Matt Kiser

Wrestling, Class of 2008

Matt Kiser was named to All-American teams twice during his wrestling career. He received All-American honors as a high school wrestler following his senior campaign in Youngsville, PA. Following his runner-up finish in the PA State Championships, Matt competed in the “Challenge of the Champions” event and finished 4th in the Nation. During that event, he won seven of nine matches in a three-day event and earned All-American status. As a college freshman wrestler at California University, Matt was named to the 'Freshman All-American Team' by the Journal of Amateur Wrestling News.

While at Youngsville High School Matt Kiser was an all-around athlete and earned a total of nine varsity letters. He earned two varsity letters in football, two letters in cross-country, and one letter in baseball playing with Tidioute. He excelled in those sports but his true love was wrestling. He earned another four varsity letters on the mat and had an outstanding career with a 112-26 mark. Hall of Fame Coach Tony Fera reported that “Matt had all the tools and he could raise his wrestling to a higher level.” Matt had won the sectional wrestling championships a total of three times in 1991, '92 and '93.

As a high school freshman, Matt wrestled at 145 but grew and competed at 160 as a senior. Having made three trips to the District Finals, Matt won the District Championship in '93. He went on to win the Western Regional Championship in '93. Having qualified for the State Championships in Hershey twice in his career, his 1993 trek took him to the AA Finals where he finished runner-up in the AA 160 Finals. His overtime match will be long remembered as one of the best matches in PIAA Wrestling history. Down by a large margin, Matt charged back and tied the match 5-5 at the end of regulation. O'Neill of Wyalsuing narrowly won by a 7-5 score.

Invited to the 'Challenge of the Champions' held at Duquense University in Pittsburgh, Matt won seven of nine matches in a three-day span and finished 4th at the National Event. Post season honors included Matt earning All-American status.

In college, Matt wrestled for California University of Pennsylvania where he recorded a stellar 23-11 record as a freshman. Matt was arunner-up in '95 NCAA Regional Championships.