Wrestling - Varsity

The foundation of Mercersburg wrestling is one of work—hard work and team work. Athletes and coaches share common goals—developing as students, contributing to the community, and maximizing potential on the wrestling mats.

Mercersburg wrestlers have competed since 1930 for one of the oldest programs in the country. The current schedule features high level competition that includes the Beast of the East Tournament, dual meets against Mid-Atlantic region opponents, and the Mid-Atlantic Prep League duals, which includes Blair Academy. The postseason brings the opportunity for post-season honors at the National Prep Tournament at Lehigh University.

Experience is the key word for the wrestling program coaching staff. Head coach Nate Jacklin ’96 is a former Mercersburg wrestler who went on to wrestle in the Ivy League at Columbia University. Assistant coach Jay Bozzi, a graduate of Choate Rosemary Hall, taught and coached wrestling at Cheshire Academy in Connecticut. And Director of Athletics Rick Hendrickson serves as an associate coach and consultant for the program that he guided for 15 years.

Mercersburg’s tradition extends to the collegiate level, with graduates who have competed in the Ivy League, the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA), the Centennial Conference, the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), the Southern Conference, and NCAA Division II competitors Pitt-Johnstown and West Liberty. Recent Mercersburg alumni have occupied roster positions at Ithaca College, the U.S. Naval Academy, and Wesleyan University.

The team trains in the Wrestling Center, which opened in November 1997. The facility features 3,600 square feet of Resilite wrestling mats and training equipment, along with an adjacent coaches’ office.