1986-1987

1986-87 15-2!  Not bad for a team not expected to be a contender.  Some of the highlights were a strong Jim Thorpe Christmas Tournament Championship and Centennial League Tournament Championship, but a tough, down to the wire loss to Palmerton prevented the Tigers from winning their fourth consecutive League Title.  The Tigers showed their strength by finishing second in Districts, second in Regional’s and sending four wrestlers to the PIAA State Tournament.  At States, Scott Derr finished fourth and Devin Smith won a medal for sixth.  Some of the individual accomplishments were Chris Shalbert (27-7), Jim Thorpe, League, Districts, and Regional tournaments and qualified for States.  Matt Masters (19-13) was a Jim Thorpe Tournament champ and placed fifth in Districts.  Scott Derr (30-3-2) won Championships at Jim Thorpe, League, District, and Regional Tournaments and placed fourth at the State Tournament.  Ed Kelchner (21-7) won first at Jim Thorpe, second in the League Tournament, second at Districts and Regional’s and qualified for States.  Dave Leiby (23-4) won first at Jim Thorpe, second at Leagues, won a District Championship, and placed fourth at Regional’s.  Tony Shalbert (21-9-1) took second at Jim Thorpe, second at Leagues and fifth in Districts.  Mike Heintzelman (14-7-1) placed third at Jim Thorpe and second at Leagues.  Kevin Smith (28-7) second at Jim Thorpe, Leagues, Districts, Regional’s and placed sixth in State Tournament.  Corey Seyler (11-3) had a great season ahead of him until a knee injury ended his season.  Without a doubt, it was great and gratifying year for new head coach Don Huesgen and assistant Dave Evans.

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