To understand where a wrestling program is going, you must first look at where it starts.

In the heart of Lehighton, where wrestling has long been a tradition, a young coach is redefining what success means for the next generation of athletes.

Zachary Kemmerer, a former Lehighton wrestler himself, didn’t just step into coaching — he has built a program from the ground up, ensuring that the same opportunities that shaped his life would be available for others.

A Wrestler’s Journey

Kemmerer’s roots in Lehighton wrestling run deep. From kindergarten through his senior year of high school, he dedicated himself to the sport, accumulating over 100 career wins, more than 500 team points, and four district placements. His hard work earned him a spot at Division I Sacred Heart University, where he briefly continued his wrestling career.

But it wasn’t long before his passion led him back home.

For four years, he served as an assistant coach at Lehighton High School, mentoring young wrestlers who reminded him of his younger self. However, something was missing.

Without a strong youth program, the future of Lehighton wrestling was at risk.

Starting from Scratch

Two years ago, Lehighton’s youth wrestling program didn’t exist. There were no kids, no coaches, no funding — just an empty room and the question: What if?

At just 23 years old and with an unwavering dedication to the sport, Kemmerer took it upon himself to rebuild. It wasn’t about creating champions overnight; it was about creating a foundation — one built on discipline, hard work, and a love for wrestling.

“I started completely from scratch,” Kemmerer recalls. “Zero kids. Zero budget. But I knew this community gave me everything as a child, and now it was my turn to give back.”

The Growth of a Program

What started as an ambitious vision quickly became a thriving movement. In just two years, the Lehighton Area Booster Club Wrestling Team has secured funding, attracted young athletes, and established itself as a competitive force. Wrestlers from the program have placed at league tournaments, and some have even found success on the national stage.

But Kemmerer isn’t focused on just wins and losses. His goal is bigger than that.

“I’m not doing this to make national champions — I’m doing this to create future leaders,” he explains. “Wrestling teaches discipline, resilience, and confidence. That’s what really matters.”

The impact extends beyond the wrestlers. Parents, coaches, and community members have rallied behind the program, turning it into something more than just a team—it’s a family.

The Future of

Lehighton Wrestling

Now, with a solid foundation in place, Kemmerer is looking ahead. His goal isn’t just to grow numbers for the sake of it; he wants to build quality.

“I don’t want 80 kids on the team just so I can say we have 80 kids,” he said. “I want 40 kids who are committed, who understand what it takes to succeed—not just in wrestling, but in life.”

With financial stability secured, plans for camps and specialized training are on the horizon. Kemmerer envisions a program that not only feeds into the high school team but also serves as a launchpad for young athletes with aspirations beyond Lehighton.

And while he has big ideas for wrestling as a sport — including unique tournament formats and promotional strategies — his heart remains with the kids stepping onto the mat for the first time.

“If a kid comes to me with five moves they’re great at and five they struggle with, I know I can help them,” he said. “That’s what I love—breaking it down, teaching, watching them grow.”

A Story of Community

and Dedication

Kemmerer’s journey is more than just a wrestling story. It’s about perseverance, about stepping up when no one else would, about giving back to the place that gave him so much.

“I don’t know how long I’ll be in this role, but I do know this — Lehighton wrestling will always be a part of me,” he said. “And as long as I’m here, I’ll do everything I can to keep it strong.”

From an empty mat to a thriving program, Kemmerer’s story is proof that one person with a vision can make all the difference. In Lehighton, wrestling isn’t just a sport — it’s a legacy. And thanks to him, that legacy is only getting stronger.