Welcome!  My name is Jeff Upson.  I began the Pennsylvania rankings website PaPowerRankings in December 2004.  I became involved in the sport of wrestling when I was ten years old.  My father is from Washington, PA where he wrestled for the then District 7 and State powerhouse, Trinity High School.  He later went on to be an assistant wrestling coach at Washington High School, for a short period of time, where PA legend Stan Mousetis was the head coach. 

            In 1998, while in fifth grade, I joined the Central Dauphin Youth Wrestling Program; which unbeknownst to me was filled with future Pennsylvania State wrestling champions, medalists, and qualifiers.  I went on to the Central Dauphin Junior High Wrestling Program from seventh-ninth grade.  In tenth grade I continued to the Central Dauphin High School Wrestling Program coached by Jeff Sweigard.  I stayed involved in wrestling to my graduation from Central Dauphin in 2006.  At CD I compiled a varsity career record of 1-3. 

            Despite not having a glorified varsity career, wrestling taught me more than any educational institution could have.  Dan Gable said “Once you’ve wrestled, everything else in life is easy.”  That quote did not sink in to after graduating high school where suddenly life’s challenges became less of a struggle.  The sport of wrestling has taught me discipline, respect, and intensity.  I did not walk out of the Central Dauphin High School wrestling room with state, region, or sectional medals but I did take with me lifelong friendships.  I am thankful to have been coached by someone as talented and determined as Jeff Sweigard; along with the support and knowledge my father has given me.  Wrestling has and always will be a part of my life.

            Currently I am a senior majoring in Criminology and Investigations at West Virginia University; I will graduate in May 2010.  I am the president of the social fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon here at WVU.  I work as a student counselor for the University and as an intern with the Monongalia County Victim/Witness Assistance Program.  In addition to my education and occupations, I attempt to provide quality Pennsylvania State and District 3 AAA wrestling rankings at no cost to viewers.  Rankings are just numbers, but I feel it necessary to give recognition to those talented wrestlers that compete in the great state of Pennsylvania.  Thank you for the support!

-Jeff Upson

E-Mail:

papowerrankings@msn.com