Rest in Peace... "Mrs. T"!

Mary Jane Toggas
9/1/31 - 9/14/17
Obituary





PRESERVE RECOGNIZE INSPIRE

2010 @ Iron Valley Golf Club

(L-R) WY's Don Lehman '73 and National HOF Coach John T. Toggas.

October 14. 2015 Local Wrestling Loses Legend by Steve Heiser 505-5446/@ydsports - sheiser@yorkdispatch.com Author:  10/14/15 COLUMN By Steve Heiser of The York Dispatch  1973 -West York Coach John T. Toggas. In sports, the word "legend" sometimes gets tossed around a little casually. It's often used to describe athletes or coaches who are really very good, not great, and certainly not legendary. In York County wrestling circles, however, John Toggas was a truly legendary figure. The longtime West York High School coach is in six separate halls of fame, he was the first York County wrestling coach to reach 300 victories, and he coached three Pennsylvania state high school champions. Those are some serious coaching credentials. Unfortunately, Toggas died on Friday in Bensalem at age 83.  His death, however, will not diminish the memories of the man for the people who knew and admired him. "(West York) lost a great coach, mentor and friend," said Don Lehman, who runs the West York Wrestling Alumni website.  "Coach Toggas left a lasting mark on West York wrestling."   Respect from a coaching rival:  One of the men who often went head-to-head against Toggas was longtime Dover coach Charlie Jacobs.  Both men are in the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame.  Despite being coaching rivals, Jacobs had nothing but respect for Toggas as a coach and a man.  "John loved the sport of wrestling," Jacobs said.  "He brought great energy and enthusiasm, which always generated much excitement during any matches with his Bulldogs.  "His "Bulldog Pride" caused all opposing coaches to work extra hard to compete with his tough squads."   Fierce competitor:  At his heart, Toggas was a fierce competitor.  That trait helped the York High grad compile a 307-110-4 career record at Biglerville (38-32-2 from 1958 through 1964) and West York (269-78-2 from 1964 through 1983 and 1986 through 1991). "(He) wanted to win every match," Lehman said.  "I'm sure the coaches in the county who competed against West York in those days would agree with that."  Despite his competitive streak, Toggas was not stingy with sharing advice with other wrestling coaches.  "He was willing to share with us younger coaches what he thought was important to creating a successful wrestling program," Jacobs said.  "He certainly had a tremendous influence on the success of the York County wrestling scene."   Career highlights:  One of the highlights of Toggas' career came in his final season in 1991 when his Bulldogs topped Cumberland Valley, 31-28, for his 300th victory.  Of course, that's just one of many career highlights.  Here are a few others: ▪ He coached three state champions (Dana Luckenbaugh in 1965 and Bill Luckenbaugh and John Sprenkle in 1969).   Dana Luckenbaugh was York County's first state champ. ▪ He was inducted into the National Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1999 and the York Area Sports hall of fame in 1995. ▪ He won five York County League championships, was a two-time York County League Coach of the Year and guided his Bulldogs to the 1971 team title at the prestigious Easton High School Holiday Tournament. Watching 'his boys' succeed:  While Toggas liked winning championships and earning honors, he might have gotten more enjoyment out of seeing his wrestlers excel after leaving West York.  "Many of his athletes continued successful wrestling careers beyond high school, and several were able to give back to the sport by becoming coaches and officials," Jacobs said.  "I know he loved seeing 'his boys' achieve that success and recognition on the state and national levels."   Lots of support:  Lehman said one of the keys to Toggas' success was the wide-ranging support he received from his family and the broader West York community.  "Coach Toggas had a great wife (Mary Jane) and family (son John S. "Moc" and daughter Steph) who came to practically every match," Lehman said.  "Coach Toggas also had a great support team in Raymond Troxell (the West York superintendent), Neil Everhart (the West York principal) and coaches Robert Bowers, Whedon Myers, John Sprenkle, Bill Luckenbaugh, etc., throughout his coaching years.  West York also had a fabulous fan base for the sport of wrestling and Coach Toggas, along with his booster club, had a lot to do with that." Maintaining his love for the sport:  After retiring as a coach, Toggas maintained his ties to the sport as a high school official and was a member of the NCAA Rules Committee as a high school representative. He also loved to talk about the sport.  "Before he got ill, Coach Toggas would stop by my home every Thursday to sit in my office to chat about everything under the sun," Lehman said.  "He loved wrestling and missed all facets of it after he retired."   Lasting legacy:  There's little doubt that the York County wrestling community will miss Toggas as well. "All of us need to remember and appreciate the great contribution he gave to the great sport of wrestling," Jacobs said.  "Thanks, J.T."  That's a lasting legacy for a legendary coach.   Coach JT's "Resting Place" in Gettysburg, PA Section:  York Dispatch Sports Page - 10/14/15... **sports@yorkdispatch.com. Steve Heiser is sports editor of the York Dispatch.  He can be reached at sheiser@yorkdispatch.com. ______________________________________________________________________________________ www.westyorkwrestlingalumni.com by Don Lehman *Sports column by Steve Heiser, York Dispatch Sports editor. (c) 2015 The York Dispatch.  All rights reserved. HEISER:  "Local Wrestling Loses Legend"   PA Wrestling News Mention... by Tom Elling

westyorkwrestlingalumni.com history

10/17/15 JT Toggas Funeral Program (Below thoughts by Alumnus, Guy Boyer '71)              WEST YORK WRESTLING      The "Wrestling Family" that attended the viewing, the service, the fellowship      after at the Charlie Sterner Building... or all "three" included:      ▪ ▪  Russell Stoner, Jim & Deb Haas, Skip Martin, Todd Reynolds, Carolyn Tritt,      Dr. Tom Bauer & wife, Terry Bupp, John Eyster, Congressman Bill Goodling,      Fred R. Lehman, Larry Haas & wife, John W. & Connie Sprenkle, Robert Bowers,      Dennis Heath, Perry Tallman, Randy Blasdell, Bruce Stambaugh, Mike Stambaugh,      Ted & Jodi Turnbull, Guy Boyer, Don & Debbie Lehman, Barry King, Brian Kuntz,      Charlie Jacobs, Kevin McCleary, K.C. McCleary, Tom Toggas & son Dillon Toggas,      Dave & Carolyn Toggas, Steve & Candy Toggas and daughter Amber, Ken Fetters,      Jon Trenge, Tom Best, Mr. & Mrs. Knott, Troy & Jane Knott, Mark Kuntz,      Carolyn L. Doarnberger Daugherty & Tom Daugherty and sons, etc... &      Mary Jane Toggas, Matthew & Samantha Toggas, Steph, Carl & Brock Leinbach.   The late coach... John T. Toggas photo by Carolyn Tritt Monahan Obituary   YDR/YD   WYWA Obituaries ∙ 10/14/15 John T. Toggas article by Steve Heiser  ∙ PA Wrestling News Mention... Tom Elling of PWNews!

