With the excitement of the upcoming holidays on their side, the Carlisle wrestling team delivered an impressive win over Harrisburg High School on December 19, with a final score of 50-24. But that wasn’t all the match yielded.

The victory over Harrisburg also secured Carlisle coach Joe Wilson’s 100^th win, an impressive milestone for any coach – especially for one who adores his sport as much as Wilson.

“His 100^th win comes at a point where we’re probably wrestling one of the toughest divisions in the state and, you know, you have to have your team prepared and ready…and Joe is a pretty good motivator in that aspect, as far as getting the numbers there to keep our weight classes filled and it’s quite an accomplishment for somebody, ” said Carlisle High School’s Athletic Director George Null. “We’re proud of him.”

Having wrestled for Carlisle High School himself, it became apparent at a young age that Wilson’s love for wrestling would only grow throughout the years.

“I grew up wrestling and I think it’s the greatest sport because it’s one on one – you don’t have anyone else to rely on,” said Wilson

When a coaching position presented itself shortly after Wilson graduated college, he eagerly seized the opportunity and has been coaching tirelessly ever since.

“Joe is a dedicated coach all season round that cares for kids and tries to prepare them for success,” said Null. “So he’s going to put the time in so that the students needs are being met, plus giving the extra time to have them prepared for success in wrestling… I mean, Joe is right there with the kids and gives them the opportunities to be successful.”

Wilson attributes the success of the wrestling program to the number of people involved and pushing for the kids to succeed.

“A lot of it is the kids and the parents that we have coming through or buying into our system and wanting to have success…I think that people being so invested in Carlisle wrestling and wanting to see it successful at every level is what’s gotten us to where we’re at today,” said Wilson.

While last year may have carried its fair share of bumps and bruises, Wilson is confident that the talent of the team’s members will continue to result in more wins for Carlisle. In the meantime, Wilson gladly continues to coach the next generation of athletes on and off the mats.

“I’m living my dream job,” said Wilson.