Hall of Fame
Eric Witherite '99 (Wrestling) will receive the inaugural Golden Knight Courage Award created to honor those associated with Gannon Athletics who have shown an extraordinary amount of courage and strength outside of normal athletic endeavors. Witherite was a three-year starter for the Gannon wrestling team in the 1990's, placing twice at the regional championships. He competed at 167 and 184 pounds during his collegiate career.
Witherite has been fighting a courageous battle against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) since being diagnosed with the disease in February of 2011. Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. He retired from teaching at Chestnut Hill (Pa.) Elementary School that spring.
A 40-year-old father of two and loving husband, Witherite helped raise the McDowell (Pa.) High School wrestling program to new heights as a head coach for nine seasons. His teams achieved a combined record of 111-53. The former District 10 Class AAA Coach of the Year tutored 15 district champions, four Northwest region champions and four state medalists. The Trojans won a pair of Region 6 titles and one district championship under Witherite.
Witherite was known during his competition and coaching days as relentlessly upbeat and energetic. It's the same attitude he displays as he continues his battle with ALS.