westyorkwrestlingalumni.com history

THROWBACK THURSDAY                GAMETIMEPA.com  Throwback Thursday                         West York Wrestling's success can be traced back to a 1965 state championship                                                              by Steve Navaroli  8/27/14               8/27/14 Publication - YDR by Steve Navaroli               1964-65 - YCIAA League Wrestling Co-Champions!        1965 YCIAA Sectional II Team Tourney Champions        ▪ Front Row (L-R) Jeffrey Linebaugh, Gary Carbaugh, Dana Luckenbaugh,        Darl "Smokey" Dennis, Burton Snyder, Steve Kunkle & Thomas DeLong.        ▪ Back (L-R) WY Coach John T. Toggas, Jack Hershberger, Donald Narber,        Fred Lehman, Charles "Chuck" Bostic, Gary Narber & William Wiehe.          In 1969, West York had a pair of PIAA wrestling champions in John Sprenkle (Hwt.)    and Bill Luckenbaugh (127).  In fact, that championship closed Sprenkle's stellar career with a 55-6    record and Luckenbaugh went on to star on the mat at East Stroudsburg, where he won both PSAC    and NCAA Division II titles in 1974.        But the example of what was possible was set when Luckenbaugh's brother, Dana Luckenbaugh,    earned the first-ever PIAA championship won by a then-YCIAA (now YAIAA) wrestler.  Dana    Luckenbaugh topped former state champ Bill Welker of Shamokin High School, 4-3, in the 112-pound    final.  Sprenkle said that, and the entire 1965 West York squad, showed his team how to be successful.        "I was blessed and fortunate to be on some great teams at West York," said Sprenkle, who was    also a football star for the Bulldogs.  "That '65 team was an awesome one.  (John) Toggas was a    phenomenal coach."  It capped an amazing three-year run for West York which won the YCIAA team    championship from 1963-1965, amazingly with three head coaches: Bob Brown, Ken Ober and Toggas.        Dana Luckenbaugh was a three-time YCIAA sectional champ.  Teammate Darl "Smokey"    Dennis (120 pounds), won two sectional titles.  Several years later, his brother, Bill, followed by Neil    Bupp, Kevin McCleary and Donald Lehman would go on to become the school's other three-time    section title winners.        Sprenkle recalled seeing Dana Luckenbaugh when kids would go to the former A. H. Martin    Elementary School and "roll out the horsehair" wrestling mats under the watchful eye of coach    Don Strausbaugh.  "(Strausbaugh) could never keep Dana in the wrestling room.   He always wanted to    be up in the gym shooting baskets," Sprenkle laughed.  "Everything to him came natural.  He didn't    have to work as hard as Bill and I did."        But, Dana Luckenbaugh, who posted a 56-6-1 record as a high school grappler, was one of a kind.    Just ask Charlie Jacobs, who wrestled at rival Dover during the same time period.  "He was very strong,    he never panicked," Jacobs said.  "He used to read the comics before the matches.  Nothing excited    Dana.  He had extremely long arms and thick hands. When he put a tight waist on you, you knew it.    He was very tough."                     8/27/14 Article by Steve Navaroli YDR Sports               1965 PIAA District III...        YCIAA Sectional Wrestling Champions               1965 YCIAA Sectional Championship Team        West York Area High School (7 Champions)        Front (L-R) *Thomas DeLong, *Darl "Smokey" Dennis,        *Dana Luckenbaugh, *Gary Carbaugh, *Jeff Linebaugh.        Back (L-R) Coach John T. Toggas, *Chuck Bostic, Don Narber, *Gary Narber.        (* '65 Section Champs - T. DeLong, D. Dennis, D. Luckenbaugh, G. Carbaugh,        J. Linebaugh, C. Bostic & G. Narber) - Don Narber was a 1965 Section runner-up.        West York's Dana Luckenbaugh won the 1965 PIAA State title @ 112lbs.                              ▪ STEVE NAVAROLI        ▪ Reach Steve Navaroli at 717-817-3432 or navarolienterprises@gmail.com               P.O. Box 365        Dallastown, PA 17313        ▪ 877-657-2539 or navarolienterprises.com                        West York Wrestling's success can be traced back to a 1965 state championship

West York Area

John T. Toggas
01/25/32 - 10/09/15

"Wrestling Gear" illustrated by Rod Bohner
submitted by Mary Jane Toggas




West York Tops Dallastown!
▪ Thursday - November 18, 1971 Article ▪


▪ Mr. Eby congratulates West York Superintendent Raymond Troxell
and WY Coach John T. Toggas after the big '71 win over Dallastown.


John T. Toggas

National Wrestling Hall of Fame
PRESERVE  RECOGNIZE  INSPIRE
NWHOF
PA Chapter '99


∙ West York Wrestling Match - 1983
(L-R) Coach John T. Toggas with son John S. "Moc" Toggas.
▪ 1969 PIAA State Champion - John Sprenkle... (far right) ▪
Coach Toggas is in 6... Halls of Fames!!!

1965 - Charlie Frey... Sunday Patriot News Sports Writer             @ 112lbs. DANA LUCKENBAUGH, the senior from West York who reads    comic books to relax between bouts, scored his 112-pound victory by    holding Shamokin's Bill Welker down throughout the third period to build    up riding time for his 4-3 victory.  Welker, who was the PIAA 95-pound    champ two years ago, scored a takedown with 31 seconds to go in the    first period.  Luckenbaugh (21-0-1), immediately took him down for a 3-2    lead.  Seventeen seconds later, Welker escaped to tie it up at 3-3.  Welker    couldn't get away from Luckenbaugh in the third period and the West Yorker had    1:22 riding time for the 4-3 win.  Dana Luckenbaugh, the well-built West York    matman captured the 112-pound crown with a 4-3 victory.  Dana, the 17-year-    old, was the first schoolboy wrestler in York County history to win a PIAA crown.    "I'm telling you," Dana said, "this is a great feeling.  I got away a little slow, but    Bill wasn't that strong that I couldn't take charge of the situation.  I had to go to    work in the last period and I think I did all right.  I knew I had to hold him down    in the final period and I did it."  John Toggas, who coaches Luckenbaugh, was    overjoyed at Dana's success.  "This kid is tremendous," he said.  "He takes    everything in stride.  He was nervous before the bout, but you certainly couldn't    tell it.  He is one of the strongest 112-pounders I have ever coached.  This is the    second boy I've had here.  When I was at Biglerville I brought Art Miller here in    1960.  He was a 133-pounder.  He lost in the semi-finals.  Dana is the first boy    I've coached who went all the way.  This is the greatest."  Luckenbaugh is    interested in going to a trade school to study electricity.    note: Dana Luckenbaugh dec. Sam Imler (Bedford) in the PIAA semi-final's 17-6.

westyorkwrestlingalumni.com history

YORK HIGH HS FOOTBALL


1950 - York High Football's - John T. Toggas #20.

YORK HIGH WRESTLING


1951 - York High Wrestling's - John T. Toggas (133lbs).



1999 National Wrestling Hall of Fame Induction.
(L-R) WY's John T. Toggas & PSU's former AD, Dr. David M. Joyner.
photo by Tom Elling - PA Wrestling News


PRESERVE  RECOGNIZE  INSPIRE
National Wrestling
Hall of Fame Event
Sixth Annual
"Hall of Fame Day" Banquet
Hershey Lodge and Convention Center
Hershey, PA
April 24, 1999
Induction of the "Lifetime Service to Wrestling"
PA Chapter '99 Hall of Fame Honorees...
▪ John T. Toggas, Robert Craig, Jerry Petrofes,
Dr. Theodore "Ted" Rupp, Dr. Kenneth Cox,
Dr. David M. Joyner & Robert Russell.
  Presented by... Stan Zeamer, President, PA Chapter  NHOF.
  '99 NHOF Master of Ceremonies - Rod Frisco - Patriot News.
 Invocation - Neil Turner.
 Presenting the Awards...
Myron Roderick, President - National Wrestling Hall of Fame.



