By Todd Hummel
For The Daily Item
SUNBURY ” Shikellamy wrestling coach Jeff Walter resignation was accepted by the Shikellamy School Board on Thursday night.
Walter was head coach at his alma matter for four seasons, compiling a 53-22 record.
Walter said on Thursday night that he resigned because he’s pursuing his doctorate in physical therapy at the University of Scranton.
“There is a lot of time demands going for my doctorate, “Walter said. “It’s a time management issue.”
With a child answering his cell phone and children talking in the background, Walter had another reason for stepping down.
“Like all coaches that resign, I’d like more time with my kids, “Walter said. “That was another factor.”
Walter left the door open to return to the Braves this season as an assistant coach.
“I might stay on as an assistant, “Walter said. “That is a possibility. I just every one to know I appreciated the support from the administration. I also enjoyed the opportunity to coach the kids.”
Walter won back-to-back PIAA championships for the Braves in 1989 and 1990 at 189 pounds.
Walter moved on to wrestle at the University of Wisconsin.
In the 1992, Walter was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. He ended his career at Wisconsin with a national title at heavyweight.
He was the Badgers’ first ever heavyweight national champion.
He took over for his high coach Phil Lockcuff after Shikellamy finished the season at 5-13 in 2000-2001.
Walter guided his team to an 13-6 record the next season and sent Mike Sees to the state meet.
The next season saw Shikellamy improve to 13-4 and win the District 4 Class AAA dual meet and tournament title. Shikellamy advance to the PIAA quarterfinals before losing to Kiski Area. Sees made his return to the state tournament, while Cosie Spigelmeyer also advanced.
In 2003-2004, the Braves once again won the Class AAA dual meet season and advanced to the PIAA quarterfinals before losing to Connellsville, finishing with a 14-4 record.
In his final season at the helm, Walter guided the Braves to another District 4 dual meet title and a trip to the PIAA tournament where they lost in the first round to Central Dauphin.
The Braves won their only CSC-I title under Walter and advanced sophomore Travis Marks to states.
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