Rod Hoover, long-time Wrestling Coach at Northern Bedford,
will be part of the fourth class inducted into the Bedford County Sports Hall
of Fame at Heartland Hall on June 7 at 4:00 pm. Hoover’s Pennsylvania coaching career spanned
31 years – 29 as the varsity head coach.
He retired with a remarkable head coaching record of 262-160.
Always humble,
Hoover admonishes the Hall of Fame Committee.
“Someone has to have a talk with that board. There are a lot of others
that deserve to be admitted into that Hall of Fame before I do,” he says with
an easygoing, infectious grin.
Ironically Hoover, a 1958 graduate of Morrison’s Cove High
School in Martinsburg, played both basketball and baseball for four years in
high school, but did not wrestle. The
school district did not offer wrestling until the fall of 1957, Hoover’s senior
year.
Following graduation, Hoover enrolled at Lock Haven
University. Recalling his first
wrestling experience at the college level, he admits, “I will always be
indebted to Head Coach Hubert Jack for allowing neophytes like me to work out
with the team. Without his permission
and guidance, it would have been impossible to become involved in the sport in
the first place. I owe him special
thanks.”
Hoover’s first teaching
opportunity came as a physical education instructor at Middle River Junior High
School in Maryland, where he also served as an assistant on the wrestling staff
for two years. He returned to his home
state and began his tenure at Northern Bedford where he also coached track and
both junior high baseball and football. In addition to coaching, he also
managed to serve as a PIAA Wrestling Official for 30 years, and a PIAA Softball
Official for ten.
Long-time colleague, NBC baseball coach and 2008 Hall of Fame Inductee,
Eddie King speaks with pride of his association with Hoover. “Not only was Rod Hoover an outstanding
wrestling coach but also he served as an influential example of competitiveness
and sportsmanship.”
“In addition to all of his superior accomplishments, it was obvious that he loved wrestling and the challenging opportunity to coach young athletes. He truly represented our school and community with class and professionalism.”
I certainly enjoyed coaching with him at Northern Bedford and I appreciated the support he gave my program throughout the years. His positive influence on the athletes who also played baseball in the spring made my job much easier.”
Former student-athlete and later colleague Ralph Scott adds, “I have always admired Coach Hoover. He was an exceptional coach, and he treated his wrestlers with respect, compassion, and if necessary, discipline. He is a quality person who molded his wrestlers and students in such a way they became better people. Coach Hoover is the kind of person who exemplifies the best in coaching and teaching, and I am very proud to have wrestled for him, coached with him, and taught with him. I congratulate him and wish him the best as he enters the Bedford County Sports Hall of Fame. He certainly deserves this honor.”
“In addition to all of his superior accomplishments, it was obvious that he loved wrestling and the challenging opportunity to coach young athletes. He truly represented our school and community with class and professionalism.”
I certainly enjoyed coaching with him at Northern Bedford and I appreciated the support he gave my program throughout the years. His positive influence on the athletes who also played baseball in the spring made my job much easier.”
Former student-athlete and later colleague Ralph Scott adds, “I have always admired Coach Hoover. He was an exceptional coach, and he treated his wrestlers with respect, compassion, and if necessary, discipline. He is a quality person who molded his wrestlers and students in such a way they became better people. Coach Hoover is the kind of person who exemplifies the best in coaching and teaching, and I am very proud to have wrestled for him, coached with him, and taught with him. I congratulate him and wish him the best as he enters the Bedford County Sports Hall of Fame. He certainly deserves this honor.”
______________________________________
COACHING RESUME
Wrestling – Head-coaching record at
NB 262-160
District VI Team Championships - 3
District VI Coach of the Year –
Twice
Tri County Team Champions – 11
District Champions coached – 39
State qualifiers - 12
State Champions – Jan Clark, 3
and one-time Runner Up
Member of both the PA and National
Wrestling Coaches Association
BEST TEAMS
1974….. 12-2
1975…. 13-1
1976…. 13-1
1977…. 13-1
__________________________________________
Hoover has some difficulty in listing his most memorable
sports recollections. “A few of my most
unforgettable, although no-where near complete list of wrestlers include John
Beach - my first District 5 champ, the entire teams from ’74 through ‘77 and
the brothers - Guyer, Weitzel,
Clark, Cottle, Detwiler, Miller, Moyer,
Beach, Troutman, Donaldson, and Sollenberger.
I have to include too, Jan Clark’s amazing career, the hard working Tom
Ferry, the tough luck of Jerry Moyer and the super conditioning of Brian Sell
and Steve Moyer. I’m sure there are many
other wrestlers deserving comment - 31 years is a long time.”
“First on my
appreciation list is Dr. Ben Van Horn (Superintendent of Schools at that time)
for giving me the opportunity to be part of the faculty and coaching staff at
Northern,” Hoover explains with admiration.
“I’m indebted
too, to my wife, Joyce and our entire family for their support and
sacrifices. It was also a pleasure to
coach in a community with an outstanding and supporting fan base, and for
competent, durable assistant coaches like Harry Guyer and junior high coach,
Joe Over.”