HOF West York Coach - John T. Toggas

The 4/24/99 NWHOF Induction...
"Wrestling isn't for everyone...but it should be"
Dan Gable
 

WEST YORK WRESTLING                                                                       FEATURE                                                                                                                                                               Former West York Head Wrestling Coach                                           John T. Toggas                  John T. Toggas... National Wrestling Hall of Fame - 1999.         BIO... John can trace his successful wrestling career to the basketball court, when York High     coach Don Cockley cut him from the boys basketball team.  The rest, as they say, is history as     John T. Toggas truly found his calling in the wrestling room.         Toggas was a varsity wrestler at 133 pounds in both his junior and senior seasons at York High.     After graduating from York High School in 1951 (where he was a three-sport athlete),     he earned his Bachelor's degree from Gettysburg College in 1958 and eventually got his Master's     Degree in Education from Western Maryland University in 1971.         1991 - West York Wrestling head coach John T. Toggas (right)     w/assistant coach ('69 PIAA Champ) Bill Luckenbaugh - (left).         Toggas began his coaching career at Biglerville High School (1958) and remained there until 1964     when he moved to West York High School.  Toggas started the elementary program at Biglerville &     his high school teams were 38-32-2.  Toggas also founded the elementary program at West York     and amassed a record of 269-78-2 at West York Area High School during two stints as head coach,     from 1964-1983 and from 1986-1991.  His overall Big/WY coaching record is 307-110-4 in 29 years.     He was the first York, PA area high school coach to eclipse the 300-win mark.  The win (300th win)     occurred on 1/19/91 vs. Cumberland Valley HS - won by WY 31-28. (source - Carolyn Tritt)     YCIAA Section Champions @ Gettysburg College         1972 - West York Wrestling Head Coach John T. Toggas - (left back),     next to Scott Callahan, Don Lehman, Mike Stambaugh & Bob Bowers.     Kneeling in front are Paul Mulay, Kevin McCleary & Neil Bupp.         Some of his accomplishments include 5 York County Interscholastic Athletic Association league     team titles, YCIAA Coach of the Year honors in 1972 and 1978, and 3 PIAA State Champions.     Toggas also produced 6 Sectional team titles, 83 Sectional Champions, 12 District III Champions,     12 Regional Champions and 18* PIAA tournament Qualifiers, including *5 - PIAA State semi-finalists     and *2 silver medalists, in addition to his three PIAA Champions.  One of his main goals with his     wrestlers... was to see them go on to college and secure a degree!  Another milestone was     coaching the 1st PIAA State Wrestling Champion in the history of York, PA - Dana Luckenbaugh,     in 1965 @ 112lbs.  Dana's younger brother, Bill, went on to claim the 1969 PIAA 127lb. title!     * PIAA State semi-finalists (Arthur Miller, Biglerville; Bill Luckenbaugh, WY; John Sprenkle, WY);     Mike Stambaugh, WY; Jeff Meckley, WY).     * PIAA State runner-ups (Bill Luckenbaugh, West York - '68 & Jeff Meckley, West York - '75).     * PIAA State Qualifiers - WY - 16, Biglerville - 2... 18 total.                                                                                                                                                   PWCA Hall of Fame Inductee         John was inducted into the District III Wrestling Coaches Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1980,     was given a 25-year Service Award by the National Wrestling Coaches Association in 1984,     received the Leadership Award presented by the West York Area School District in 1993 and     was inducted into the York Area Sports Hall of Fame for Outstanding Sports Achievement in 1995.         ▪ John was also inducted into the PWCA Hall of Fame in 1992...@ PIAA's in Hershey, PA.         John T. Toggas also served as a high school official and was a member of the NCAA Rules     Committee as a High School Representative.  Among his most treasured accomplishments     was being inducted into the Pennsylvania State Wrestling Coaches (PWCA) Hall of Fame at the     state finals in Hershey in 1992.  "I think my biggest thrill I ever got coaching high school was when I     got elected into the PWCA State Hall of Fame and having my two kids... Stephanie & John S. "Moc"     present me with the 1992 PWCA Hall of Fame Award."  More proud?!? - Coach JT's wife Mary Jane!!     His late son, John S. "Moc" Toggas, was the head wrestling coach at Parkland, PA High School.         1960 York County Section Wrestling Champions     ▪ Front (L-R) W. Slothower (Dover), Glenn A. Amsbaugh (West York Area),     G. Martin (Hanover), R. Bingaman (Dover),     H. Howard (York High School) & *Arthur Miller (Biglerville HS).     ▪ Back Row (L-R) E. Bingaman (Dover HS), B. Shepp (Central York),     D. Stambaugh (Dover), *R. Wagner (Biglerville HS),     Reuben Washington (York High School) & M. Reidel (York High School).        *note: Biglerville's Arthur Miller was a PIAA State semi-finalist & coached by John T. Toggas.        *note: Biglerville's R. Wagner coached by John T. Toggas.

1965 - John T. Toggas with Clarion State College Coach Bob Bubb.

The First Year @ West York!

1965 West York Wrestling Dual Meet
▪ Head Coach John T. Toggas w/Don Narber, Fred Lehman, Tom DeLong,
Darl Dennis, Gary Carbaugh, William Wiehe, Jeff Linebaugh and others!
1964-65 West York Wrestling


West York Wrestling 1971-72
"Pencil Drawing"
1972 YCIAA Individual Section
Wrestling Champions Drawing
▪ Front (L-R) Paul Mulay (103lbs), Kevin McCleary (127lbs),
Neil Bupp (133lbs).
▪ Back (L-R) Coach John T. Toggas, Scott Callahan (154lbs),
Don Lehman (Hwt.), Mike Stambaugh (180lbs),
Assistant WY Coach Robert Bowers.

BOOSTER SUMMER TOURNEYS

▪ 1983 - John T. Toggas (right) w/2-time NCAA DI Champion &...
NCAA outstanding wrestler, Gene "The Machine" Mills (Syracuse)
@ the 83' West York Summer Wrestling College Open.

BOOSTER SUMMER TOURNEYS

▪ 1982 - Outstanding WY Open Division Wrestler
Dan Odom (East Stroudsburg State College)
with West York HS's coach...John T. Toggas.
@ the 82' West York Summer Wrestling College Open.


Parkland, PA High School Wrestling Coaches...
(L-R)  Jim Best, John S. Toggas and Steve Baumbach with
1998 PIAA AAA State Champs Derek Jenkins & Jon Trenge.
note:  John S. "Moc" Toggas - inducted into the 2010 PWCA Hall of Fame.


Team "Veritas" Toggas/Trenge/Lehman
The 2009 3rd Place Bulldog Open Team @ -1 (69)
(L-R) Coach John T. Toggas, Don Lehman, Jon Trenge & Matt Toggas.



▪ 1983 PIAA District III Hall of Fame Induction.
(L-R) Dana Luckenbaugh & Coach John T. Toggas.



▪ 1983 PIAA District III Hall of Fame Induction.
(L-R) Bill Luckenbaugh & Coach John T. Toggas.


HOLIDAY TOURNEY

▪ Coach John T. Toggas holds the 1971 Easton Tourney Trophy
after clinching the '71 Easton Christmas Team Championship!
West York Asst. Coach, Bob Bowers, left w/Scott Callahan,
son John S. "Moc" Toggas, Keith Lichty and sitting are (L-R)
Neil Bupp & Michael Stambaugh.   The Easton Tourney Page

1983 West York Wrestling Alumni Reunion                  ∙ Front Kneeling (L-R) Mark Younkers, Jeff Meckley, Karl C. McCleary, ▪▪Don Heckman,                  Gary Carbaugh, Dan Dixon, Ken Shorts, Bruce Stambaugh, Chuck Nace, Rod Stough,                  Don Botterbusch, David Toggas, Tom Toggas.                  ∙ 2nd Row Kneeling (L-R) Mark Hoffman, Rob Eyster, Mark Einsig, Scott Hursh,                  Tom Hoover, Skip Martin, Brian Kuntz, Bill Pope, Todd Kern, ▪▪John Pitzer, Steve Culver.                  ∙ 3rd Row Standing (L-R) Barry King, Brad Pope, Tom Tallman, Jim Shorts, Neil Bupp,                  Terry Lehr, Keith Lichty, Scott Miller, Mark Kuntz, Guy Boyer, Bob Hildebrand, ▪▪Ed Taylor,                  Glen Eby, Jack Myers, Dave Heckard, ▪▪Gary Wagner, Steve Toggas, Kevin McCleary.                  ∙ 4th Row Standing (L-R) Chuck Bostic, Gary Narber, Mark Lauer, *N/A, Don Lehman,                  Gary Johnson, Ron Emenheiser, Coach John T. Toggas, Randy Blasdell, Perry Tallman,                  ▪▪Ron Wagner, ▪▪Tim Geiger, ▪▪Perry Mickey, ▪▪Jim Mickey.                                            (▪▪) denotes - Biglerville High School Wrestling Alumnus.                                            (*N/A) denotes - Please...we need some help on a name!                                                 ALSO CLICK ON:                                 ▪ 1982 West York Wrestling Reunion of 1971-72 YCIAA Champions                                 ▪ 2004 West York Wrestling Reunion of Past Mat Alumni - Coaches                                 ▪ 2009 West York Wrestling Reunion of 1977-78 YCIAA Champions                                 ▪ 2012 West York Wrestling Alumni Night @ West York High School                                 ▪ 2013 West York Wrestling Alumni Night @ West York High School                                 ▪ a LARGER alumni reunion photo page from '83 - CLICK HERE!

