Whitehall wrestling head coach Tim Cunningham always stresses that succeeding on the wrestling mat begins with succeeding in the classroom.

Just like getting to a strong base provides a wrestler with the stability to execute a number of different moves, the knowledge provided in the classroom provides a solid educational base for the rest of their lives.

Having that solid academic foundation is what Cunningham emphasizes. Wins on the mat are just one aspect of what a true student-athlete should strive for when competing for the narrow and gold.

"We always stress academics before athletics," said Cunningham. "Academics are your priority. What you learn from the sport of wrestling is just to help you become a better person in the long run."

Cunningham said that it aids wrestlers in make the right choices and decisions throughout their lives.

"We tell them in the beginning of the year that your number one goal is not just to be wrestling in all-state, but to be an academic in all-state," he said.

Recently a number of Whitehall wrestlers were recognized for their achievements in the classroom as well as their accomplishments on the mat, receiving both local and statewide recognition for their efforts.

Brad Schuler was among those honored at the District XI Wrestling Hall of Fame banquet a few weeks ago. The event featured both 3A and 2A wrestlers, and Brad Schuler was part of 3A contingent honored as scholar-athletes at the annual banquet. A total of 20 3A athletes were feted, and Freedom's Jake Young was named District XI's scholar-athlete of the year. Schuler, a senior, advanced to the Northeast Regional Wrestling Tournament this year, finishing fifth.

Matthew Schuler was part of the Pennsylvania Coaches Wrestling Association (PCWA) All-Academic Team for 2014-15. The junior earned second-team honors, combing a 22-8 record with a 3.76 GPA.

Additionally, Joey Gladish earned Honorable Mention from the PCWA, finishing the season at 33-6 which included a trip to the Regional round where he finished fifth. He posted a 3.38 GPA this year.

Cunningham said that Whitehall has had a representative on the PCWA All Academic Team for the six or seven years. Each year the PCWA honors the scholar-athletes around the state, combing every classification in recognizing approximately 100 wrestlers in each grade level.