PWCA Hall of Famer

PWCA Hall of Famer: George Edwards - Shamokin Native

By Frank Dimon

George Edwards spent some of the best years of his life as a student and wrestler at Penn State. Just as good were the 25 years he spent as the head coach of the wrestling program at the University of Virginia. But when Edwards is asked where he is from, he doesn't reply State College or Charlottesville, or even Naples, Fla. where he is spending his retirement.

"When anyone asks where I am from, I tell them I am from Shamokin," Edwards said after being inducted into the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame before the Class AA finals Saturday afternoon. "My coal region roots mean a lot to me."

Competing for legendary coach Mal Paul, Edwards compiled an 80-6-1 record while in high school, winning a pair of District IV championships and a regional championship. In 1959, Edwards was a state runner-up at 133 pounds, losing a referee's decision to State College's Gene Tressler.

"Mr. Paul and Mr. Weaver were my coaches from elementary school all the way up," Edwards remembered. "I didn't realize it at the time, but they did everything for you. The beat the crap out of you, they taught you good fundamentals, and they expected you to go all six minutes. I didn't realize it at the time, but as I look back at it, I appreciate it more."

After graduating in 1960, Edwards headed to Penn State and went 7-0 in freshman matches. During his three-year varsity career, Edwards racked up a 37-9-1 mark, finishing as the EIWA runner-up and adding a fifth place at the NCAA tournament at 147 pounds. After graduating with a B.S. in physical education in 1964, Edwards became the freshman wrestling coach.

"They were the four best years of my life," Edwards said, referring to his undergraduate days. "And then I had four great years as an assistant coach. I made some great friends that I am still close to. I was lucky enough to be an assistant coach with Rich Lorenzo and then Bill Koll came in (as head coach) and I probably learned more on (coaching) on my feet from him than anybody. I can't say enough about my years there."

Edwards left Happy Valley in 1969, heading south to Charlottesville and UVA.

"I loved Virginia," Edwards said. "It was a great university, and I had a great group of wrestlers over the years."

He coached the Cavaliers from 1969 until 1993, building a 158-133-1 dual meet record. His 12-win season in 1975 remains the best single season dual meet mark in UVA history and his teams also compiled a school best win streak of 14 matches from Feb. of 1973 through Feb. of 1974. Edwards coached the 36 wrestlers to ACC championships, had three NCAA All Americans, and his teams won the league titles.

While at Virginia, Edwards was also Director of Service to the Curry School.

Since his retirement in 1993, has been an active member of the Virginia Athletic Foundation. He was also inducted into the Virginia Chapter of National Hall of Fame for lifetime services to the sport of wrestling.