1972 - West York Coach John T. Toggas (left)
bandages a cut on WY 154lb. Scott Callahan.

The 200th Win!

WY Superintendent Raymond Troxell, Head Coach John T. Toggas,
and - WYASHS Principal Neil Everhart...
celebrating Coach Toggas's 200th win!!

The 300th Win!
JT Toggas was the first York, PA area high school coach to eclipse the 300-win mark.
The win...(300th win) occurred on 1/19/1991 vs. Cumberland Valley, PA High School
won by West York.  (WY 31  CV 28).  (source - Carolyn L. Tritt)


300th Win!
(L-R) Mary Jane Toggas, Coach John T. Toggas and Steph Leinbach
celebrate Coach Toggas's 300th win on 1/19/91, after a 31-28 win
over Cumberland Valley by West York.   (photo sent by MJ Toggas)

WEST YORK VARSITY WRESTLING

1989 - West York Wrestling Coaches John T. Toggas (kneeling)...
w/former Blair/Lehigh University star & nephew, Tom Toggas (center).
       • WY's Carolyn Tritt is working the video camera on right!
• Tom's Lehigh Wrestling Stats Website - CLICK HERE!

Coach JT's First Year @ West York!
'64-'65 West York Wrestling
Reflections of 1965


'65 YCIAA League Wrestling Champions
▪ Front row (L-R) Jeff Linebaugh, Gary Carbaugh, Dana Luckenbaugh,
Darl "Smokey" Dennis, Burt Snyder, Steve Kunkle, Tom DeLong.
▪ Back (L-R) Coach John T. Toggas, Jack Hershberger, Donald Narber,
Fred R. Lehman, Charles "Chuck" Bostic, Gary Narber, Bill Wiehe.

WEST YORK WRESTLING HISTORY      Looking Back @ 1967 West York Wrestling History...                                                                                                                                                             January 1967 by Bob Dugan          YORK COUNTY has had only one State PIAA wrestling champion - a lad named Luckenbaugh from      West York.  But, John Toggas, Bulldog mat mentor, is spreading the word:  There's likely to be      another one - a lad named Luckenbaugh from West York!          In 1964-65 when Toggas took over the coaching duties at West York, his 112-pounder, Dana      Luckenbaugh, went "all the way".  This year's unbeaten club has as one of its key performers      at 103 pounds Dana's brother, Bill, a 10th grader who has the West York coach eyeing another      trip to University Park for the grappling finals.  "Bill has great potential." enthuses Toggas.  "He's      almost a carbon copy of Dana.  He's a little taller, but has the same moves and the same strengths      that made Dana a champion.  Like Dana, Bill is a pinner.  He's always looking for that chance to flip      his opponent.  In five league matches, Bill has four falls and an 11-0 decision to his credit.  The      decision was over Glenn Miller, a sectional champion last year from York Suburban."          THE YOUNGSTER moved into a starting berth on the West York varsity after a junior high record      of 35 wins and one loss.  The lone defeat was suffered as a seventh-grader in a match against      Manheim Central.  Bill was nipped 5-4 last month in a tournament at Clearfield by Newport's Mike      Shull, but came back to win runner-up honors by beating the Clearfield entry who is a defending      champion from District Nine.  The West York sophomore hasn't yet attained the coolness that his      brother displayed "before the battle".  "Bill gets a little nervous waiting for the bout to start",      Toggas stated, "but once he's on the mat, the nervousness disappears.  Dana would take it easy      before a match and never seemed to worry about his opponent."          THE BIG THING going for Bill is his desire; it's just as intense as Dana's.  The youngster has two      big aims:  To match Dana's total of wrestling trophies and to win a State title.  And, Dana is doing      his best to help his brother attain the goals.  He works out with Bill on the West York mats almost      every night.  "Bill has the potential to be a State champ," Toggas repeated.  "And he has three      years to make it.  I honestly feel he can't miss."  West York is currently tied with Dallastown and      Dover for the York County League lead, all with 5-0 records.  The next three weeks should relieve      the first place jam.  While Dover and Dallastown are meeting head-on at Dover this Thursday,      West York wrestles at Hanover.  Then the Bulldogs have successive home matches with Dover      and Dallastown.          "If we get by Hanover, we should have 1400 people at our matches with Dover and Dallastown,"      Toggas predicts.  "We have a fine following.  There were about 40 fans who traveled all the way      to Clearfield got the tournament during the Christmas holidays."                                           More 60's at Charlie's 60's Page

York Sports Hall of Fame

• • 1995 - West York Wrestling's John T. Toggas
was inducted into the...York Sports Hall of Fame!

West York Wrestling

'82 West York Wrestling Dual Meet
(L-R) Todd Kern, Coach John T. Toggas, Jon Luckenbaugh,
Cary Gerace, Michael Ott, & JT's nephew... Tom Toggas.



 1988 - West York Head Wrestling Coach...John T. Toggas.

1978-79 West York Area Wrestling

1978-79 West York Wrestling Coaching Staff
(L-R) Don Lehman, Head Coach John T. Toggas, John Sprenkle.

THE LONG, LONG TRIPS!

1981 Nebraska AAU Wrestling Trip
(L-R)  Bill Webb, Kevin McCleary, Herb Webb, K.C. McCleary,
JT Toggas, Kevin Hannigan, Paul McCleary, Brendt Gladfelter.

