Tim McGinley: Managing Future Coaches

Tim McGinley was recently inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. For over 60 years, he has been involved in scholastic wrestling; 54 years included officiating as well.

Born in Pittston, Tim and his family moved to Kingston after his father's return from the Navy. He became interested in wrestling because of his elder brother Ned. Some of Tim’s elementary teachers were wrestling coaches.

When he was in 8th grade, Tim had a medical condition that prevented him from being on the wrestling team.

Coaches at Kingston High School requested that he become a manager so that he could still be involved in wrestling. "The coaches influenced me," Tim said. "They were excellent role models and very interested in keeping my interest in the sport."

Being a manager allowed Tim to still hang out with team members, many of whom became close friends. After graduating from high school in1968, he attended Wilkes University. John Reese, the wrestling coach invited him to become a manager. His brother Ned was a starter on Wilkes' wrestling team at the time. Tim credits Reese for his many positive experiences at Wilkes University.

"I became very good friends with the team members and the experience provided many travel opportunities," said Tim. “We went to California, North Dakota, Ohio and several other states for wrestling competitions."

Tim was then appointed as the head wrestling coach at Meyers High School, where he taught his students the values of wrestling, specifically, confidence, self reliance and hard work. For six years, he led his team to both individual and team championships at district, regional and state levels. He garnered four District II Championships and five Wyoming Valley

Conference Championships.

Some of his wrestlers, such as David Kuhl, Frank Castrignano and Jim Desiderio became coaches themselves.

"Meyers was a great experience," said Tim. "We had great wrestlers and their families. The success at Meyers was due to dedication, hard work and confidence. The team always wanted to win and be successful."

Since passing the PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) officials wrestling exam in 1968, Tim has served as an official. He began officiating junior varsity and later graduated to varsity matches. He has officiated at over 40 District II Championships as well as several NE Regional

Northern Tier. "Tim officiates wrestling to this day. He has been blessed with a supportive family throughout his career, including his wife Mary, son Michael and daughter Erin.

Tim noted that it was very humbling and a great honor for him to become inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame.

Championships and PIAA State Wrestling Championships.

"Most of the time I officiated in Wyoming Valley," he said. "But I was invited to several key matches in the

"It was because of all the athletes and their families that were dedicated to the sport," he said. "The Meyers coaching experience was second to none." H

– Ben Freda