Coach Shirk on the edge of his seat at the District XI Championships
Wrestling coach Chad Shirk has led the Panthers on a terrific run through the 2015-2016 season. Under his leadership, the past season was painted with a fourth straight Colonial League Championship, the school’s first District XI team title, PIAA team finalist, multiple District XI champions, Regional champs and place-winners, eight state tournament qualifiers and a state medalist. These accomplishments are in addition to an already impressive list of accolades from past seasons.
Certainly, the Shirk-led Panthers are the envy of most teams in District XI and across the state. In fact, the District XI coaches took note of all the success this season and awarded Shirk coach of the year honors. Check out what Chad had to say about the Panther program and more!
Coach Shirk led the Panthers to the PIAA Finals
Q: Where did you grow up, and what were your first experiences with wrestling?
A: I grew up in central Pennsylvania and wrestled for what was at the time Middleburg High School. My first experience wrestling was probably wrestling and rolling around with my father in the living room and going to tournaments at an early age.
Q: What can you tell us about your immediate family ?
A: I have an amazing wife, Emily. She is one of the most special people that I have ever met in my life. I could not do the things I do without the support that she gives me throughout the year. We have a son, Cole, who will be turning two this June and we have one on the way this July.
Chad and Cole hanging out with Athletic Director Bob Frey in Hershey during the 2016 PIAA team championships
Q: It is obvious you are passionate about wrestling. Describe some of the obstacles you had to overcome growing up a wrestler.
A: I went to a school that did not have a great tradition of wrestling like we have here at Saucon Valley. We did not have district champions and state champions walking around town like we do here. It was difficult growing up, not having role models to look up to. The kids here at Saucon are lucky. They have so many great student-athletes to look up to as role models in all sports. They can learn at an early age that great things are possible through hard work and dedication.
Coach Shirk and 2016 Saucon Valley PIAA state medalist Devin Fontanez
Q: Can you briefly describe the biggest obstacles you face as a wrestling coach?
A: I think one of the most challenging aspects of coaching is trying to learn how to motivate each and every individual on the team. They all have different personalities and different goals. You need to learn how to be able to communicate and work with each athlete.
Q: What are the best things about being the head wrestling coach at Saucon Valley?
A: Being part of a family. My wife and I just built a house in the Saucon Valley School District. We love it here. I love being part of the close-knit community and watching “our” kids grow throughout the years.
Coach Shirk along with coaches Don and Tommy Rohn getting ready to win a medal with Devin Fontanzez
Q: Were you surprised being named District XI Coach-of-the-Year? What does it mean to you earning that award?
A: Obviously, it is an honor to receive the award because it is voted on by the other coaches that you are competing against. But to be honest, that award is the last thing that I am ever concerned with. I am very fortunate to have an amazing coaching staff and we all work well together. Don and Tommy Rohn are incredible resources for our kids, and they are irreplaceable. Andy Koch, a former Saucon Valley standout, has brought back excitement to our Junior High program. Our youth coaches and our wrestling club are amazing and provide our wrestlers with every opportunity to succeed. Our wrestling program works together from the youth all the way to the high school. With the support from everyone involved great things will continue to happen.
Shirk and Company continue to build a dynasty, one season at a time.
Q: Saucon wrestling has rightfully been called a Colonial League dynasty recently. Can you briefly describe a few of the biggest keys to success for your program?
A: First, I believe we have one of the best staffs in the state of Pennsylvania. Second, we provide our wrestlers with year-round training opportunities. There is a direct correlation between off-season training and the success that one has during the season. We are fortunate to have kids who are dedicated to the sport and want to represent Saucon Valley, not only at the district level but the state level as well.
Saucon Valley conquered the Tour for Four in 2016: four consecutive Colonial League titles.
Q: What can you say about your senior class?
A: They had an incredible four year run. They set the bar for years to come. They won four Colonial League Titles, two District Titles and qualified for the state tournament all four years. They showed the next generation of student-athletes that you can accomplish great things here at Saucon Valley.
The Saucon seniors have a remarkable record with the Panther program.
Q: What advice do you give to the incoming freshman class?
A: Set goals. Without goals you have nothing to work toward. Set goals and work hard to accomplish those goals.
Q: High School coaching is a year-round job anymore if you want to be competitive. Aside from wrestling, what are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time? Vacation plans this year?
A: Since I did not grow up around here, I usually go and spend a lot of time visiting my family back in central Pennsylvania in the off-season. This summer’s vacation plan is going to be celebrating the birth of our second child and spending time with family and friends.
Congratulations to Coach Shirk, his staff and the entire Saucon Valley wrestling program for another fantastic season. We are thankful for your dedication and already looking forward to next season. Your quality program helps make us proud to be part of the Saucon Valley community.
The Source is with you!
