Hall of Fame
John H. Estright
Inducted in 2005
John H. Estright began his teaching and coaching career at Northern High School in 1957. While teaching physical education at Northern Mr. Estright became a part of Northern Wrestling history as the program’s first head wrestling coach. Coach Estright led a new program that compiled a 52-40-7 record in 10 seasons and coached the program’s first Regional Champion. Estright left Northern in 1967, however stayed involved in public education working at various local districts. Coach Estright was a graduate of Clearfield High School and Lock Haven State College. He served the United States Airforce and was a proud veteran of World War II. Thanks to the dedication and drive demonstrated by Coach Estright the Northern Wrestling Program has compiled the proud tradition known today.
Keith Rosenberger
Inducted in 2006
Keith Rosenberger may be the most historically significant wrestler associated with the Northern Wrestling Program as he became the school’s first state champion in 1974. During his high school wrestling career Keith became the school’s first 50 match winner. He was a key member of a lineup that was known as “Murderers Row” which led the 1974 team to a Blue Mountain League Championship. Keith then went on to experience individual success winning Sectional, Regional, and a PIAA class B state title at 145lbs. Keith Rosenberger set the bar for all future Northern Wrestlers as he was the first to climb to the top of the podium.
Dave Habowski
Inducted 2007
Dave Habowski is a 1992 graduate of Northern High School and a prominent member of Northern Wrestling from the early 90’s. Not only did Dave set the career win record by becoming the first Northern Wrestler to reach the “100 Win Club” with 115 victories. But, he also set the record for most career takedowns (350), most career major decisions (15), and most career technical falls (16). On top of his record setting career Dave was a three time Sectional Champion and a two time Regional place winner. Habowski become a District III/South Central Regional Champion and PIAA State Qualifier in 1992.
Gilbert "Gib" Biller
Inducted in 2010
For over four decades, Gib Biller has been a loyal supporter of the Northern Wrestling program. In 1983 Gib was part of a group that started a Midget Wrestling program at Northern. This program was the basis of what is now our Youth Wrestling program, which annually teaches approximately 100 wrestlers and has become one of the most successful Youth Wrestling programs in Central Pennsylvania. In 1983 Gib, along with a few other long-time Northern Wrestling supporters, founded and hosted the first ever Northern York Junior High Invitational Wrestling Tournament. In an effort to put together a tournament at the Junior High level that would mirror the competition level of the Pennsylvania State Wrestling Championships, teams from across the state were invited from schools with strong wrestling traditions. It has grown into one of the toughest tournaments in the state and has produced dozens of future Pennsylvania State Champions. From 1983-1986, Gib served as the Vice President of the Northern Wrestling Booster Club; and from 1986-1990 he served as President. He has also sponsored dozens of wrestlers in our “work your way to camp” program, and helped the coaching staffs with scouting and line-up strategies. For his many years of support, we are proud to have Gilbert Biller as a member in our Northern Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Clair "Rudy" Rudisill
Inducted in 2011
In 1971, Clair Rudisill began teaching elementary physical education in the NYCSD and became the assistant wrestling coach. After nine years as an assistant, he was elevated to the head coaching position in 1979. In 28 years, his teams have amassed a 384-125-5 record with one Mid-Penn League Championship, 12 Mid-Penn Division Championships, and 6 Sectional Championships. In 1997, his team won the District III AAA team dual meet championship and Clair was voted District III "Coach of the Year". He has produced 48 Sectional Champions, 14 District III/Couth Central Regional Champions, 36 PIAA Qualifiers, 14 PIAA place winners and one PIAA Champion. In 1997 and 2004, Coach Rudisill was inducted into the District III and the PIAA State Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame, respectively. He was the coordinator and coach of the Central PA Wrestling Club, Ice Breakers Freestyle Club, and the York County Wrestling Club. His years of devotion and dedication to the Northern Wrestling program was and still is unmatched.
Bob McCurdy
Inducted in 2011
Bob McCurdy was a 1983 graduate of Northern High School. While at Northern he excelled on the mat breaking the program record for career wins with 89. Not only did Bob win, but he dominated as his name is throughout the Northern record books. In 1981 McCurdy won his first of three Sectionals Titles. He became a Regional Champion in 1982, which he followed up the next season becoming the school first two time Regional Champion. Bob then became a PIAA State Runner up at AAA 155 lbs in 1983. Of all these accomplishments the most impressive may be the winning percentage that McCurdy graduated with and still holds the record for to this day at 93%. Not only was Bob a standout high school wrestler but he took his abilities to the next level becoming a NCAA Division I All-American at Shippensburg University where he placed 7th at 177 lbs. Bob still lives in Shippensburg where he works to implement the lessons he learned while wrestling at Northern as a teacher and wrestling coach for the Shippensburg Area School District.
Joe Napoli
Inducted in 2011
Joe Napoli graduated from Northern High School in 1977. During Joe's career at Northern he was known as one of the most diversified wrestlers in the programs history. Joe was a 1977 Patriot News Big 12 team member and was named the Outstanding Wrestler for the year by the Old Timers Athletic Association of Central Pennsylvania. In two years as a varsity starter Joe compiled a career record of 62-6 while competing in three different weight classes. Napoli was a Sectional Champion in 1977 and won the District III Regional Championship in 1977 on his way to becoming the AA state runner up at 126lbs his senior year.