www.westyorkwrestlingalumni.com

www.westyorkwrestlingalumni.com                                                                                                                                                       Featured...Interview                                                                         "Q&A" with                                                      West York Wrestling's                                            Mary Jane & Coach John T. Toggas                                                                          a westyorkwrestlingalumni.com interview                                            Mary Jane (Svarnas) Toggas and John T. Toggas have been married                                      since June of 1955, and have 2 children, John S. "Moc" and Stephanie.                                      Coach and Mrs. Toggas have three grandchildren, Matthew, Samantha                                      and Brock.  Coach John T. Toggas is in six hall of fames and amassed a                                      stellar coaching record at both Biglerville and West York of 307-110-4.                                      Mary Jane Toggas has been and is presently - a staunch supporter of                                      West York Wrestling.  Coach Toggas taught and coached at Biglerville                                      from 1958 to 1964.  He taught Health and Phys. Ed. at West York High                                      from 1964 - 1994.  He also served as a freshman football coach for a                                      time while at West York.  Coach Toggas's first WY season was 1964-65.  THE MJ/JT TOGGAS... INTERVIEW ▪ Coach John T. Toggas (left) with West York and ESU Wrestling grad - Barry Gay.  WY COACH - JOHN T. TOGGAS   ▪ 2/18/72 - West York HS Principal - Neil Everhart (right),  congratulates J.T. Toggas after YCIAA clinching Dover win!  "Super" WY fan Carolyn Tritt is on the left of Coach Toggas.  West York wins "1971-72" YCIAA Wrestling Championship!  West York Area also finishes with an unbeaten 14-0 record. THE MARY JANE/JOHN T. TOGGAS INTERVIEW... by: Don Lehman  Don Lehman  Webmaster, Archivist & Owner of westyorkwrestlingalumni.com Archives - Interview Page The MJ/JT Interview... BELOW INITIALS...  DL - Don Lehman  JT - John T. Toggas  MJ - Mary Jane Toggas DL - What have you been doing in Gettysburg to keep busy these days? JT - I enjoy working in my wood shop refinishing and repairing furniture... but when you or (anyone else) calls and tells me we have a tee-time - I close the shop and grab my golf clubs! MJ - Trying to keep up with JT is a full time job.  We also spend time with Steph, Carl and our grandson, Brock - and get together with Moc's children, Matthew and Samantha as often as we can.                                                                  ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ 1972 - West York Wrestling Head Coach John T. Toggas - (left back), Scott Callahan, Don Lehman, Mike Stambaugh & Bob Bowers. Kneeling in front are... Paul Mulay, Kevin McCleary & Neil Bupp. DL - Wrestling has been a huge part of your lives since the 50's.  If you could pick out a couple "mat memories" from the many that stand out, what would they be? JT - ▪ Having my 1st PIAA State Champion (Dana Luckenbaugh) in 1965 who was also York County's 1st PIAA State Wrestling Champion.  ▪ Winning the Easton Holiday Tournament Team Title in 1971 with four individual champions.  ▪ Beating Dallastown in the "Big Match" in 1971 and going 14-0 and winning the '72 YCIAA title. Taking two wrestlers to the 1969 PIAA State Tournament in State College, PA... and coming home with 2 State Champs - Bill Luckenbaugh @ 127lbs. and John Sprenkle @ Heavyweight (below photo - '69 PIAA's). MJ - I wasn't able to go to the 1965 PIAA State finals when Dana beat Shamokin's Bill Welker 4-3, because Steph was just 3 months old... but it was still exciting knowing JT, West York and York County had their first State Champion!  Moc, Steph and I were at the PIAA State finals in 1969 at PSU's Rec Hall.  It was a NIGHT to remember!  I remember making the trip to the Easton Holiday Tournament in 1971 and being in awe of the District XI wrestling greats like Don Rohn, Rocky Creazzo, Lance Leonhardt, Dennis Underkoffler and Rocky Chunko, to name a few.  We were SO PROUD of our West York kids winning that tournament!                                                                 ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪          ▪ 1969 PIAA State Champions @ Penn State DL - Coaching a sport like wrestling isn't a "3:30pm to 5:30pm" job for four months a year.  There is a ton of time not "on the meter" put in by both a coach and the wife of a coach.  Your thoughts? JT - If you want to have a good team and a successful program, you have to put in a lot of extra time and you have to go to tournaments year-round.  The more you compete (in and out of your area), the better you get as you get exposed to many different wrestling styles.  That pays off in the long run.  We went to many, many summer tournaments, camps and coaching clinics. MJ - Moc, Steph and I understood that being a wrestling coach was not just their Dad's "job", it was his passion.  They never complained and as a matter of fact - they loved it and we all supported their dad 100%.                                                                 ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪       ▪ 1981 Selinsgrove Tourney Team Champions! DL - I can't speak for other time periods, but when I wrestled in the Toggas era per the early seventies, it really felt like a "family" in all aspects, on the mat... and the support we felt from the great fans.  Is that a correct assumption? JT - Absolutely!  I always felt that a wrestling team was "family"... you were "my kids" and we all worked together to make each other better.  We became winners and everyone loves a winner!  When someone was going through a rough time, we talked about it and tried to work on the problem because we cared and that's what families do. MJ - We always knew that "Dad's" team was like our extended family, too.  Moc and Steph often said that they had the best times growing up with the West York Wrestling Bulldogs.  The fans and parents were great, and we made so many wonderful friendships that still mean so much to us.                                                                 ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ DL - There has to be a couple funny memories from the Toggas coaching era, please share a couple that first come to mind. JT - The first year I was at West York, we had a match with Columbia.  We got on the bus and were on our way... and as we were halfway across the bridge at Wrightsville, we saw a school bus coming towards us... and I asked Coach Bob Bowers if he could see the logo on the bus.  He said he couldn't and we thought it would be funny if it was the Columbia Team.  When we got to Columbia High School, the AD told us that their team was on its way to West York because they thought the match was away!  We had the match the next night and we won. MJ - To say that during the wrestling season - that the team comes first, is no understatement.  Our daughter, Stephanie was born a month early on December 14th.  I was to be discharged from the hospital that Thursday, but Coach JT had a "big match" with Spring Grove that night, so he couldn't bring us home until the next day!  At that time, I didn't have a phone in my room, (it was in the hallway) so sometime before 10:00pm, the phone rang in the quiet hospital hallway and I shuffled out and heard the good news that we had beaten Spring Grove!  My friends in the Maternity Ward all cheered when they heard the news.                                                                 ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ DL - I know the support staff at West York Wrestling was a good one during your days as coach.  From the elementary staff to the senior high staff to the administration - all were part of the program's success.  And, the wives also played an important part of the success of the program.  Raymond Troxell, Neil Everhart, Bob Bowers, Whedon Myers, Carolyn Tritt, John Sprenkle... some of the names from the program past.  How important was it to have that solid support system at West York? (above photo - Eby, Troxell, Toggas) JT - The key to having that successful program is that we all worked together!  No one person can effectively run the entire program.  The Elementary, Junior High and High School staffs all had their jobs to do and we all worked to achieve the common goal: Making our program the BEST it could be.  I always emphasized positive coaching and no negativity.  I think one of the best ways to make our kids better is to view films of their matches.  Carolyn Tritt did a great job taking videos of the matches and was a great supporter of the wrestling program.  We could see what mistakes were made and what worked - so the wrestler could make himself better.  There is also no question that the wonderful support we got from the administration enhanced our program.  Our coaching staff had a great group of wives supporting them and our wrestlers... and we worked together.  I still enjoy many of the friendships I made years ago. MJ - The coaching staff from the Elementary, Junior High and the High School was like one big family working together for "our kids", the wrestlers.  Our husbands concerns, dedication and goals for the wrestlers became important for us, too!  We made some very special and enduring friendships which we cherish.                                                                 ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ (above photo Coach JT shaking hands @ - 2013 Alumni Night by the Booster Club) DL - Also - the WY Wrestling Booster Club was formed in 1967.  What do you remember about the start of that arm of the program and how did the fans play an important part in the success of the program? JT - We started the WY Wrestling Booster Club to help raise money for our kids to go to wrestling camps, because not everyone could afford to go.  