REA RT EIR rey Walt Hennebaul by Charlot Denmon Walt Hennebaul can school wrestling meet in the area and see one of his former students perform. He has served during the past 12 years as wrestling coach at Wilkes-Barre YMCA. ’ Walt said he derived great satisfaction from knowing that he has played a part in developing these high school grapplers. The son of Mary and the late Walt Hennebaul, Walt was born in Wilkes-Barre but moved to the Back Mountain with his parents when he was in second grade. wrestling as a youngster and when in high school was a member of the Lake- Noxen varsity squad, coached by the late Tom Longmore. Walt readily admits that he took no district titles but continued in the sport because he enjoyed it. His younger brother, Fred, was un- defeated and expected to take district and, hopefully, state titles when an injury cut short his career. Following graduation, Walt wrestled for the YMCA adult wrestling team. His brother’s injury caused him to quit for a time but Fred encouraged him to continue which he did. While a member of the Y team, in 1960 they took the championship among the Y teams along the East coast. In 1964, Walt quit wrestling and began coaching | elementary students at the YMCA. He assumed the volunteer position because he believed it was a sport which could help the in- dividual boy and one in which a boy could learn self-discipline. ‘I enjoy teaching them,” said Walt, “but they learn self-discipline themselves. I don’t believe you teach them that-that is part of their self development.” He likes children and said he has never had a boy at how quickly the elementary age athletes learn and how well they apply themselves. But he also makes certain they have fun while they learn. Walt’s’ interest has rubbed off on his three sons-Bud, sophomore and an outstanding wrestler at Lake-Lehman; Jerry, 12 years, and Rick 11 years, both members of the Back Mountain elementary wrestling team, organized this year and now coached by Walt. Bud, who was three times junior high district champ, was first coached by his father at the YMCA. When he entered junior high, Ed Ladamus took over and now that he is on the senior high varsity where his goal is to go for a state title. He is coached by Walt “Chip’’ Sorber. Walt Hennebaul likes baseball. ‘He is a past president of Back Moun- tain Baseball Association and for five years, coached a team iin Dallas. When he moved to Harveys Lake, he took over as coach of the Lehman-Jackson teeners. Walt left the YMCA and took over the Back Mountain team this year because there were so many boys from this area who came into the Y for wrestling. Living back here, it was natural to take over the reins of the local squad. This year he has had 67 boys come out for the team. The team is in the Penn Elementary League which started with three teams, Williamsport YMCA, the Wilkes-Barre YMCA. The league has grown until now there are seven teams, including the new Back Mountain elementary squad. Hennebaul said he ap- preciated the cooperation residents. He said that he knows of no other area where teams get such tremendous support. He also attributes a great deal of credit to his two assistants, Joe Walko and Ray Dennis. His team practices at Dallas Junior High School three nights each week and wrestles on Sundays. Walt’s goal is to develop a championship team and see one or more of the boys continue in wrestling and develop into state champs. Leisure time interests? Walt has little leisure time for, in addition to his volunteer elementary wrestling coach, he is employed at Metropolitan Wire Com- pany, Wilkes-Barre. He also spends as much time as possible with his family of three boys and two girls. He is married to the former Mary Ann Parsons of Lehman. His daughter, Patti, is a senior at Lake- Lehman, and Terri is a freshman at the same ‘school. Walt likes all sports as a spectator and tries to at- tend as many meets as possible to watch boys he has coached in the past. He is interested in physical fitness and follows a personal fitness program. He continues to work out with his sen, Bud, but more so in the offseason than during the mat season. While coached by his father, Bud won at least 17 medals and trophies. His highest awards in elementary wrestling were Tv the Middle Atlantic YMCA Championship and two times AAU state cham- pion. brother’s footsteps. He is undefeated this season and between him and his brother, Rick, they have won 15 medals and trophies. Mary Ann is also a wrestling enthusiast and is presently secretary of the Back Mountain Wrestling Club. She also drives a school bus for Lake- Lehman School District. Walt’s team schedule has been disrupted lately due to the cold weather and closing of schools. A tournament scheduled for last Saturday and a Sunday meet were cancelled because of the cold and energy crisis. Next Sunday they will meet Wilkes- Barre @ YMCA team, weather permitting. Hennebaul’s primary goal is to make the sport fun and keep pressures at a minimum while teaching the basics. number of outstanding wrestlers who have cap- tured District II titles, he appears to be successful. He said he looks forward to continued enthusiasm among the young grapplers of the Back Mountain area and the support of residents and school of- ficials, who have given whole-hearted cooperation. He is presently working with the club of which he is a member, raising money to sponsor the club’s tournaments. Last year, Hennebaul coach of the year by members of the Penn Elementary League while he was still at the Wilkes- Barre YMCA. With his dedication and en- thusiasm, it will be no surprise if he-continues to receive such honors. Volunteers such as Walt Hennebaul are con- tributing to the welfare of today’s. ~ youth and tomorrow's community leaders. Junior high wrestlers host Comets Dallas. Junior High wrestling matches were cancelled last week due to the cold weather and resulting school closings. Both the Pittston and Wilkes-Barre Township but at this writing, dates and times are unavailable. This week, barring any further weather problems, the Dallas team will host Crestwood Comets at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 27. Saturday will be an open date. sates |x 675-0607 8a.m.-5: :30p a % Guaranteed + Insured 2 vy &
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