Central wrestling team built on a brotherhood, welcomes new head coach

Central’s wrestling team is comprised of a select few group of students who are up for the challenges it brings.

Central York junior Todd Horner has been wrestling for the past five years. “I like that

wrestling is an individual, yet team, sport,” said Horner. “Wrestling isn't just a sport; it's a lifestyle.” Horner said he got started with wrestling early and hasn’t looked back. He credits his involvement with wrestling to his middle school football coach.

“My football coach in middle school got me into it because he thought it would get me in shape for the next upcoming season, so I tried it out and just enjoyed the sport,” said Horner.

Wrestling is often thought of as strictly an individual sport and, in a sense, it is just that. Horner would disagree though; he values the bond the wrestling team shares and finds a sense of success in that. “Everyone on the team shares a relationship. We're a brotherhood. We all want each other to succeed. Even the coaches mess around like brothers,” said Horner.

Horner’s passion for wrestling stems from the accountability it demands and the non-stop training required to be successful. “You have to eat right, train insanely and do your best to have fun with it. I love this sport because it all comes down to how you hold yourself,” said Horner.

Most people can remember those pre-game butterflies that won’t go away leading up to a game. Horner does his best not to get nervous by keeping his head clear and thinking about the one who got him into sports originally: his grandfather.

With one year left in his high school career, Horner has kept his options open regarding his future. “As of right now, I would like to wrestle in college, but going into the military is still one of my options,” said Horner.

Seth Beitz came into Central this year as the new head wrestling coach. He wrestled during college at Penn State University and is described by his players as “a go-getter.”

“He wants us to push the pace, set the tone and break every kid we wrestle. He knows when people are tired and always yells at us for showing it. It's called "play the game;" no matter how tired you are, you don't show it,” said Horner.

“I like our new head coach because he can have fun with the team, as well as push us beyond our limits,” said Horner.

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