Coach Wetzel graduated from Bloomsburg University in 1959. Due to injuries he never wrestled in college, but was at every practice and worked out with the team. He sat next to coach Russ Houck during competitions, taking notes. Coach Houck encouraged Ralph to coach and helped him get his first coaching job as an assistant coach at Clearfield High School. In 1964, Ralph was named head coach at Hatboro-Horsham High School where he coached until 2000. In 1970, his wrestling team won the league championship. It was the first boy's championship in any sport in 29 years. Coach Wetzel's 36 year coaching record was 307-225-9. Ralph was one of three co-founders of the District 1 Coaches Association, and is widely considered the unofficial "Dean of District 1 Wrestling."