Wiltrout hired as wrestling coach at Frazier
Submitted photo
Dustin Wiltrout’s ascension to the head coach of the Frazier varsity wrestling team began in the youth program eight years ago at his alma mater, Southmoreland, before moving to coach the Commodores’ middle school team in 2022.
After taking a break from coaching last season, Wiltrout learned Monday evening at the Frazier school board meeting that he will take over when the 2025-2026 season begins in November.
The position was open after Tyler Kenney stepped down in early February last season due to personal reasons. Buck Watkins was the head coach before resigning at the end of the 2024 season.
“There was an interview process for the job, and I was one of three or four other candidates who were interviewed,” Wiltrout said. “I received the news this past week, but it had to be made official at the school board meeting. I never really thought about coaching when I was competing, but I am glad to have the opportunity.”
Wiltrout graduated from Southmoreland in 2010 and served in the infantry for the U.S. Army from 2008-2014. He enlisted during his junior year of high school.
Wiltrout’s first experience in coaching was in 2017, as the youth coach at Southmoreland reached out to him before he was contacted by Watkins to lead the middle school team for the Commodores. While guiding the Scotties, Wiltrout coached the first female state medalist in program history.
Although he didn’t have dreams of coaching as he grew up, Wiltrout has enjoyed his time working with the student-athletes.
“I had a job change this past year, which helps to give me the time to coach,” Wiltrout said. “I figured out being self-employed is better for me in my line of work. I want to thank the previous coaches who reached out to me about being on staff. I have been rolling with it ever since I started, and I love working with the kids, and Frazier has a respectable group of guys.”
The numbers are on the lower side at the moment, but Wiltrout is looking to hold several events to increase the roster.
“We did a pre-sign-up, and as of right now, we have about 15 guys,” Wiltrout said. “The numbers are going to start out low, but there is always room for growth. We have some solid guys coming back that are great kids with strong work ethics. We are looking for new guys to step up.”
Frazier will need to replace four-year starter and three-time state qualifier Ryan Celaschi, who will wrestle for Bloomsburg University in college. Celaschi had a career record of 133-37 in high school.
“Everyone wants to win, but maybe a small fraction will go D-I, or even D-II and D-III,” Wiltrout said. “We want to teach these kids life lessons, and I believe there is no better sport to do that than wrestling. We will have an expectation for our kids to do well in school and be good people off the mat.”
The Commodores will compete in Class 2A Section 3 with Bentworth, Beth-Center, Jefferson-Morgan and Brownsville. Wiltrout is also looking to set up a dual meet with the Scotties.
“We are in a tough section, but really every section in the WPIAL is a challenge,” Wiltrout said. “We wrestle in one of the toughest states in the country, so these kids will need to be ready to battle every match. We are hoping to set up some good non-section matches.”
Wiltrout lauded Mandy Hartman, who is the athletic director at Frazier, for her support throughout the hiring process and in his first few days on the job.