By KAI THOMA
Kai Thoma is a senior at Philipsburg-Osceola High School. Thoma was selected to receive a Press Forward PA Wilds scholarship to cover high school wrestling events.
PHILIPSBURG — The gymnasium at Philipsburg-Osceola High School was rumbling with excitement and nostalgia on Feb. 6 as the Mountie wrestling program hosted its second-ever Hall of Fame night.
Fans, friends, and family members filled the stands, clapping to show their gratitude and appreciation as all of the PIAA state champions in the school’s history were proudly honored. Each inductee’s name echoed across the gym, and whether personally stepping on the mat or being represented by family members, the individuals were greeted with loud cheers. The volume rose as everyone realized and recognized the legacy these wrestlers have built, and their contributions to the Mountie Wrestling community.
Looking around the gym, it was clear that its history and vintage charm remain. The gym appears much like it would have when inductees ranging from the class of 1947 to 2000 first took the mat. You could see the full-body reaction of the wrestlers who accepted their honors and their immediate re-immersion into the wrestling experience.
The Induction Class of 2026 included Dick Bainey, Mike Comitz, Alf Good, Bob Good, Phil Bock, Ollie Rudeen, Ronnie Myers, Earl Harris, Gene Dixon, Jerry Twoey, Mark Sidorick, and Jon Condo. As each name was read, the current wrestling team watched intently, their faces showing deep admiration and optimistic visions of the future they would strive for in the upcoming weeks.
The legacy of the program is carried out by much more than just the wrestlers. Many of these inductees have had meaningful impacts on their families. Their families are a huge part of what keeps Mountie wrestling so alive today, supporting the program and ensuring that its spirit continues from one generation to the next.
Former P-O wrestler and current assistant coach Aaron Levonick said, “The Hall of Fame is important to honor those former athletes for their accomplishments and recognize them for their achievements, and I think that helps with the current athletes. They see those accomplishments and things the past wrestlers have done and it motivates them to work hard and try to achieve those goals.”
He continued, “The Mountie Wrestling tradition is very unique; there are important people who help keep it alive. Coach (David) Caslow was instrumental for several years in building its tradition and culture. We have a pretty strong fan base that follows and supports wrestling. Even as a kid I remember there always being a big crowd and a tremendous amount of support. I’ve even received feedback from the community about Hall of Fame night. Everyone is really happy about it and is glad to see that we honor past athletes.”
Following the ceremony, the varsity team took the mat and delivered a strong performance, defeating the Warriors of West Branch 54–15. The Mounties won 10 of the 13 bouts, recording seven total pins. The team wrestled with determination, even in challenging matches. Their persistence matched the energy in the gym, contributing to the significance of the night.
The evening created a reflective contrast. The current wrestlers watched the Hall of Famers be celebrated by their town, inspired by the history of the program, while the inductees watched the young team dominate, viewing the continuation of the legacy they helped create.
Phil Bock, a 1955 inductee and two-time PIAA state champion reflected on the night: “It’s a lot different from when I did it,” he said with a chuckle, remembering the days when only a single point was awarded for each move. He recognizes and is in awe of how the program has truly grown and adapted with the times.
When asked if he had words of encouragement for today’s wrestlers, Bock simply said, “Just have a good time!” Through his simple but heartfelt message, it was clear that his passion for wrestling is just as lively as ever. Almost as if he was being transported back onto the mat, he shared, “When you’d go to the tournaments, you couldn’t lose!”
His memories of wrestling seemed to live as vividly for him today as they did decades ago.
The night was a beautiful celebration of the past, the present, and the future of Mountie wrestling. From honoring Hall of Fame inductees to watching the current team compete, the program’s legacy continues to shape and inspire.
