The Tyrone wrestling staff was awarded the AA Coaching Staff of the Year award at the District 6 Wrestling Championships in Altoona.

The Tyrone staff includes Head Coach Terry Tate, assistants Buddy Walk, Jason Walls, and Jon Wallace.

Tyrone has seen a resurgence in recent years after several seasons of low numbers and losing records. This year was the best in over a decade, with a dual match record of 7-4.

Tate was proud of the coaching staff after overcoming everything thrown at them this year. After a three-week delay on winter sports due to COVID, and students being quarantined.

“My assistants are great, Buddy stepped up as an acting head coach when I was at the funeral home dealing with the effects of COVID. Jason was there early to make sure we screened all of the coaches and players for Covid protocol, and Jon worked with Luke to get as many matches as we could,” said Tate.

With coaches being out at different times the coaching team had to work together so they could always have a coach at the practice. It was hard to coordinate team practices when kids and coaches were being quarantined.

“This year, communication and being able to adapt was a big part of having a successful season. That includes the parents, coaches, and kids,” said assistant coach Jon Wallace.

Wallace also said that a huge part of the team’s success is due to Adam Webber, Tom Rumberger, John McCloskey, Jarred Kane, and Buddy Walk. It takes a lot of people that might not be on the coaching staff to keep the program strong.

Coaches all around had a difficult time assuring players they would get a season as guidelines became more strict and seasons were delayed. Coaches were asked questions that they didn’t truly know the answer to, but the Tyrone staff was sure to have their players ready for the season they would eventually have.

The Tyrone wrestling program has made great strides since Tate took over the program. He knew he had his work cut out for him but with the right people, they could get Tyrone wrestling back on the map.

“My first practice as head coach we had six wrestlers. We were able to get two or three more guys to fill some spots but they were all first-year guys…Tom Rumberger and Buddy Walk had the elementary program up and coming when I took over and I just inherited the hard work they put in,” said Tate.

It’s been a long road but the wrestling team is back up to where it used to be. With new kids joining every year and a strong elementary program the future of the program appears to be in great shape.