JOHNSTOWN —
In four decades of calling takedowns, reversals, back points and pins, Bruce Haselrig has officiated on mats throughout the state and across the country.
Haselrig completed his 39th season as a wrestling official several months ago.
Now, the sport will take him to the Cambria County Sports Hall of Fame. Haselrig will be among seven members of the Class of 2012 inducted during a banquet at the Pasquerilla Conference Center on July 14.
He has been a referee at both the high school and college levels during that time while compiling an impressive resume that includes highlights such as:
n Induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s Pennsylvania Chapter in 2007
n Officiating 19 PIAA Championships
n Officiating six NCAA Division II National Championships
n Numerous NCAA Division I and II regional events
n Officiating three NAIA National Championships
n 28 years of service as District 6 Rules Interpreter
n Serving as president of the NCAA Eastern Wrestling League Officials Association
Haselrig became Assistant Dean of Student Life at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in 1972 and with the support of the UPJ administration, he started the Mountain Cats wrestling program in 1975. Haselrig coached the university’s first All-American in any sport that same year.
That foundation helped the Mountain Cats program to eventually evolve into an NCAA Division II power under current coach Pat Pecora.
Haselrig was a successful wrestler at Greater Johnstown High School and the Indiana University of Pennsylvania before he got into coaching and, eventually, officiating. His Mat Sense Officials Clinics have been devoted to the training of wrestling officials.
His administrative career at Pitt-Johnstown spanned 34 years. Haselrig received numerous honors at UPJ, including the President’s Award for Excellence in Service, the Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence in Service to Community and the Regis A. Cox Award for outstanding service to diversity.
After his retirement from UPJ, he served as assistant manager of the City of Johnstown and briefly held the title of acting city manager.
He and his wife, Ednita, have children Bruce Jr. and wife Fely; Brett and wife Ashley; and Jamie and husband Brandon. Grandchildren include Jaelan, Shaela, Haven and Kobe.
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Bruce Haselrig’s 39 years as a wrestling official will be recognized on July 14 when he and six others who have made significant contributions to sports will be inducted into the Cambria County Sports Hall of Fame. file photo
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Haselrig among Hall of Fame inductees
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