We sold merchandise like sweaters, hats, and had hoagie drives - just to name a few fundraisers, and we put the money raised towards the wrestlers needs.  We also had a big banquet at the end of the season to thank and honor our wrestlers for all of their great accomplishments. MJ - The Booster Club was made up mostly of the wrestler's parents who worked tirelessly to promote our WY program and to raise funds for the kids!  Working with such a great group of people who shared a common goals (helping our wrestlers) was so much fun and I think it created not only a bond for all of us, but it made the coaches and wrestlers realize how much they were supported.  (WY Booster OW Award)  (2004 JT Night!)                                                                 ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ DL -  Both of you have been involved with wrestling since the 50's, when a young John T. Toggas wrestled at York High!  I saw both of you at the 2009 District III SC Regional AAA Wrestling Tournament at Hersheypark and the PIAA State AAA Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center.  How has wrestling changed over the years, or has it? JT - I really don't think wrestling has changed that much.  As a coach, I always liked to observe different wrestling techniques and moves from other area teams.  There were a group of us high school coaches that would attend the NCAA tournaments every year and we'd look to see what different moves they were using and then try to incorporate these moves and adapt for the high school kids.  Once we realized what they could handle, we would drill them until they mastered the moves. MJ - We don't miss many tournaments, Don.  It has just become a way of life.  Thursdays and Saturdays were wrestling, February and March was tournament time.  As much as I love wrestling, I must admit that going to the PIAA States and attending the AAA and AA Championships was a little much, but that's what you do for your grandchildren and we proudly followed our Matthew when he wrestled for Brandywine Heights.  As for whether wrestling has changed over the years, I'm not a coach, but I don't think it's changed much.  Of course there are a lot of new moves that are pretty impressive, but the basics, when executed perfectly, are just as effective.                                                                 ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ DL - Many rides home from West York to Gettysburg after a practice or a meet ended with a late dinner at the Toggas home.  Was the conversation topic "wrestling" at the kitchen table? JT - What else?  Yes, we'd sit down to dinner and if was after a meet, we'd talk about the match and if it was preparing for an upcoming match, we'd talk about who had to make weight and the possible line-ups.  After dinner, we'd go downstairs to our rec room and look at films to get ready for the next match.  The next day I would spend a lot of time making up different line-ups, trying to put together the best team possible.  Wrestling was always on my mind. MJ - It's a good thing wrestling was always on his mind because over the years, some of my dinners were a disaster!  First of all, I'm the first to admit I'm not the greatest cook, but not knowing what time he'd get home didn't help my cooking either.  He never complained and neither did the kids.  They would have a snack when getting home from school since we never knew what time he'd walk in the door.  First we talked about how Moc's and Steph's day at school went and then we'd hear all about John's day.  We have the greatest kids in the world!!!  They both grew up with wrestling and loved the sport... it was just a way of life for all of us.  Moc followed in his dad's footsteps and Steph still goes to as many wrestling matches as she can.  (I truly think she could officiate a wrestling match as well as most referees!)  And, her son Brock is starting his 4th year of wrestling in the Neshaminy area program.                                                                 ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪   ▪ 1982 - A WY "1972" Team Reunion! DL - Both of you saved so many photos and memories from over the years, and I've tried to capture those photos and statistics on the alumni website as best I can.  But, a flood ruined much more memorabilia.  That had to be a nightmare! JT - It was really a nightmare!  I was sitting downstairs watching a ballgame (around 10:00pm) and all of a sudden, the back door at the bottom of our outside stairwell broke and water just gushed in!  Gettysburg was hit with a freak once-in-a-lifetime storm that dumped 13" of rain in less than 4 hours.  Shortly before 1:00am it had stopped and we had 7 feet-4 inches of water in our rec room.  There really wasn't time to save anything.  Thankfully, we didn't lose our electricity and our sump pump worked the entire time, but we were just overwhelmed with the volume of water.  We lost so many pictures, wrestling films, yearbooks and scrapbooks! MJ - I never did like rainstorms, but since that night, I'm absolutely terrified of heavy rains.  Most of the furniture, John could refinish, but we lost so many irreplaceable things like the yearbooks, photos, films, and scrapbooks which I had compiled each season for John and Moc per their wrestling matches and accomplishments.  Moc always tried to be positive and did his best to console me by saying "we know what we did, mom, and that's all that matters!"                                                                 ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪    ▪ 1964-65 West York HS Varsity Wrestling Team DL - The first year at West York was 1964-65... after a stint with Biglerville.  Your thoughts as a coach coming into the WY program - and Mrs. T., your thoughts when your husband decided to make the huge move to Bulldog Country.  (above photo - '64-65 WY Team - '65 PIAA Champ Dana Luckenbaugh 3rd from left - front) JT - When I came to West York, I had 65 kids come out for wrestling and I felt that was a really nice size group of kids.  I know I worked then pretty hard to become even better wrestlers.  I anticipated some of them would quit and I'd end up with a group of 45, but by the end of the year, we had about 75 tough kids! MJ - I knew the decision had to be John's, but to be honest, I wasn't enthused as he was because I'm a small town girl.  Moc was in 2nd grade and all the friends he had grown up with were here and we were expecting our second child in a few months.  I told him I'd support whatever decision he would make - BUT I WASN'T MOVING!  So, being the loving and special man he is, he traveled 60 miles each day to keep his family happy!                                                                 ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪    ▪ 1973-74 East Stroudsburg State College Varsity Wrestling Team      West York HS grads in photo - Keith Lichty (2nd from left front),       Bill Luckenbaugh (3rd from left front), Don Lehman (1st back left),       Mike Stambaugh (3rd from left back). vs.     WRESTLING 11/14/73 DL - Coach Toggas, seeing West York Wrestling Alumni go from high school to college meant a lot to you - and you had to be proud when in November of 1973, you and a busload of West Yorkers' traveled to the Poconos to watch the F&M-East Stroudsburg State College dual meet.  Five of your wrestlers were on the ESSC mat that night, with the feature match at 158lbs. between Bill Luckenbaugh and Kevin McCleary!  Mrs. Toggas, you also had to be proud that night.  How important was it to you to help your wrestlers pursue further education? JT - I can't begin to tell you how proud I was to have four of my kids wrestling for East Stroudsburg State and one kid wrestling for F&M that night!  I had five of my "kids" out there that night!  What a great night it was for me!  If I would have had buttons on my shirt, I know I would have been popping them!  I always felt that my job didn't end when you graduated from high school and I did encourage my wrestlers to go on to college because I felt that education was the key to success and, hopefully, a way to a better, more secure life. MJ - This was just one more exciting and proud night being mat-side and cheering for our WY Bulldogs.  So many wonderful memories, not just for your Coach JT, but for our great children - Moc and Steph... and me, too.  It really was a good life.                                                                 ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ DL - Family is very important to both of you.  I have to bring up and ask the tough question.  Your son, John S. "Moc" Toggas, was tragically killed last April.  I know it has been extremely tough on the both of you daily, as well as your daughter Stephanie, the grandkids Samantha and Matt, and the rest of your extended family.  As I sat at the second of the two memorial celebrations of Moc's life in Allentown with Mike Stambaugh, I was amazed at the number of people in attendance to pay their respects.  The number from the wrestling community was great - from West York Wrestling, Parkland Wrestling, Brandywine Heights Wrestling and the other coaches, referees and friends in Moc's life!  It had to be comforting to see the outpouring of support from this special wrestling community during this tragic time.  Your thoughts on that period of time? JT - Of all the tragedies anyone has to face in life, there is absolutely none worse than losing your child, and I don't think we will ever recover from that.  I will say that the support and love that we received from the wrestling community gave us comfort and strength at a time when we really needed it. MJ - A parent's worst nightmare is to lose a child; it just leaves a big, aching hole in your heart and we, Steph, Matt and Samantha and all our family, will never, ever be the same.  Moc was always there for us with that grin that was as big as his heart and his comforting and wise words and out-stretched loving arms.  Yes, life goes on but that doesn't mean we've stopped crying inside.  