Sports
Wrestling Hall of Fame Comes Calling for Kimberton's Joe Tornetta
The longtime Great Valley coach was inducted into the Southeastern Pennsylvania chapter in February.
Anyone who has been to a good number of Great Valley athletic events probably knows Joe Tornetta of Kimberton.
Tornetta has been the school's busiest individual when it comes to coaching at the high school, guiding athletes in football, wrestling, field hockey and girls lacrosse over the last 30-plus years.
He has given up a few assignments now—though he remains the head coach for field hockey and girls lacrosse—he might best be known for leading the Patriots wrestling team.
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Because of his hard work and devotion to the sport, Tornetta was inducted into the Southeastern Pennsylvania Wrestling Hall of Fame at last month's Regional Tournament at Oxford.
For 21 years, Tornetta piloted the Great Valley program, retiring in 2009 following a 21-0 regular season during which he also had a chance to coach his son, Myles, now wrestling for Ursinus College.
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The SEPA Wrestling Hall of Fame started in 1990 and each year recognizes those who have made contributions to the sport. The Ches-Mont League is well represented in the hall, and, in fact, Tornetta was inducted along with former Coatesville coach Larry Estep.
Russ Wren, Great Valley athletic director, said Tornetta is a tireless coach.
"Joe’s commitment to our student-athletes is unmatched," Wren said. "He will go far above and beyond for our kids.
"A lot of people really don’t see what Joe is all about—all they see is the intense, fiery guy—they don’t see how much he does for our athletes," Wren continued. "They don’t see how he interacts with the students; they don’t see the warm and fuzzy side of Joe unless they are on his team or really know Joe."
Tornetta and his wife, Cyndi, reside in Kimberton and have three children—Myles, Mallory and Mia. Mallory played lacrosse and field hockey at Rutgers University and is now an assistant coach for LaSalle's women's lacrosse team.
Wren summed up the thinking of most who have been coached or had their son or daughter guided by Tornetta.
"I would want any of my own kids to play for Joe," he said. "He knows how to coach, and he cares about kids."
