Swope Inducted into PA chapter of National Wrestling Hall of Fame

By Tom Elling

HERSHEY, PA-Sunday May 1 was a special day at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center for local Jerry Swope. The 2022 Class of the PA Chapter of National Wrestling Hall of Fame were inducted at annual event. Inducted into the class were Kay Renneisen, Bill Lukridge, Joe Hammaker, Andy Thal, Ian Malesiewski, Wayne Renneisen, Scottie Hughes, Jerry Swope. Larry Guenot, Ed Schneider.

One cannot think of or mention Lock Haven wrestling without the name Jerry Swope being a main topic. He was a two-time PIAA state champion for Lock Haven High School (1961 and 1962).

In 1961, he and three teammates put themselves into state annals as one of the most talent-laden high school teams ever- as four of them: Jerry, Mike Johnson, Lee Deitrick, and Gary Cook all wont individual state titles. John ‘Bud’ Stehman was their coach. Jerry went on to Lock Haven State College to become a three-time NCAA All-American, a four-time NAIA champion (named OW in his senior year-1966).

He was the first Lock Haven wrestler to win 100 matches. Jerry was also a successful high school coach at Warrior Run and Shamokin before accepting the head coaching position at Millersville State. Former Bobcat wrestlers Dan Brown, Dan Ireland and Todd Ireland wrestled for him as Marauders. The first two also went on to distinguished coaching careers. Brown having former PIAA state champ and former Penn State coach Troy Sunderland.

In his usual demeanor, Jerry was very humble and thanked many for his successes. He is now enshrined in the Hall and his name wand bio will live forever in Stillwater, Oklahoma, in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum.

NOTE:
Swope was presented his award by former Lock Haven High and Pitt All-American Bob Bubb. Bubb coached very successfully at Clarion and is a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.