Frank Pecaitis

• Post by: mcalibrary
• January 3, 2024
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INDUCTEE

Frank has coached wrestling for 30 years, including 25 years at Mount Carmel Area. He began when he introduced the sport at Susquenita in 1959 and produced 6 Sectional champions and coached the school’s first District champion.

In 1964, Frank became Mount Carmel’s head coach and went on to compile the best winning percentage in school history. Frank’s teams posted a 75-21-1 record – 77.3% – and during wrestling’s “Golden Era” from 1967-69 managed a 37-3-1 record – 90.2%. During that time, Tornado wrestlers posted a 25 meet win streak at home and 20 consecutive dual meet victories overall. Impressive wins were posted over Shamokin – the Susquehanna Valley League Champ; Line Mountain – the Mid State League Champ; and North Schuylkill – the Tri County League Champ. Frank’s teams won the Northumberland County Team Championship in 1967, 68 and 69 and were Dist. IV Southern Sectional Champs in 1969 and 1970. His 1969 team placed third in Dist. IV out of 44 teams when there was only one classification. Frank coached one state champion in Bob Sacavage and had 13 Southern Sectional champions during his reign.

In 1968, Frank became the first MCA coach to defeat Shamokin in 25 years and twice stopped North Schuylkill winning streaks at 23 in 1969 and 26 in 1971.

Frank’s overall record of 98-48-3 was compiled against wrestling hall of fame coaches Larry Lachie – Shamokin, Larry Sinabaldi – Shikellamy, Dale Cochran – Milton, Joe Cesari – North Schuylkill and Paul Stehman – Line Mountain.

Frank is married to the former Rose Marie Wojcik and has two sons, Joseph, Gettysburg and Frank, Mission Viejo and is the proud grandfather of four.