Joe Smith
Inducted in 2011
Joe Smith was one of the premier athletes to go through Northern in the 1980's. Being big and powerful Joe excelled at both wrestling and football. While a two year varsity starter at heavyweight, Joe was known for imposing his will onto his opponents. He still holds the school record for fastest fall in 7 seconds. Smith was a two time Carlisle, Boiling Springs, and Sectional Champion. He was a two time District III/Regional place winner 4th in '83 and a Champion in '84. Joe then continued on that season to become a PIAA State Runner Up. After graduation Joe went on to attend The United States Naval Academy where he played football and then later served for 5 years.
Richard Mukittrick
Inducted in 2012
Rich Munkittrick graduated from Northern High School in 1979. Rich was a transplant from Maryland, he wrestled at Northern High School for 2 ½ years. While at Northern he compiled a career record of 48-12-1. Munkittrick was a two time Carlisle Christmas Tournament Champion and two time Sectional Champion in 1978 & 1979. In his senior year Rich won the District III Regional Championship to become a State qualifier and was nominated to the AAA vs. AA All Star team. After graduation from Northern Rich received a Division I wrestling scholarship from Wilkes College, after transferring from Wilkes he finished his College career at Shippensburg University. Rich still lives in Dillsburg where he is the owner of several local businesses as well as an active member in the Northern Wrestling program.
Chet Habowski
Inducted in 2012
Inducted 2012 For over four decades, Chet Habowski has been a loyal supporter of the Northern Wrestling Program. His contributions have been instrumental in the development of hundreds of young wrestlers here at Northern. For a period of 15 years in the 1970's and 1980's, Chet donated his time to coach at the elementary school level and expose kids to the sport of wrestling In 1978 Chet was part of a group that started a Midget Wrestling Program at Northern. This program was the basis of what is now our Youth Wrestling Program, which annually teaches approximately 100 wrestlers in grades 1-6 the basics of wrestling. It has grown into one of the most successful Youth Wrestling Programs in Central Pennsylvania. In 1983 Chet, along with a few other long-time Northern Wrestling supporters, founded and hosted the first ever Northern York Jr High Invitational Wrestling Tournament. The emphasis was to put together a tournament at the Jr High level that would mirror that of the PIAA State Wrestling Championships. Teams from across the state with strong wrestling traditions were assembled to produce one of the toughest tournaments in the state, as well as dozens of future PIAA State Champions.
Terry Barley
Inducted 2012
Terry Barley began his Northern Wrestling coaching career as the Jr. High coach a position he held for two years. He was also the JV coach for two years before becoming the Varsity Head Coach in 1973. Coach Barley held the head coach position at Northern for six years from 1973-1979. In Coach Barley’s six years as Head coach he produced two State Champions, one State Runner up, five Regional Champions countless Sectional Champions and numerous State qualifiers. Over his six year tenure Coach Barley compiled a team record of 73 wins and 11 losses with two perfect Blue Mountain League seasons. Coach Barley has the highest winning percentage of any coach in Northern history with an 87% winning rate.During the 1976-1977 season, Northern had a record of 14 wins and 0 losses. In that season Northern dominated their opponents by outscoring them 603 points to 157 points. That equates to Northern winning by an average score of 43 to 11 per match. Coach Barley’s team won the Blue Mountain League Championship 3 times and finished second 2 other times. None of his teams ever had a losing record.
After teaching at Northern for 12 years, Coach Barley took a position with Cumberland County where he has been employed for the last nearly 32 years. He and his Julie have two sons and five grandchildren.
Marty Walsh
Inducted 2012
Marty Walsh graduated from Northern High School in 1981. During his time in the Northern Wrestling Program Marty compiled a list of accolades. He graduated with a career record of 81-19-1 and broke several school records, most notably being the quickest fall in the time of 8 seconds. Marty won two Sectional titles in 1980 and 1981. He was a Regional Runner Up in 1980 at 98 lbs, which he followed up in 1981 with a Regional Championship. During his second trip to the PIAA State Tournament Walsh earned the silver medal as a AA State Runner Up at 98 lbs. At the conclusion of his senior season Marty was selected to compete in the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic, now known as the Dapper Dan. This event pits the best wrestlers in Pennsylvania against the best that the United States has to offer. Walsh was Northern’s first wrestler to represent not only the Polar Bears, but our state as a member of Team Pennsylvania.
Kevin Kemper
Inducted 2013
There are very few names you will find in the Northern WrKevin Kemperestling record books more than Kevin Kemper. Kevin had a long wrestling career that began in elementary school and lasted throughout adulthood. In 1983 he was a Section and Regional Champion. That year he proudly represented Northern High School at the PIAA State Championships. During his career at Northern, Kemper compiled an impressive resume. He still ranks top 5 all time in tech falls, two and three point near falls, and career winning percentage. Kemper still holds the record for most season and career reversals. After graduation, Kevin attended Thaddeus Stevens Trade School in Lancaster, where he also wrestled. After graduating from trade school he went on to work for his father and during that time served as an assistant coach for the Polar Bears. Coach Kemper selflessly gave his time to all levels of the program helping in any way he could. Through this Kevin formed many lifelong relationship with the kids he coached along the way.
Tim Jacobs
Inducted in 2013
The last of a great Wrestling Family, Tim Jacobs was a 1985 graduate of Northern High School. While competing at Northern Jacobs earned his way into the record books. Of which he still holds top 5 rankings in season tech falls, as well as season and career reversals. Throughout his career Tim was known as a great leader and friend amongst his teammates. During his junior season Tim_Jacobsis when he started to build personal accolades when he captured the 1984 Section Championship. The
following year Tim continued his quest with a Regional 2nd place finish that sent him to the State Wrestling tournament in Hershey. To conclude his senior season Tim earned a bronze medal with a 3rd place finish at 132lbs. at the PIAA State Wrestling Championships.