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Saturday, March 1, 2008
Where Are They Now?
Greater Reading, PA
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By: Michael J. Esterly , VYPE
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Photo(s) By: Carl Schnellenbach
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Carl Schnellenbach
West Reading High School
Accomplishments
- Winningest wrestling coach in Pennsylvania with 652 wins (Ridley High School)
Inductions
- Ridley Township Old Timers Hall of Fame in 1998 (wrestling)
- Pennsylvania Hall of Fame in 1990 (wrestling)
- PIAA Coaches Hall of Fame in 1988 (wrestling)
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Carl Schnellenbach is living proof that old cowboys never forget where they came from, nor are they shy when it comes to talking about Cowboy athletics. Carl was a member of the football, basketball, swimming, and track teams at the now defunct West Reading High School. By 1951, when Schnellenbach was a senior, he had been a multiple-year starter in all of the sports he participated in.
He started off his year on the gridiron, where he was a varsity letterman from his sophomore through senior years. The Cowboys used a full backfield in their offensive scheme – two halfbacks and Carl at fullback. Opposing linemen had their work cut out for them when Carl Schnellenbach, in his maroon number 24, was handed the ball. In 1950, he led the county in scoring with 14 touchdowns.
During the winter season Carl deftly managed to juggle two sports, swimming and basketball. He was a 5’9 forward on the Cowboy basketball team where he started 2 years. (Coach John Shaner only played juniors and seniors on the varsity team.) Just as at home in the water as on the basketball court, Carl placed 3rd in districts in swimming in 1949 and contributed to West Reading’s triumph in the Berks County Junior Swimming Championship He explained how he became such a fine swimmer over the years. “The West Reading pool was the place for teenagers to go. They had movie nights occasionally and all of my friends went. I spent so much time there I developed into a pretty good swimmer,” laughed Schnellenbach.. With springtime came track, Carl’s favorite sport and the one he remembers with the most pride. He participated in the 100 and 200-meter dash as well as the long jump and mile relay events. Along with teammates Jack Shaner (John’s son), Fred Loser, and Bill Kaley, he helped West Reading take first place in the Lebanon Relays in 1950-51. This quartet won the 440-relay and Carl also cashed in on the 880-yard relay with teammates Shaner, Kaley, and Bob Lechleitner.
After graduation in 1951, Schnellenbach joined the Navy where he developed an interest in wrestling thanks to his good friend, navy veteran Kenny Whistler. After his honorable discharge in 1955, Schnellenbach attended West Chester University, receiving his master’s degree in health education. He then took a position teaching physical education at Ridley High School in Delaware County, and his love for the sport of wrestling really took flight. He started the Green Raiders’ wrestling program in 1960, beginning a legendary coaching career that has spanned 48 years and produced 652 wins, making him the all-time winningest wrestling coach in Pennsylvania history. Carl is also on the football coaching staff where he assists Bobby Kubroski, Joe Vilerio, and Matt Blundin, who all had careers in the NFL.
Carl Schnellenbach and his wife Debbie (Grant) have six children: Kim, Karen, Krissy Marty, Adam, and Mara. Carl is now retired from teaching physical education and volunteers his time teaching water safety at Camp Sunshine in Thornton, Pennsylvania. The program is targeted for underprivileged youth. He also conducts swimming lessons for elementary and middle school students in the Garnet Valley School District.
Carl enjoys recalling his days as a Cowboy athlete. “There were only 90 males in the school from grades 9 through 12 and about 50 of them were involved in athletics,” Schnellenbach recalls. “I was fortunate to have great coaches in John Shaner (Track/Basketball), Marty Hubley (Football), and Lou Capaldi (Swimming). “I still visit with Coach Hubley. We talk about past games, such as the “borough bowl” between West Reading and Wyomissing.” “It was one of those games where the small stores in town would actually close so that everybody could watch us.” We can see why.
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