Joel Weber’s introduction to wrestling came in Sudbrook Middle in the Junior League under the guidance of Hall of Fame Coach John Lowe. Little did he know then that this would be the beginning of a nearly 50 year involvement in the sport as a wrestler, coach and administrator. Joel wrestled all 4 years at Pikesville High School and captained the team his last two years. He advanced to the county finals and became the first Pikesville wrestler to qualify for the District Tournament in 1970. An outstanding athlete, Joel also captained the football and baseball teams at Pikesville. He attended Frostburg State, graduating in 1974 with a Science and Physical Education Degree. Joel was a key member of the Baseball Team for four years which proved to be one of the best Division III teams in the country, qualifying and placing in the College World Series.

Joel coached both Varsity and JV football and baseball during his 34 year teaching career, but his 27 years as a wrestling coach remains his crowning achievement. He coached the Varsity at Lansdowne, Chesapeake and Pikesville High Schools. Without the benefit of an established junior league team feeding his schools, Joel managed to field competitive teams. He also coached Junior Varsity at Hereford and Dulaney. His wrestlers were disciplined, tough and respectful competitors reflecting his own high standards. He is one of the few area coaches to win both the prestigious Contribution to Wrestling Award and the Sportsmanship Award. He was also awarded “Maryland Assistant Coach of the Year” in 2002-3 by the National Wrestling Coaches Association.

Moreover, Joel Weber always took on leadership roles and promoted wrestling in Baltimore County. He served as Athletic Director at Pikesville, Department Chairman at Dulaney and he coached five years in the Reisterstown Recreation Wrestling Program. He started the first Pikesville Invitation Tournament, directed the Baltimore County Tournament, created the first senior all-star meet in Baltimore County, volunteered for the State Wrestling Committee and spent 15 years working on the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Committee. 

Joel’s sons Jonathan and Jason were both excellent high school athletes and top wrestlers. Joel was lucky enough to coach both of his sons in wrestling and baseball. Joel Weber and his wife Jane still live in Pikesville, not far from Sudbrook where Joel was introduced to wrestling nearly 55 years ago.