By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The “Getting to Know” series is designed to help the community learn more about the coaches and administrators that are guiding today’s Portage County student-athletes to be tomorrow’s leaders.

Today, we get to know Southeast High School wrestling coach Shane Kuberry, who is in his first season leading the Pirates’ program.

SHANE KUBERRY

Q: Hometown?

A: Titusville, Pa.

Q: Education?

A: Titusville Senior High School (Class of 2004). Played football and wrestled. Thiel College (Class of 2009), with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Philosophy.

Q: Current occupation?

A: Behavior SSA with the Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Q: What inspired you to be a coach?

A: I have always loved wrestling and working with wrestlers. I just really love being in the room and being around the sport. Influencing the development of young men and women who are passionate about wrestling as much as I am is super rewarding. My son also played a huge role. He is very passionate about the sport and his love for it brought me back to it after some time.

Q: What makes being a coach at Southeast special to you?

A: The history of the program and the amount of people in our community who love wrestling and want our program to succeed is by far the most special thing about coaching here. You walk through the gym and down the halls and in the room and see all the success that has happened here — and to be a part of that and to try to build on it is a very special opportunity, and one I take seriously.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence as a coach?

A: I could literally list 20 people that have helped prepare me and influenced me, but the one that stands out the most is my dad. He taught me how to work for things and be hard nosed and determined. I still pick up the phone to talk to him daily, and he always asks how the team is doing and has words of encouragement. Also, the support I got from the coaching staff this year has been extremely helpful. Andy, Mike R., Mike K., Owen and Barry have all been wonderful this year and helped me navigate the season.

Q: Favorite TV show?

A: We watch a lot of college wrestling and college football.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: Vision Quest.

Q: Favorite musical artist?

A: The Beatles.

Q: Favorite food or meal?

A: Primanti sandwiches and Quaker Steak wings.

Q: Best vacation?

A: We used to go to the beach in Corolla, N.C., when I was a kid. It was a great time, even though I don’t care for the beach.

Q: Favorite motto or quote?

A: “Once you’ve wrestled, everything else in life is easy.”

Q: Describe your coaching philosophy?

A: We always talk about working hard, being tough, being willing to sacrifice and being hard nosed. That is the philosophy that we will be building on in the future. Hard work pays off, be tough, be willing to get what you want through your work.

Q: Favorite restaurant?

A: Primanti Brothers.

Q: Favorite teacher?

A: Dr. Arhtur White from Thiel College. He changed my life and helped me find my way in hard times.

Q: Advice you would give the younger version of yourself?

A: Keep working, head down, grind it out, good things will happen.

Q: Favorite coach from your playing days?

A: Joel Stearns. He was the assistant coach on my high school wrestling team. I learned a lot about wrestling from him.

Q: Coaching resume?

A: This is my first year at Southeast.

Q: Favorite sports team?

A: Penn State wrestling and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Q: Favorite athlete then?

A: Cael Sanderson.

Q: Favorite athlete now?

A: David Taylor and Bo Nickal.

Q: First job as a teenager?

A: Gas station attendant.

Q: Family member that always gave you the best advice?

A: My mom. You might not always like it, but it is always for the best and always straight forward.

Q: Halloween costume last year?

A: Dad.

Q: Favorite video game?

A: Whatever my son wants to play when we are home.

Q: First car?

A: 2004 Chevy Cavalier. I loved that car.