Richard L. Ceccoli

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Richard was born and raised in Forty Fort. He started his wrestling career in the fourth grade, continuing undefeated throughout grade school. At Forty Fort High School, he wrestled varsity and lettered four years in the 103, 120, 138, 145 and 154 pound weight classes. His record in 1966 was 16-2, placing second at districts. In his senior year at Forty Fort, his record was 18-0. In regionals, he pinned his first opponent in 39 seconds of the first period. Richard also won many high school wrestling tournaments at Forty Fort High School and was awarded Athlete of the Year from the Sunday Independent, and placed second in the George Hooper Memorial Awards. At age 16, he was featured in Strength and Health Magazine for his sports accomplishments and weight training. He also lettered three years in football while at Forty Fort High School. He started as defensive and offensive end. In 1966, they were undefeated and had only one tie, becoming co-champions for the 1966 season. In 1967, he was awarded the Pervan Diary Player of the Year and played in the UNICO Game for the West. Richard also lettered three years in track and field at Forty Fort. He participated in the high and low hurdles, and discus, and was a member of the 440 relay team. Upon graduation from Forty Fort High, he had 23 college wrestling offers and 13 college football offers. He decided to stay local and attend Wilkes College, where during his freshman year he won the North American Arm Wrestling Championship, defeating the reigning champ in the finals. Again, he was featured in Strength and Health Magazine for winning the competition and also his weight training and sports accomplishments. He wrestled four years while at Wilkes at 145, 165 and 177 pounds. He won the MAC Championships two years in a row and placed the other two years. He also played in Nationals three years in a row. His record at Wilkes was 46-2. He was named to the Presidential All-American Wrestling Team three years in a row. Richard’s name still stands in the top 20 wrestlers in Wilkes College history. He graduated from Wilkes in 1971 with a B.A. in Art Education. Richard is an entrepreneur and resides in Forty Fort. He has three sons, Richard, Robert and Randy.