Knights Wrestling Mission

Developing Olympians in Wrestling and olympians in life.

Norwin Wrestling is dedicated to developing not only successful wrestlers but also successful individuals. Our program focuses on instilling the values of Service, Competition, Relationships, Achievement, Passion, and Grit (SCRAP!) to help our athletes succeed both on and off the mat. We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment where athletes can thrive and reach their full potential.

SCRAP!

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Service

Norwin Wrestling emphasizes service projects and community involvement as key priorities because the program values character development beyond just athletic achievement. By participating in service initiatives, wrestlers learn the importance of giving back, fostering a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and compassion. This focus on community service helps athletes build strong bonds with others, enhances their leadership skills, and instills a deeper sense of pride in their community. Moreover, it reinforces the idea that success isn't solely measured by wins on the mat but by making a positive impact off the mat as well. Norwin Wrestling’s commitment to service nurtures well-rounded individuals who contribute meaningfully to society, promoting the core values of respect, integrity, and dedication.

Past service Projects:

2020/2021: Workout dedicated to raise funds for the "All But Furgotten" Animal Rescue and "Transitions Healthcare" adult living center. The project raised over $5,000.
2021/2022: Athletes participated in and supported the "Race for Grace" which annually raises funds and awareness for children diagnosed with extremely rare, brainstem glioma.
2022/2023: Athletes organized and led a school-wide canned food drive for a local soup kitchen.
2023/2024: Athletes organized and led a school and community-wide canned food drive for a local soup kitchen. Also, the TEAM conducted an additional project that provided necessities for a local homeless shelter.
2024/2025: Athletes led and kicked off the push for "Pittsburgh Toys for Tikes" Stuff-a-Limo outside of Norwin High School for the Christmas Holiday. Also, a secondary service project was led by athletes that built relationships with elementary students in Norwin. Several athletes visited and read "I can be a wrestler" to elementary students.
2025/2026: Athletes partnered with Unified Knights for collaborative workouts every Tuesday starting in October. Unified Sports combines people with and without intellectual disabilities on sports teams for training and competition.

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COMPETITION

Norwin Wrestling places a strong emphasis on competition, prioritizing both skill development and mental toughness to excel on the mat. By incorporating periodization and the latest training practices, we ensure that our athletes are peaking at the right time for the toughest matches. Our commitment to one of the nation’s most challenging schedules for a public school allows our wrestlers to face high-level competition consistently, sharpening their abilities throughout the season. Additionally, we compete year-round in folkstyle, freestyle, and Greco-Roman wrestling, which provides our athletes with diverse challenges and a well-rounded edge that prepares them for any situation when it matters most.

Program
Competition Highlights:

2025/2026:
- Record: 15-4
- WPIAL 2nd (Highest in Program History)
- PIAA AAA Team State Runner-Ups (Highest in Program History)
- 3-1 in PIAA State Tournament
- WCCA County Champions (First since 1975)
- #2 Final Ranking AAA Pennsylvania (Program Record!)
- Landon Sidun: Who's #1 Winner (1st in Program History)
2024/2025:
- Record: 16-3
- WPIAL 3rd (Highest in Program History at the time)
- 1-1 in PIAA State Tournament (First Program Win at Team State)
- #9 Final Ranking AAA Pennsylvania
2023/2024:
- Record: 12-7
- Landon Sidun: State Champion (2nd in program history)
- Fargo Qualifiers: Brooks Blasko, Coleton Klipa, Luca Butera, Karsyn Champion
2022/2023:
- Record: 15-4
- Team Section Champions (First in program history)
- Fargo Qualifiers: Nate Campbell, A.J. Hewitt, Landon Sidun
- Landon Sidun: National Champion (1st in Program History)
2021/2022:
- Record: 17-4
- Chase Kranitz: State Qualifier
- Luke Passarelli: WPIAL 5th Place
2020/2021
- Record: 11-3
- John Altieri: State Runner-Up
- Chase Kranitz: State 5th Place
- Fargo Qualifiers: Luke Passarelli, John Altieri, Gabe Conboy

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RELATIONSHIPS

Norwin Wrestling understands that building strong relationships is key to both personal growth and team success. We pride ourselves on fostering positive connections, not just on the mat, but in all aspects of life. By emphasizing teamwork, trust, and mutual respect, we create an environment where athletes support one another, both in and out of the wrestling room. These relationships extend beyond the sport, as we encourage our wrestlers to develop bonds that last a lifetime, whether it's with teammates, coaches, or members of the community. This foundation of strong relationships helps athletes thrive, not only as wrestlers but as individuals who contribute positively to the world around them.

Relationships Built since 2020:

40+ Division I/II/III/JUCO/NAIA Wrestling Programs
USA Wrestling National Coaches Education Program
Pittsburgh Toys for Tikes
Pitt RTC
All But Furgotten
FSQ Training
Transitions Healthcare
Unified Sports Norwin
PAUSA Wrestling
And more to come!

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ACHIEVEMENT

Norwin Wrestling understands the delicate balancing act that comes with being a student-athlete, which is why we place a high priority on academic achievement. At the foundation, our athletes must meet a certain academic standard to remain eligible to compete, ensuring that they prioritize their education alongside their athletic commitments. However, we go beyond just meeting the minimum requirements. Through peer tutoring and a constant emphasis on the "student" in student-athlete, we push our athletes to excel in the classroom, encouraging them to challenge themselves and support one another. By raising the bar, we ensure that our athletes not only thrive on the mat but also build the skills and knowledge they need for success beyond wrestling.

TEAM GPA:

2020/2021: 3.29
2021/2022: 3.31
2022/2023: 3.30
2023/2024: 3.41
2024/2025: 3.49

Co-Curricular Clubs:

DECA
Future Business Leaders of America
History Club
National Honor Society
Student Council
Model United Nations

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PASSION

At Norwin Wrestling, passion is the driving force behind everything we do, both in the sport and in life. We are deeply passionate about wrestling and even more passionate about our athletes, believing that true success stems from a love for the journey. We emphasize the importance of training, learning, and competing with intensity and enthusiasm, because passion fuels progress and growth. To accomplish our mission, passion must be present in every aspect—whether it's in the way we serve each other, the relationships we build, the way we approach competition, or the achievements we celebrate. This passion creates a culture of commitment, resilience, and excellence that empowers our athletes to reach their fullest potential, both on and off the mat.

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GRIT

GRIT is the foundation of the Norwin Wrestling program, driving athletes, parents, and coaches to push beyond their limits and persevere through challenges. In wrestling, success isn’t just about physical strength but the mental toughness to keep going when faced with adversity—whether it's a tough opponent, a demanding practice, or a personal setback. For the athletes, GRIT is about developing resilience and determination, staying focused on long-term goals despite the inevitable obstacles. For parents and coaches, it’s about providing unwavering support, encouragement, and a positive environment that helps cultivate this grit. Together, the Norwin Wrestling community fosters a mindset that goes beyond the mat—preparing athletes not only for success in wrestling but also for success in life.

requirements of GRIT!

1. Effort

2. Attitude

3. Sacrifice

4. Accountability

5. Perseverance