We've always referred to the wrestling community as "family" and their caring and strength was just like family looking after family and we'll always be grateful. ▪ Moc's Memory Page                                                                 ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ Lehman's... Q & A with Lehigh's Jon Trenge DL - John S. "Moc" Toggas will be inducted into the 2010 PWCA State Hall of Fame in April of next year in State College, PA.  That letter from Norm Palovcsik had to be a blessing!  This, after Moc's dad was inducted in 1992.  I know that the kids Moc coached from Parkland - Jon Trenge, Matt Roth, Sean/Derek Jenkins, Howie Miller, Roger London, Jim Best, Steve Baumbach, Mario Moses, John Lantz, Brad Maurer, Kyle Wolfe, John-Tom-Andy Yankanich, Keith-Matt-Kurt Pryor, and many, many more wrestlers played a big part of the nomination.  Are you excited about the induction ceremony next year?  ▪ 2010 Inductees PDF Photo Page w/"Moc". JT - Yes, we're so very proud of Moc and all he did... and we're also very proud of all the young men whose lives he touched and who made it their mission to see their "Coach T" inducted into the PWCA Hall of Fame.  His mother and I miss him very much and we know his children, Matt and Sam really miss him as does his sister, Steph, her husband Carl and their little son, Brock.  We keep in touch with Moc's wrestling kids, too and know too - that they miss him.  We've always been so proud of the great job Moc did at the Parkland Wrestling program.  Being a wrestling coach, as well as his proud father, I felt he put his heart and soul into a mediocre program and turned it into a State and Nationally ranked program.  Of course, he didn't do this alone... he had great coaching assistants and an outstanding bunch of tough and talented kids!  He was also fortunate to have great supportive parents and a cooperative administration.  Moc was always a very hard worker no matter what he did and I was always so proud of his dedication to his wrestlers and their wrestling program.  He coached four PIAA State Champions (Matt Roth, Derek Jenkins, and Jon Trenge - 2 titles), a runner-up, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th place winners at State's, also.  He was constantly searching for the toughest tournaments to enter because he felt that would make his kids tougher and more ready for the post-season competition.  In all my coaching associations and experiences, I've never seen anyone study and dissect wrestling films the way he did.  He loved the sport of wrestling and always wanted to be the best... and he was.  MJ - Over the years, John and I have felt that Moc was a worthy candidate to be inducted in the PWCA Hall of Fame and for the past seven years we've been submitting his name for consideration.  Last year, coming home from States in Hershey, we talked about how disappointing it was that our letters didn't bring about his nomination and since we were not getting any younger, we were hoping we'd live to see him inducted.  Well, a little over a month afterwards, the unthinkable happened.  As we thought about submitting yet another letter to the committee this year, we decided why not contact as many of Moc's wrestlers as we could reach as ask them if they would consider writing letters to the committee expressing how they felt about their coach, what they had learned from him on and off the mat and how he influenced their lives.  Their response was overwhelmingly successful and THEIR letters resulted in Moc's unanimous induction into the PWCA Hall of Fame and we're so grateful to all of them.  It's as we've told them, we felt, too... that Moc deserved this honor, but knowing our son and how he always felt about such things, we know the most meaningful honor for him would be to know how his kid's felt.  That's what mattered to him the most.                                                                 ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ DL - I forgot to mention earlier... it had to be a thrill to be part of the 1978 West York Wrestling 14-0 YCIAA Championship reunion held in January, 2009 at the WY/Dallastown match!  Your thoughts as you saw some of your former wrestlers, coach John Sprenkle and the fans? (above photo - 2009 reunion) JT - What a great evening!  I want to thank you, Don and the Blazer (Randy Blasdell) too, for all your hard work in the planning of this special event.  It was wonderful to see all of the guys and I'm so proud of all that you have done - and that your West York Wrestling experience is still so important to you.  Seeing my 1978 "kids", Coach John Sprenkle (one of my "kids" too) and the many wrestling fans, made it a night to remember for me! MJ - I was so sorry that I couldn't make the 1978 WY Wrestling Championship reunion because I had committed myself to take care of Brock that weekend.  As much as I love wrestling, family comes first!  I can tell you that I heard all about it and how much it meant to Coach JT to get together with all of you and reminisce... thank you for making it such a special night for him and his "kids."  I truly don't think anyone enjoyed it any more than your coach.  Thank you for all you do for West York Wrestling Alumni, Don.                                                                 ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ DL - Coach & Mrs. Toggas, thank you so much for sharing your memories with the westyorkwrestlingalumni.com readers.  And, most of all - thank you for being a big part of my family, life, and also for being dear friends through the years! JT - Our wrestling teams were more than a team, we were family and we took care of each other and cared for each other... and still do.  I would like to thank all the kids I had out for wrestling.  We had a really great group of kids who worked very hard to develop the fine program we had.  I did push all the kids we had out for wrestling to go to college or further their education beyond high school because I felt it would give them a better shot at a good and secure future.  I am so proud of all of you who did go on to college and also those of you who didn't, but have worked hard and made something of themselves.  I really did want the best for all of you.  I wish I could do it all over again - it was FUN.  We had a good program and we all worked hard to be the best and we were.  Thanks, Don Lehman - for all you have done with the website... and the work you continue to do with the Alumni.  I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. MJ - Don, it is we, who thank you.  You have always been there for us in good times and in bad times, too.  This past year and a half has been devastating for us, but your kindness, your concern, caring and encouragement have meant so much to us!  Yes, you're one of JT's West York Wrestling "kids", but you've become even more that that, you're like family, too.   (a 2009 Interview from the archives)   West York Wrestling Alumni - if you want to support this website - let me know! The Toggas Family (L-R) Mary Jane, John S. "Moc", Stephanie & Coach John T. Toggas. 1969 West York High School 1969 West York HS Teacher's Photo ▪ Head WY Wrestling Coach John T. Toggas - (2nd from left in back row)                                                           ▪ West York Coaches - Bob Bowers & John T. Toggas.            The Coach John T. Toggas Check List    ▪ Overall @ Biglerville & West York HS's - 307-110-4  (.729 Winning %).    ▪ "6" HALL of FAMES...      York County - '95, District III - '80, Pennsylvania PWCA - '92,      South Central - '00, Adams - '01, National Hall of Fame - '99.    ▪ Graduate of York High School - York, PA '51.      (lettered in football, wrestling and track @ York High).    ▪ Attended Millersville State Teacher's College & York Junior College.    ▪ Graduate of Gettysburg College - Gettysburg, PA  (BS in Education) '58.    ▪ Graduate of Western Maryland College - (Masters in Education) '71.    ▪ As a Coach at Biglerville and West York (30 years):    ▪ 5 YCIAA Titles, 6 Sectional Team Championships, 83 Sectional Champions,      12 District III Champions, 12 Regional Champions, 16 PIAA State Qualifiers,      1-3rd Place PIAA State Finisher, 2-PIAA State Runners-up, 3-PIAA State Champions,      2-times YCIAA Coach of Year, PIAA Wrestling Official, NCAA Rules Committee (HS).    ▪ Founded the West York & Biglerville Elementary Wrestling Programs.   (L-R) West York Wrestling Coaches - Bob Bowers & John T. Toggas. ▪ John T. Toggas "Top 60" Wrestling Team Coach JT Toggas coached York's 1st PIAA State Wrestling Champ... 1965 - Dana Luckenbaugh 1971 - WY Coach JT Toggas and Guy Boyer (165lbs.) ▪ 1972 YCIAA Sectional Championships 1972 District III YCIAA York County Sectional Champions ▪ Front Kneeling (L-R)  Paul Mulay, Kevin McCleary, Neil Bupp. ▪ Back (L-R) Coach John Toggas, Scott Callahan, Don Lehman, Mike Stambaugh, Asst. Coach Robert Bowers. 1983 West York Wrestling 1983 West York Wrestling Coaching Staff (L-R) Brian Kuntz, John T. Toggas & John Sprenkle. 1983 West York Wrestling Dual vs. Central York (L-R) Coaches John T. Toggas w/son John S. "Moc" Toggas, John Sprenkle, Brian Kuntz and standing in back (middle) is assistant... Kevin McCleary.               JOHN T. TOGGAS ▪ West York Head Wrestling Coach, John T. Toggas receiving award from the West York School Board. Mr. Toggas teaching a WY Health Class. Mr. Toggas checking mail in the office. 1969 Penn State's Rec Hall @ Penn State's Rec Hall 1969 PIAA State Wrestling Championship ▪ West York's Bill Luckenbaugh before his 127lb. PIAA State final bout win over Bob Pratt of Easton, 8-2. ▪ Pictured with Bill are... West York Head Coach, John T. Toggas and West York assistant coach, Robert Bowers @ PSU. 1989 West York Outstanding Wrestler Award ▪ 3-time MVP David Maday with WY Coach John T. Toggas.                     York/Adam's PIAA CHAMPS   PIAA State Wrestling Champions                by... High School      ∙ Dallastown (5), Hanover (5), South Western (4),        Delone Catholic (4), Kennard Dale (4), Biglerville (3),        Dover (3), West York (3), Bermudian Springs (3),        Susquehannock (1), York Vo-Tech (1), Littlestown (1),        New Oxford (1), Spring Grove (1).    The Luckenbaugh's Medalists                           WEST YORK WRESTLING   • Sectionals • Districts • Regionals • States •   westyorkwrestlingalumni.com

