Jack Steber was instrumental in helping put the Jim Thorpe wrestling program on the map in the 1970s.

Steber served as the head coach of the Jim Thorpe Area High School wrestling team from 1970-77 and later returned as an assistant coach to aid Keith Pry when he served as head coach of the program.

During Steber’s tenure as head coach, he mentored District 11 champion Farley Foster and PIAA State qualifier Pry.

Steber also initiated the annual Jim Thorpe Christmas Tournament, which is still held to this day.

Steber helped navigate Thorpe through a tough schedule during his tenure, where the Olympians competed in the competitive Lehigh-Northampton League, which was comprised of perennial powerhouse programs Saucon Valley, Nazareth, Parkland, Lehighton, Northwestern and Catasauqua.

One of Steber’s favorite memories as head coach was when Pry defeated eventual state champion Gary Albright.

The Jim Thorpe Hall of Fame Class of 2023 awards banquet will be held on Saturday, Aug. 26 at Jim Thorpe High School, and is open to the public.

Tickets are now on sale. Please reach out to Craig Zurn at 570-325-3631 or 570-325-3855 to purchase tickets.

Personalized advertisements for the Banquet Program can be purchased for $25, $50 and $100. Reach out to Zurn or Jack Kmetz (570-325-4923) to purchase an advertisement.