A Visit with former WPIAL champion Jeannette's Matt Lebe

Background Info: Matt Lebe, a 2001 Jeannette High School graduate, won three WPIAL Class 2A wrestling titles, won three Southwest Region titles, and among the top three in the PIAA all three years, all at 160 pounds. Lebe placed third in the PIAA as a sophomore, second as a junior, and first as a senior. Lebe also placed second in the WPIAL as a freshman. Lebe continued his career at West Virginia and was a four-time NCAA Division I qualifier. He earned All-American status as a junior after placing seventh in the country. He ranks second in West Virginia history in career victories. Lebe has been a coach at Franklin Regional for eight years, including three as head coach.

Matt Lebe's WPIAL championship experience
"Being here in Western Pennsylvania and the WPIAL being so prestigious, to win three WPIAL titles is something I hold dear. And now that I'm coaching, I realize just how tough the WPIAL is. All three titles were special. Each of them was different and unique. In the beginning, it was nice to win. As I got deeper in my career, I had to maintain that level and continue reaching for my goals."

Lebe's PIAA championship experience
"I was third in the state as a sophomore, then second, and finally first in my senior year. Each year, I came back with the goal of improving on the previous year. I finally reached my goal of winning a PIAA title as a senior. It was the biggest accomplishment of my high school career."

What's the difference between winning a WPIAL title and coaching a WPIAL champ?
"It's a lot easier to be on the mat because you have control of the situation. When you are sitting in the corner, you have no control. It's so rewarding to see an athlete that you've coached, win a WPIAL or PIAA title."