Anthony “Tony” R. Khalife

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Tony excelled at G.A.R. Memorial High School in Wilkes-Barre in football and track and field. Tony was a three year starter in football, earning 3 letters at both offensive and defensive tackle. He was an instrumental part of the 1981 Division II Tri-Championship and the 1982 Eastern Conference Championship teams. In 1982-1983 he was selected First Team All-Scholastic by all local newspapers and in 1984 was selected to play in the East/West UNICO All-Star football game. Tony’s accolades in track and field at G.A.R. included winning the 1984 District II AA shot put title and finishing eighth at the 1984 PIAA State Track Meet. Tony received the D. Belford West Colgate Football Scholarship to attend Colgate University, where he earned a BA in Education and was a four year letter winner and three year starter at defensive tackle. He was selected first team All-Colonial League Defensive Tackle for the 1986 and 1987 seasons, All Eastern College Athletic Conference Team in 1987 and honorable mention Division I AA AP All-American. Tony joined the G.A.R. football staff in 1988. In 1988, he was appointed the head football coach and in 2000 won the Division III South Championship. In 2006 and 2008 G.A.R. won the Wyoming Valley Conference AA “Coach of the Year” in 2003, 2006, 2007 and 2008. During his football tenure, many football player furthered their academic and athletic careers at various colleges and universities. Tony also was an assistant track coach at G.A.R. for thirteen seasons. Tony coached numerous district champions and medalists, state meet qualifiers and two state medalists. Tony continues to coach as an assistant football and track coach with the Wilkes-Barre Area Wolfpack. He began his professional career in Wilkes-Barre Area School District in 1988 as an elementary teacher. He was a reading specialist for the district until the 2004 school year. In 2005, Tony earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction through Bloomsburg University and was appointed to the positions of Library/Media Specialist and Junior High Athletic Director at G.A.R. Tony currently serves as the Principal of Solomon-Plains Jr. High School.  Tony is the son of Angeline Khalife and the late Anthony G. Khalife. He and his wife Deborah are the very proud parents of two sons, Anthony Jr. and Jacob. They currently reside in Plains Twp. (2020)