Timothy M. McGinley

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Tim McGinley has been involved in the sport of wrestling for over sixty years. His first experience with the sport was one of disappointment when he as an eighth grader failed the physical to participate. Unhappy that his older brother Ned was participating, the Kingston High School Wrestling coaches devised a way for Tim to still be involved in the sport and appointed him team manager. As manager, Tim was able to be around all the team members. He attended all the practices and developed a real love for the sport. The coaches, by always including him in all team activities, succeeded in turning a young man’s moment of disappointment into a great path building experience. One that would produce one of best coaches in the area.
After high school, Tim attended Wilkes College, and again, was involved with the wrestling team as team manager. This time however, he was manager to the legendary Coach John Reese.  Tim’s exposure to the sport of wrestling and Coach Reese provided a wealth of positive experiences and tremendous coaching knowledge. By the end of his college years, Tim went from manager to assistant coach and helped coach for two years with the Wilkes program. Tim moved on from Wilkes after being named Head Wrestling Coach at Meyers High School. There, he would coach for six successful years. His athletes, whom he described as “great kids who came from tremendous families” were some of the most decorated athletes at Meyers who achieved at the district, regional, and state levels. His record at Meyers was beyond reproach. He garnered four District II Championships and five Wyoming Valley Conference Championships in a very short period of time. Many of his athletes matriculated to successful collegiate programs. His guidance and successful coaching skills continued as many of his former athletes moved on to become notable coaches themselves. In continuance of his love for wrestling, Tim applied to take the PIAA officials wrestling exam in 1968. Having passed the exam, he began to officiate high school matches and continues to officiate wrestling to the present. Tim has officiated forty plus District II Championships, several NE Regional Championships and was selected six times to officiate the PIAA State Championships.
“Throughout my wrestling career, I was fortunate enough to have a very supportive family. My wife, Mary, my son, Michael, and my daughter, Erin. Without their support, I would not have been able to continue with wrestling. I have had great experiences with many fine coaches, great wrestlers and families, and many wrestling official colleagues. My involvement with the sport of wrestling has been a true highlight to my life,” stated McGinley.