Chuck Grassano
Chuck graduated from Ridley high School in 1964. He never wrestled varsity because he broke his leg in a PE class, requiring surgery, two pins, and a protracted hospital stay. But he met his wife Mary Ann there, as she was volunteering as a Candy Striper! Today Chuck suffers from a medical condition with robs him of his ability to speak well, though he clearly understands and communicates in other ways.
His mentor in high school was Coach Carl Schnellenbach, who had been recruiting Chuck prior to his career ending injury. He will took Chuck under his wing in Phys Ed Class, taught him a lot about the sport, about competition, and about life.
Chuck graduated from the Pennsylvania Military College, now known as Widener University in 1968. After college he taught at Delaware County Community College and began coaching. Chuck started the wrestling program at Northley Middle School in 1969, then moved to Sun Valley High School as the Head Coach, remaining there from 1972–2001.
In addition to being a great coach, as a teacher, Chuck's door was open to any student seeking help –for schoolwork or for personal matters. Several students with school difficulties and social issues were mentored and encouraged by Chuck and eventually graduated from high school and college.
Chuck’s career record as Head Coach is 321-121-6, and he coached undefeated teams in 1975 and 1985. Add another 5 years as a junior high coach before he became the head coach, Chuck has 32 years in the sport! He founded the Delaware Valley Coaches Association in 1981, and has been a member of the District 1 Steering Committee from 1988-2005. After retiring as Head Coach, he stayed on at Sun Valley as an assistant for 2 more seasons. Chuck is a member of four Halls of Fame: the Southeast PA Wrestling, the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association, the Delaware County and Aston Halls of Fame. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame will be his fifth Hall of Fame.
Chuck and Mary Ann have been married 55, and had two children together. They still reside in Aston.
Awards:
Year
2019
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Award
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
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Chapter/Region
Pennsylvania
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