WY MAT

Mr. Toggas teaching a WY Health Class.

West York Wrestling "Coaching Win/Loss History" 693-524-14 (1934-2021)

Year(s) - Coach - Career Coaching Record - %

▪ 1934-44 - Chuck C. Richards▪            88-21-4 (.779 win %)

▪ 1944-45 - Reverend Clark S. Smith           8-3 (.727 win %)

▪ 1945-56 - C. Richards/Don Kocher   50-89-3 (.352 win %)

▪ 1956-63 - Robert L. Brown                46-21-2 (.667 win %)

▪ 1963-64 - Dr. D. Kenneth Ober▪              12-2 (.857 win %)

▪ 1964-83/'85-'91 John T. Toggas▪  269-78-2* (.770 win %)

▪ 1983-85 - Kevin McCleary                  19-16-1 (.528 win %)

▪ 1991-97 - Bill Luckenbaugh▪                  76-23 (.768 win %)

▪ 1997-03 - "Chip" Fissel                      24-64-2 (.267 win %)

▪ 2003-04 - Jeremy Jones                           1-17 (.056 win %)

▪ 2004-06 - Jeff Meckley                              4-28 (.125 win %)

▪ 2006-07 - Josh Millard                              7-16 (.304 win %)

▪ 2007-21 - Brian Gross                           89-146 (.379 win %)

* John Toggas @ Biglerville ▪ 38-32-2 (overall 307-110-4).    Ober & Toggas are in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.    ▪ C. Richards, JT Toggas, Dr. Ober & Bill Luckenbaugh...    are in the PWCA PA Wrestling's Hall of Fame.                                                                                                              PWCA Hall of Fame Inductees    (Ken Ober, John Toggas, Chuck Richards, Bill Luckenbaugh)       WEST YORK WRESTLING COACHING PAGE!                                                                                                                          West York's NCAA Wrestling Alumni                                                                                                                                               Jim Haas - (right) on West York Wrestling Coaching Staff,                               w/Coach John T. Toggas (left) and Jeff Meckley (middle).                                                                                           Toggas "Coached" Championships!                                               1964-65, 1971-72, 1974-75,                                                            1976-77, 1977-78.                                                                                                                            Toggas "Coached" PIAA Champions                                                                                WY's Dana Luckenbaugh, Bill Luckenbaugh, John Sprenkle.                                                                                              @ Penn State's Rec Hall                                       Toggas "Coached" PIAA Finalists ...                                    1965 PIAA State Finals                      Dana Luckenbaugh (West York) dec. Bill Welker (Shamokin) 4-3.                                    1968 PIAA State Finals                      Norm Palovcsik (Clearfield) dec. Bill Luckenbaugh (West York) 11-8.                                    1969 PIAA State Finals                      Bill Luckenbaugh (West York) dec. Bob Pratt (Easton) 8-2.                                    1969 PIAA State Finals                      John Sprenkle (West York) pinned Joel Kislin (Wilkes Barre GAR) 5:12.                                    1975 PIAA State Finals                      John Eichenlaub (Lock Haven) pinned Jeff Meckley (West York) 3:24.

West York Wrestling
1977-78 Championship
"A Team Reunion" - 1/10/09 @ West York

West York 1977-78 Championship Team Reunion
▪ Knee  (L-R) Don Botterbusch, Bruce Stambaugh, Rod Stough, John Silar.
▪ Back (L-R) Larry Gay, Barry Gay, WY Coach Don Lehman, Randy Blasdell,
David Stram, WY Head Coach John T. Toggas, Asst. Coach John Sprenkle.
▪ 1/10/09 Photo by Kevin Drawbaugh of JK Images

78' Reunion Program w/bio's - CLICK HERE! ... PDF
▪ 1/10/09 Roger Czerwinski Reading ... '78 PDF
▪ 1978 West York 14-0 Championship Team Photo


▪▪ 1/10/09 - The recognition of 78' team/coaches @ Dallastown match.
(L-R) Rod Stough, Don Botterbusch, John Silar, Dave Stram, Larry Gay,
Barry Gay, Bruce Stambaugh, Randy Blasdell, Coach John Toggas,
Coach John W. Sprenkle & Coach Don Lehman.
Photo by Samuel Toggas, R.Ph.




Don Lehman's
2007 Alumni Golf Outing @ Briarwood

(L-R) Steve Toggas, John T. Toggas, Skip Martin & "Moc" Toggas.


Don Lehman's
2007 Alumni Golf Outing @ Briarwood

West York's Dave Maday (front) chats with Coach John T. Toggas.
(Mike Ketterman sits in the middle)
▪ Back - Joe Shrader, Charlie Longfellow, Charles "Chuck" Bostic,
Fred R. Lehman and... Fred E. Lehman.



2008 - ARC Golf Outing @ Cool Creek Golf Club
(L-R) Don Lehman, John T. Toggas, Terry Strayer & Fred Lehman.



2009 - ARC Golf Outing @ Cool Creek GC
(L-R)  John T. Toggas, Fred Lehman, Terry Strayer & Don Lehman.

2009 Fountainhead CC

(L-R) Jim Haas, WY '72 & ... Coach John T. Toggas discuss strategy
@ Fountainhead Country Club in 2009 golf outing by Todd Reynolds.


August 23, 2010 @ Fountain Head CC
(L-R) John T. Toggas, Todd Reynolds, Don Lehman & Randy Blasdell.

2010 @ Iron Valley Golf Club

Arriving... (L-R) Skip Martin, Terry Strayer & Coach John T. Toggas.

2010 @ Iron Valley Golf Club

(L-R) Don Lehman '73 and HOF Coach John T. Toggas.

2010 @ Iron Valley Golf Club

(L-R) Coach John T. Toggas and Bruce Stambaugh '78 "ready to play."

2010 @ Iron Valley Golf Club

(L-R) Coach John T. Toggas, Tom McConkey, Terry Strayer & Don Lehman...
of 2010 "Team" westyorkwrestlingalumni.com.

2010 @ Iron Valley Golf Club

(L-R) Coach John T. Toggas, Don Lehman and Terry Strayer arrive at Iron Valley.



The "Coach" & Rick Blasdell @ the 2010 ARC Golf Tourney!


August 23, 2010
8/23/10 - (L-R) Randy Blasdell, Don Lehman & Coach John T. Toggas.


August 23, 2010
8/23/10 - Coach John T. Toggas & Todd Reynolds @ Fountain Head.


August 23, 2010
8/23/10 - Coach John T. Toggas, Randy Blasdell & Todd Reynolds.

2011 BULLDOG GOLF SCRAMBLE OPEN
 

2011 WY Wrestling Alumni Bulldog Open by Randy Blasdell     ▪  Front Row (L-R) Scott Goodwill, Todd Reynolds, Jim Haas, Tom Hoover,     Dave Carley, Bruce Stambaugh, Lynn Sheely,  Ryan Brady & *Jon Trenge.     ▪  Back (L-R) John Reiber, Jared Haas, Dick March, Craig Clark, Fred Lehman,     Mike Frey, Randy Blasdell, Rick Blasdell, Don Lehman, Coach John T. Toggas,     Mike Stambaugh, Skip Martin, Matt Toggas, Jeff Miller, Perry Tallman,     Wilmer Pressel.    (missing from photo...Tommy Rost)

'12 Bulldog Open Fundraiser

2012 - Steve Toggas (left) w/his uncle John T. Toggas @ Briarwood.

'12 Bulldog Open Fundraiser

2012 (L-R) Coach JT Toggas & Bob Linker @ Briarwood West!




1977 YCIAA Sectional Champions - West York
(L-R) Rod Stough, Chuck Nace, Steve Toggas,
WY Coaches John T. Toggas & John Sprenkle.