Memories and Advice from a Former Wrestler,
Part Two
Last week we left off with yours truly planning my strategy for winning a second Pennsylvania State Championship. Let's now continue part two of my interview with West York's (PA) Don Lehman.
Don Lehman - As a senior, you reached the 1965 112lb. PIAA State Wrestling finals... and your opponent was West York High School's Dana Luckenbaugh. What did you and your coaches know about Dana before the match... and, walk me through your mental approach?
Bill Welker - Coach Paul and Coach Weaver were exceptional when it came to scouting our opponents. Their analytical abilities in evaluating our adversaries mat skills were nonpareil.
I don't remember the specifics of our strategy for wrestling Dana Luckenbaugh, but I do know my general "game plan" for the match. I was aware that Dana was an exceptional pinner, strong and very aggressive. My strategy was to slow down the pace of the match to get Dana away from his style of wrestling. In other words, I wanted to keep him off-balance regarding the tactics he normally felt comfortable with during a match. My goal was to keep the match close until the third period and then let loose. Everything worked as planned when Dana and I reached the final period of the bout. In fact, the score was tied 3-3 at that point. Victory and a second state championship was mine for the taking since I was down the third period, and escapes and reversals were my forte.
Don Lehman - OK, I know from memory that the score was tied 3-3 with Dana assuming the "top" position for the 2-minute third and final period. What was your thought process?
Bill Welker - I had the match in the grasp of my hands. I knew I previously escaped from Dana, and all was going according to my plan. Being in the down position was perfect; rarely has an opponent ever held me down. But then I made the fatal mistake that all great wrestlers dread happening during a match, I HESITATED! As I mentioned before, Dana was strong. He rode me out, acquired one-point for riding time, winning 4-3, and was crowned the 112-pound PIAA State Champion in 1965.
I was devastated. For years after the bout, I lamented the mistake I made in my final high school match. But as time passed, I became more philosophical regarding my scholastic career. In fact, I now count my blessings. God was so good to the Welker brothers (Floyd Welker won states in 1959), giving us physical abilities and the opportunity to experience a state championship in one of America's most respected scholastic wrestling states - Pennsylvania.
Don Lehman - Dr. Welker, I appreciate your time and insight into this great sport of wrestling which you are a huge part of! Thanks again, Bill, for your very candid and informative interview.
Bill Welker - Don, it has been an extreme pleasure. I attribute any success that I have had in my life to being surrounded by people of strong religious character and positive ideals - my parents, my grandparents, my teachers, my coaches and my devoted wife Peggy. Without them persistently guiding me in the right direction, I don't know what might have happened to me.
Finally, I thank God for all His blessings. Though I don't deserve His "Grace," I thank Him everyday. I think my mom's total devotion to God has also had a lot to do with it.