Carson: “Long Wait Over: Lewistown Legend Whitsel Headed to PA Wrestling Hall”

By Kenny Varner Jr.
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Updated: May 20, 2025

BY BRIAN CARSON

LEWISTOWN – The numbers tell a story of dominance: 103-5 record. 72 pins. 52-0 in dual meets. Four district titles. Four regional championships. A state title. And now, after decades of waiting, Ken Whitsel will take his rightful place in the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

The Lewistown wrestling legend will be inducted on October 26th at the Mountainview Golf and Country Club in Boalsburg, joining the elite ranks of Pennsylvania’s wrestling immortals. Special recognition goes to PWCA Hall of Fame Chairman Don Was and Norm Palovcsik for their help in bringing this long-overdue honor to fruition.

Whitsel’s high school career in the 1970s set standards that still resonate today. His 103 wins ranked fourth all-time in Pennsylvania AAA history when he graduated in 1979, trailing only John Brennan (121), Nate Carr (115), and Tom Kingsmith (113). His 72 falls established him as Pennsylvania’s all-time pin leader after the 1979 season.

But Whitsel’s impact extended far beyond state borders. He captured a national AAU championship in freestyle wrestling and claimed silver at the 1974 World Championship in Santa Domingo. In 1978, he added another AAU National Championship before touring Europe with the World Team, where he went undefeated in nine matches.

His influence spans generations of Mifflin County wrestlers. He remains the only PIAA champion from Lewistown Area High School, setting a standard of excellence that inspired countless athletes who followed. His state championship photo still hangs in Lewistown High School, serving as motivation for young wrestlers chasing their dreams.

Trent Hidlay, a two-time PIAA Champion and five-time NCAA All-American, remembers Whitsel’s direct impact: “Kenny worked with my brother and I when we were young, making a profound impact on our wrestling careers and lives. His State Championship picture in Lewistown high school sparked my dream of becoming a state champion.”

Whitsel’s legacy reaches beyond his competitive accomplishments. After hanging up his singlet, he continued shaping wrestling’s future through coaching at Messiah College and Lewistown High School. His innovative style, highlighted by his legendary headlock, helped bridge the gap between old-school grit and modern scoring dynamics.

“Kenny brought excitement to wrestling,” says Mike Robinson, a PIAA Runner-up. “His state championship, Outstanding Wrestler awards, and decades of coaching built a foundation for success in our region.”

Kirby Martin, Mifflin County Wrestling coach, highlights Whitsel’s innovative style: “His headlock ranks among the best ever in Pennsylvania wrestling. He scored points in bunches before today’s era of aggressive wrestling, making the sport exciting for fans.”

The October 26th ceremony will celebrate Whitsel’s athletic achievements and his enduring influence on Pennsylvania wrestling. From his dominant high school career through his international success and coaching impact, he represents the finest traditions of Pennsylvania wrestling.

For wrestlers and fans in Mifflin County, Whitsel’s induction validates decades of excellence. His career numbers – the wins, the pins, the championships – tell only part of the story. His broader impact on the sport in central Pennsylvania continues to resonate through the achievements of those he inspired and mentored.

The ceremony at Mountainview Golf and Country Club will bring together Pennsylvania’s wrestling community to honor Whitsel’s contributions. For the man who pinned his way into the record books and inspired countless wrestlers to chase their dreams, it marks the completion of a journey from local legend to an officially recognized state icon.

For Whitsel, the Hall of Fame induction adds one final victory to a career defined by excellence. His 103 wins, 72 pins, and championship medals already told a story of greatness. Now, his plaque in the Pennsylvania Wrestling Hall of Fame will ensure future generations remember the wrestler who set standards, broke records, and inspired champions.

The October 26th ceremony begins at 6 p.m. at Mountainview Golf and Country Club in Boalsburg. Tickets and information are available through the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association website.