Coaches Corner
Coaches and Support Staff
Head Coach: Ryan Kennett
About: Coach Ryan Kennett is a North Wales resident and married to his wife Brittany. Ryan and Brittany have 4 children: Kylie, Declan, Brooke, and Gavin. Along with coaching wrestling, Ryan also coaches Lacrosse for WissLax. His wife Brittany is also active and coaches soccer and basketball within the Wissahickon programs.
Wrestling background:
- The Haverford School (1997-2004)
- University of Maryland (2004-2008)
Wrestling Honors:
- 3X PAISWT State Champ (2002,2003,2004)
- 4X Prep National place winner (7th, 6th, 3rd, 2nd)
- 2006, 2007, 2008 ACC Academic All-American
- 2008 starter ACC Championship Team-University of Maryland
- Cadet & Junior Freestyle State Runner-Up (2002, 2004)
Assistant Coach: Patrick Cissne
About: Coach Patrick Cissne is a Blue Bell resident, married to Samantha with three kids, Eli (8), Ryleigh (5) and Brooke (2). Patrick attended Upper Moreland High School. Pat enjoys playing golf and coaching his children's sports.
Wrestling background:
- Upper Moreland High School (1996-2000)
- University of Maryland (2004-2008)
Wrestling Honors:
- 3rd place ACC medal in 2004 at 174
- 2X PIAA regional place winner taking 4th twice
- a1X district Champ
- 2x section champ at 160
- Upper Morland High School - (1998) First individual undefeated season since 1980
Assistant Coach: Anthony Stagliano
About: Coach Stag lived in the Wissahickon School District for 25 years. His wife Holly is currently a teacher's assistant at Wissahickon High School and the girls Head Indoor Track Coach (she is also the Head XC coach and Assistant Outdoor Track coach at Gwynedd Mercy Academy). His daughter Shannon graduated from Wissahickon High School in 2016. While not coaching wrestling, Coach Stag is a Real Estate agent with Compass and runs a branding business 'Stag Business Branding'.
Wrestling background:
- Head Coach Wissahickon High School - 2010-current
- Volunteer Coach Wissahickon High School - 2009-2010
- Assistant Coach Plymouth Whitemarsh High School - 1997-2009
- Head Coach Upper Dublin High School - 1992-1997
- Assistant Coach LaSalle High School - 1987-1992
- Head Coach Shippensburg University (D1) - 1984-1985
- Assistant Coach Shippensburg University - 1981-1984
- West Chester University (D1) - 1976-1981
- Springfield High School - 1973-1976
Wrestling Honors:
- Co-Captain 1980-1981.
- 2nd East Coast Conference 1981
- Sectional Champion, District Champion, Regional 3rd place - 1973-1976
- 4th PIAA AAA States 1976
Support Staff
Volunteer Coach -
Practice Approach
Practice is held at Wissahickon High School wrestling room. Athletes are divided into two different practice groups based on experience and age. Your wrestler will be assigned practice group and times in the team scheduling app.
- Gold Practice (Beginner)- This practice group is for new wrestlers (first year) & Wrestlers with 1-2 year of experience and grades K-4. The intention of this group is to learn the basics of the sport; rules, scoring, fundamental moves, sportsmanship, entry level strength & flexibility training. Practice will consist of warm up & stretching, instruction & drills, live wrestling, and games. There will be quick transitions to keep engagement.
- Blue Practice (Advanced) - This practice group is for more experienced wrestlers. Wrestlers with 2+ years of experience and are in grades 2-8. Learn advanced moves while reinforcing the fundamentals, advanced strength & flexibility training, and drills. Emphasis on live wrestling. There will be increased competition, and of course Games!
**Wresters may be moved to a different practice group based on the coaching team's recommendations. These practice groups are designed to give our youth wresters the opportunity to practice with similar skilled and experienced teammates.
Competition Approach
Wissahickon Youth Wrestling participates in the Inter-County Wrestling League (ICWL). We will release the Competition Schedule and it will be posted on the Team Snap App calendar.
Equipment and Gear needed to participate
- Wrestling shoes
- Headgear
- Gym shorts & T-shirt for practice
- Singlet or Fight Shorts/Compression top. (must be tight) for competition
- Bag to keep everything together
2023 Registration OPEN
Registration Open - August 1st - November 10th
Early Registration Discount - August 1st through October 15th - $250
Regular Registration fees apply October 16th through November 6th - $285
*$150 for each additional family member
** Registration fees include
- Team singlet for wrestler
- Personalized team shirt
- Team shorts
Practices begin Monday, November 13th
Matches begin Saturday, December 16th