Wrestling Notebook: Takedowns help Marple Newtown’s Callaghan take up good cause

Pat Callaghan takes the same all-in approach toward fundraising as he does on the mat.

While that’s bad news for his opponents, it’s paying dividends for the American Cancer Society.

The Marple Newtown wrestling program adopted a philanthropic project this season, Taking Down Cancer, in which donors pledge money for each of the Tigers’ takedowns. According to Pat Crater, a former Marple assistant now in his first year as head coach, the format fit Callaghan’s preference for wrestling on his feet perfectly.

“Takedowns definitely fit my style,’ Callaghan said. “That came from our former coach (Don Tabar), who always emphasized picking up extra points with takedowns.’

By eliciting financial support from friends and relatives, Callaghan estimates that he has raised around $900 with his nearly 100 takedowns.

“Raising money for cancer research definitely has added a little extra incentive this season,’ Callaghan said. “I never imagined that my matches could mean something more than just scoring points for my team.’

Callaghan’s effort has not gone unnoticed.

“When we began kicking around this idea, Pat was already setting goals for how much money he was going to raise,’ Crater said. “We want our wrestlers to be proud of their successes, but we also want them to celebrate these successes by giving back to a good cause.’

One of three senior captains, Callaghan has served as a role model in the room as well as in the matches, rolling to a 19-1 record with 10 pins while competing primarily at 126 pounds but also going undefeated at 132 and 138.

In an otherwise forgettable 64-8 loss to Garnet Valley, Callaghan provided some consolation for the Tigers by winning a 7-5 decision over Jaguars all-Delco Mike Marino.

“I just want to show up and wrestle whatever weight coach thinks will best help the team,’ Callaghan said.

The Tigers have been decimated by injuries recently, including a knee injury that has sidelined three-time all-Delco Jason Rinaldi — who is 17-2 at 113 and just 11 wins away from setting the program’s all-time record. Markos Katrakazis, the other senior captain, has stepped up with a 15-3 mark at 195 pounds.

Through it all, Crater is thankful for having a rock he can lean on.

“Pat has been working harder than anyone I’ve ever seen, and he’s really turned the corner from his first two seasons,’ Crater said.

“He’s a master on his feet, works on his technique before school and then stays late to work with the younger kids. He’s one of a kind, a ‘ complete wrestler’ who takes proper nutrition seriously. It’s nice as a coach to have someone who loves the sport as much as he does, and he does everything you say without having to ask him twice.’

Marple Newtown hosts Lower Merion in a Central League match Tuesday with a special 4 p.m. start time, and coach Crater is looking forward to talking to anyone interested in making a pledge to Taking Down Cancer.

Marple Newtown's Pat Callaghan has been more than just a leader on the mat; the senior captain is helping money for the American Cancer Society through a program called Taking Down Cancer, in which donors pledge money for each of the Tigers' takedowns. (Eric Hartline)