Former PSU All-American Doc Vecchio

After a standout high school wrestling career at Gov. Mifflin, Doc Vecchio struggled during his first two seasons at Penn State.  Vecchio turned the corner as a junior and earned All-American honors in 2002.  "That was one of the surreal moments of my life. It was really cool to be at that level," he told SV Sports' Paul Roberts.  Vecchio went (34-14) during his junior campaign and took third place at the Big Ten Tournament.  The 165-pounder, under the guidance of head coach Troy Sunderland, finished eighth at the NCAA Championships.  Vecchio was nearly a two-time All-American, but he fell in the blood round of the NCAA Tournament as a senior.  The four-year starter and two-time captain came in fourth at the Big Ten Championships in his final season.  Since 2011, Cael Sanderson has led the Nittany Lions to twelve national team titles.  They've won 77 consecutive dual meets, a Division I record.  "It's probably gonna go down as the biggest sports dynasty ever because there's no stopping them. Not too many teams shut teams out at that level and they're doing that. Coach Sanderson is doing a great job," emphasized Vecchio.

Since graduating from Penn State in 2004, Vecchio has been a physical education teacher and coach at his alma mater.  "It means everything and really it's the only community I know. I bleed maroon and gold, that's for sure," he replied.  Vecchio compiled a (116-26) record at Gov. Mifflin.  The 1999 graduate went (40-2) as a senior and won the District 3 championship at 152 pounds.  Vecchio, who was also a four-year starter in football, finished fifth in the state as a senior.  He has fond memories of his high school days in Shillington.  "The relationships I made with all my teammates, that's what it's all about and that's what I preach today. Whether you win or lose, we preach family at all times," stated Vecchio.  His father, Mick Vecchio, won a school-record 181 games over 26 years as the Mustangs' football coach.  His older brothers, Mike and Frank, are in the Ursinus Football Hall of Fame.  After 22 years as an assistant, Doc was named Gov. Mifflin's head wrestling coach in 2025.  He took over for longtime coach Ralph Voit, a member of the District 3 Wrestling Hall of Fame.  "We have amazing coaches on my staff and the kids are working really hard," said Vecchio.  In addition to wrestling and football, he coaches the unified track team in the spring.  You can also find him on the lacrosse field.  Vecchio has shared his passion for sports with his three daughters.  He helps to coach their club lacrosse teams in his "free time."