“I’d like to
give another special thanks to Harry Guyer, long-time friend and assistant
coach. Harry was a former wrestler in
high school and we share many fond memories of all of our years together.”
“I'm not surprised that my dad is being
honored,” proclaims Hoover’s daughter, Beth. “He lives
his life with great morals and character that I've been trying to emulate since I was little. He is a great role model and I'm glad that my children have such a great pappy to look up to.”
“When I was a little girl, I remember being so excited that my dad's team won that I ran out onto the mat to give my dad a big hug. It was always fun being at my dad's matches because I was able to cheer with the cheerleaders.”
his life with great morals and character that I've been trying to emulate since I was little. He is a great role model and I'm glad that my children have such a great pappy to look up to.”
“When I was a little girl, I remember being so excited that my dad's team won that I ran out onto the mat to give my dad a big hug. It was always fun being at my dad's matches because I was able to cheer with the cheerleaders.”
Son Todd continues, “It was
enjoyable growing up in our household with Dad being so involved in
wrestling… It was always fun going with him to practices, matches, and
tournaments. At times, the wrestlers referred to me as ‘the coach's kid’ and it
felt like quite an honor growing up. Even today, at the age of 46, I
still get a kick out of that reference.”
“I have gained a lot of respect
for hard work and discipline through my dad.
Some of that seemed to be a bit rough when you're young, but it's a
lesson that rewards you more and more through life.”
“Dad is very deserving of
this induction,” concludes Todd. “If
they had a Hunting Hall of Fame, he'd be decorated with that honor as
well. I am very proud to be his son.”
Hoover’s wife Joyce reflects
back on the early years. “From the time
I first met Rod, I knew wrestling would be a large part of our lives…from Lock
Haven to Maryland to Northern Bedford.
Rod’s passion became my passion and that created a solid foundation for
our entire family.”
Four-time PIAA State Finalist
and three-time State Champion, Jan Clark commends his former coach. “Coach
Hoover was a man of few words, but instead chose to coach by example,” explains
Clark.
“He could provide motivation
through his actions as much as through his words. Because he ran in the morning before school,
he managed to get quite a few wrestlers into doing the extra workouts with him. Whether it was early morning running, working
out in the weight room, actually wrestling the team members or running extra
sprints with the team following practice, his message was subtle but very
effective. As a coach today, I try to
emulate him when I can.”
“During my first year or two
coaching at Tussey Mountain, I would stop in and observe his practices at
Northern when I could,” adds Clark. “I
didn’t want to miss anything he was doing, and wanted to borrow what I could
from his technique and practice sessions.”
Never a person
to sit idle for any length of time, Hoover is still quite active in his
retirement. He maintains his young-at-heart attitude by hunting, fishing,
boating, running and taking an occasional motorcycle ride. He also continues to serve as a church deacon
at the Curryville Church of the Brethren.
All who know
Hoover are aware of the many exceptional qualities that make up his persona. He
is truly a first class gentleman – a remarkable athlete, coach, teacher,
husband, father and colleague. The County
Hall of Fame is once again enhanced with his induction.
Tickets for the
banquet can be obtained at the Bedford Gazette office, any Bedford County high
school, from any board member or by calling Bill Creps at 623-9691.
----------------------------------------------------- Second story, follows below: ------------------
Rod Hoover of Martinsburg will be part of the fourth faction
inducted into the Bedford County Sports Hall of Fame in June. The annual banquet to honor the inductees is
scheduled to take place at Heartland Hall on June 7 at 4:00 pm.
Hoover served as the Head Varsity Wrestling Coach at
Northern Bedford for 29 years, where he amassed a remarkable record of 262-160.
The other inductees include Bedford’s Dan England and Gus Frear, Chestnut
Ridge’s Jim Clark and Mike Whitcomb, and Everett’s Charlie Cragan and Earl
Howard. John Miller of Hyndman and Don
Donaldson of Tussey Mountain complete the list of individual members of the
class. The undefeated Tussey Mountain
Football Team of 1961 is this year’s team inductee, and Donaldson was also a
member of that team.
Ironically Hoover, a 1958 graduate of Morrison’s Cove High
School in Martinsburg, played both basketball and baseball for four years, but
did not wrestle. The district did not
offer wrestling until the fall of 1957, Hoover’s senior year in high school.
Following graduation from high school, Hoover enrolled at
Lock Haven University. Recalling his first wrestling experience at the college
level, Hoover admits, “I will always be indebted to Head Coach Hubert Jack for
allowing neophytes like me to work out with the team. Without his permission and guidance, it would
have been impossible to become involved in the sport in the first place. I owe him plenty of special gratitude.”
Chuck Sponsky, long time athletic director and head football
coach at Forest Hills and Bishop Carroll, was a fraternity brother of Hoover’s
during their years at Lock Haven. “Rod
was a colleague of mine during our college days –the type of guy that made
going to college fun. He was always very pleasant and possessed a million-
dollar smile.”
