On Wednesday night, in their win over Pine Grove, North Schuylkill earned their 700th victory in the school's wrestling program history.Over the past 40 to 50 years, North Schuylkill has been a school district synonymous with high school wrestling. If you are talking about high school sports in the coal region and names like "Cesari" or "Edwards" are mentioned, you immediately think of North Schuylkill.
On Wednesday night, it was about honoring the past as well as recognizing the present as the Spartans entered their Division I matchup with Pine Grove.
Prior to the varsity meet, the School District named their wrestling room after former Head Coach and teacher Rick Edwards. (More on this in a separate story)
The district also recognized the graduating seniors from the wrestling team as well as the wrestling cheerleaders.
After the ceremonies, it was time for the Spartans to focus on pushing their win count from 699 to 700.
Spartan Wrestling began in 1966 when, then student Rick Edwards, stepped onto the mat during his first match. 54 years later, the Spartans were going for win 700.
Pine Grove made North Schuylkill work for the victory but it was the Spartans 5 pins on the night with the Spartans over the Cardinals 54-24.
For the Spartans, the night includes pins from Braydon Kessler, Jared Tinari, William Strickland, Tyler Slotterback, and Ethan Miernicki, as well as wins from Seniors Ben Wolfe and Joe Tinari.
On the Cardinals side, Chris Charles, Caleb Reiter, and Gavin Harris got Pine Grove on the board.
"North Schuylkill Wrestling has always been about family and to accomplish the 700th win milestone in front of our home crowd, that in itself with everything going on tonight was special to say the least!! Great things were built by great men and we will continue to carry out the great tradition at North Schuylkill in the future!!" said Spartan Head Coach Corey Fetterolf.
After the win, past coaches Rick Edwards, Chris Edwards, Joseph Cesari, joined Fetterolf and team members past and present with a banner displaying their 700th win.
As of February 12th, North Schuylkill's All-Time record stands at 700-235-3.
Story/Photos/Video by Jay Skook
