WILLIAMSPORT -- The District 4 Wrestling Coaches Association will induct nine new members into its Hall of Fame during the Class AAA and AA district tournaments next weekend.
The new class includes brothers Paul and John Gemberling of Shikellamy, Matt Neenan of Williamsport, Jeff Lorson of Jersey Shore, Bob Manotti Sr., and Dustin Manotti of Mifflinburg, Roger Crebs of Lewisburg and Lycoming College, Steve Greenly of Milton, and Hal Stockdill of Sullivan County.
Paul Gemberling was a three-time District 4 Class AAA champion, a three-time Northeast regional place-winner, and a two-time PIAA place-winner, finishing fourth at 98 pounds in 1983 and capturing a state championship at 126 pounds in 1985. Gemberling currently coaches the Bison Wrestling Club.
As a sophomore, Gemberling defeated three-time state champion (and eventual two-time NCAA Division I champ) Jack Cuvo of Easton in the Top Hat Tournament in Williamsport. Gemberling handed Cuvo (139-2 career) not only one of his two losses in high school, but his last one.
John Gemberling was a three-time Class AAA District 4 champion, and a two-time Northeast Regional champion. At the PIAA tournament, Gemberling placed third at 132 pounds in 1986 and captured a state title at 138 pounds in 1987 when he was voted the tournament's Outstanding Wrestler. Gemberling's career record was 96—13.
Matt Neenan had more than 90 career victories for the Millionaires. Neenan was a three-time Class AAA District 4 champion, a three-time Northeast Regional runner-up, and, at the PIAA tournament, he finished sixth at 275 pounds in 1989 before winning a state championship in 1990. Chosen to wrestle in the prestigious Dapper Dan Classic in Pittsburgh, Neenan decisioned Jason Bingaman of Mendon, Mich., 5-2, to help Pennsylvania to a 39-9 victory over the USA team.
Jeff Lorson wrestled for the Bulldogs from 1960-63, compiling a career record of 70-5. He won two Bald Eagle Tournament championships, two District 4 titles, and two Northeast Regional championships. At Lock Haven State College, Lorson won a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championship and placed second at the 1967 NAIA tournament.
Bob Manotti Sr. has been a major contributor to District 4 wrestling as well as the state. He helped start and run one of the first elementary wrestling tournaments in the area and also started and chaired one of the first postseason tournaments of its kind, the "Challenge of Champions."
Dustin Manotti was a four-time Southern Sectional champion, a two-time Class AA District 4 champion, a two-time Northeast Regional champion and, at the state tournament, he placed seventh at 135 pounds in 1999, second at 135 pounds in 2000, and third at 145 pounds in 2001. At Cornell, Manotti compiled a 135-26 record, was a four-time EIWA place-winner, a four-time All-American, finishing eighth, fourth, and fifth at 149 pounds and third at 157 pounds his senior season.
Roger Crebs was a three-time MAC champion as a wrestler for Lycoming. He was named head coach of the Warriors in 1993 and was named Division III Rookie Coach of the Year. Crebs has accumulated more than 300 dual meet victories, five conference titles, three East Regional titles and in 1997 was named Division III Coach of the Year.
Steve Greenly captured two sectional championships, a District 4 championship and a Northeast Regional championship and, at the PIAA tournament, finished second at 132 pounds in 1977. At Bucknell University, Greenly reached the finals of the East Coast tournament three times, capturing the championship at 150 pounds as a freshman. He was voted the top freshman 150-pounder in the country.
Hal Stockdill wrestled at Kittanning High School, where he won two WPIAL sectional championships. He coached at Sullivan County for 32 years and accumulated 174 dual meet wins and was awarded two sportsmanship awards by district wrestling officials. Stockdill was president of the District 4 Athletic Directors Association for 21 years.
