M. He won a gold medal in the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles. In 1950, he was selected as one of the 10 most outstanding amateur athletes in the Western Hemisphere for the first half of the 20th Century.
A Community United by Wrestling
The success of Perry wrestling is deeply ingrained in the community. As Superintendent Scott Chenoweth, a former state champion for the Maroons, explains, "It is just important to people over here, and that's the way it has been for 90 years. Everybody has a dad, granddad or uncle or cousin or someone that wrestled and was a state champ."
The passionate support of the Perry community has played a vital role in the program's sustained success. The high expectations and knowledgeable fan base push the wrestlers to excel, while the rich history of the program provides a sense of pride and tradition.
In conclusion, the wrestling programs at West Perry High School and Perry High School have established legacies of excellence, marked by remarkable achievements, legendary figures, and unwavering community support. Their stories serve as an inspiration to wrestlers and fans alike, demonstrating the power of hard work, dedication, and a passion for the sport.
| School | State Championships | Individual State Champions | Other Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perry High School | 43 | 179 | 20 Dual State championships, 4 Academic State titles, 1000 dual meet wins |
| West Perry High School | N/A | N/A | District 3-AA and PIAA-AA dual meet championships |