“He was a very gifted athlete (soccer, track and wrestling) and he contributed to the great teams at Lock Haven. I know that he was a great coach at Northern Bedford and that all the wrestlers he coached are very proud of him and his accomplishments.”
“I want to offer my congratulations to him and I know that he deserves all the accolades that are coming his way,” Sponsky concluded.”
“He was a very gifted athlete (soccer, track and wrestling) and he contributed to the great teams at Lock Haven. I know that he was a great coach at Northern Bedford and that all the wrestlers he coached are very proud of him and his accomplishments.”
“I want to offer my congratulations to him and I know that he deserves all the accolades that are coming his way,” Sponsky concluded.”
Hoover’s first teaching opportunity came as a physical
education instructor at Middle River Junior High School in Maryland, where he
also served as an assistant on the wrestling staff for two years.
His wife Joyce reflects back on those early days. “From the time I first met Rod, I knew
wrestling would be a large part of our lives…from Lock Haven to Maryland to
Northern Bedford. Rod’s passion became
my passion and that created a solid foundation for our entire family. The sport has given us the opportunity to
meet many people and form wonderful relationships, and to experience many new
and exciting places. Navigating the
entire path has always been a family effort”.
Joe Nastasi, former head football coach at Northern Bedford
and long time colleague, offers his best wishes. “I
would like to congratulate Rod on his induction to the Bedford County Hall of
Fame. I discovered early that he was a total sports fan...not just a
wrestling coach. He cooperated totally with our other sports and the
other coaches at our school. He attended most of our games and supported
the wrestlers and non-wrestlers equally. During the summer he was totally
supportive of our summer workouts, weight room sessions and our running program.
He never tried to discourage any wrestler from playing other sports - in fact the
opposite was true. He encouraged his wrestlers to participate in everything
they could. Rod was one of the best associates anyone could ever ask for. I’m
proud to have been able to serve on the same faculty as he.”
During
his tenure at Northern, Hoover also coached varsity track, junior high baseball
and football and served two years as an assistant wrestling coach before taking
the helm as head coach. In addition to coaching, Hoover also managed to serve
as a PIAA Wrestling Official for 30 years, and a PIAA Softball Official for
ten.
COACHING RESUME
Wrestling – Head-coaching record at
NB 262-160
District VI Team Championships - 3
District VI Coach of the Year –
Twice
Tri County Team Champions – 11
District Champions coached – 39
State qualifiers - 12
State Champions – Jan Clark, 3
and one-time Runner Up
Member of both the PA and National
Wrestling Coaches Association
BEST TEAMS
1974….. 12-2
1975…. 13-1
1976…. 13-1
1977…. 13-1
______________________________________
Like most
inductees Hoover has a rough time limiting the size of his thank-you file. “First on that list is a huge appreciation to
Dr. Ben Van Horn (Superintendent of Schools at that time) for giving me the
opportunity to be part of the faculty and coaching staff at Northern. I’m
indebted too, to my wife Joyce and our entire family for their support and
sacrifices. It was also a pleasure to
coach in a community with an outstanding and supportive fan base, and for
competent, long-time assistant coaches in Harry Guyer and junior high coach,
Joe Over.”
“I’d like to
give another special thanks to Harry Guyer, long-time friend and assistant
coach. Harry was a former wrestler in
high school and we share many fond memories of all of our years together.”
Four-time PIAA State Finalist
and three-time State Champion, Jan Clark commends his former coach. “Coach
Hoover was a man of few words, but instead chose to coach by example,” explains
Clark.
“He could provide motivation
through his actions as much as through his words. Because he ran in the morning before school,
he managed to get quite a few wrestlers into doing the extra workouts with him. Whether it was early morning running, working
out in the weight room, actually wrestling the team members or running extra
sprints with the team following practice, his message was subtle but very
effective. As a coach today, I try to
emulate him when I can.”
Today, Rod and Joyce are the proud parents of
three grown children, Todd, Dori and Beth. They can also boast of three
grandchildren. Still quite vigorous in his retirement, Rod keeps active with
hunting, fishing, boating, running and an occasional motorcycle ride. He continues to serve as a church deacon at
the Curryville Church of the Brethren.
Daughter Dori
proudly states, “Through dad’s work ethic, leadership, passion and pride….he
laid a solid foundation for not only our family but our friends as well. I have always been and continue to be so very
proud of my dad.”
Always humble
and with an ever-present smile, Hoover admonishes the Hall of Fame
Committee. “Someone has to have a talk
with that board. There are a lot of others that deserve to be admitted into
that Hall of Fame before I do.” Those
that know and have worked with Hoover realize this is just another typical
statement from a first class gentleman – a remarkable athlete, coach, teacher, husband,
father and colleague.
Tickets for the
banquet can be obtained by calling Lew Ewart at 793-3004, Bill Creps at 623-9691
or any Hall of Fame Board Member.
