Walter Peppelman
Accomplishments: Peppelman was the first of this star-studded wrestling family to burst on to the high school wrestling scene. By the time he was done, he had a record of 170-13 with four PIAA Championship medals. A one-time district champ — hard to believe — Peppelman finished his freshman season with a 43-1 mark and a runner-up medal at states. He placed fifth as a sophomore, before capturing the state title as a junior. As a senior, he made it all the way to the finals a third time but fell short. Peppelman helped the Rams to their first state dual-meet title and the individual team title in 2008.
Did you know: It's not easy making the transition from high school mat star to the college ranks, but the hard-working Peppelman succeeded. By the time his Harvard career was in the books, he was the seventh wrestler in school history to crack 100 wins. He placed eighth his sophomore and junior season at the NCAA Championships to earn All-American status and was also a three-time all Ivy-League selection.
Why here: There will be some that debate Peppelman's position on this list ahead of a couple two-time state champs, but his overall body of work makes him deserving. Forget the two finals losses, as Peppelman was a fixture in four different weight classes in building a 14-3 record under the PIAA Championship lights. Those losses occurred against wrestlers that accounted for five state medals and two titles. He finally got over the hump as a junior, dominating Nazareth's Mike Greck in the 135-pound final to taste gold. Many fans across District 3 believe Peppelman was the start of the Rams state dominance as a mat program, and we agree. Enough said.
What they said: "He was a very complete wrestler with a variety of takedown shots. CD had that tilt series on the mat, and he was the start of that. I think he was the start of the CD dominance." — Patriot-News college wrestling writer Jim Carlson.
"Walter was one of the hardest workers I've ever coached." — Central Dauphin head wrestling coach Jeff Sweigard.
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