For more than four decades, Robert Lorence has been a driving force in Pennsylvania wrestling, serving as a coach, official, organizer, and advocate for the sport’s growth. A native of Greensburg, Lorence began his wrestling career at Norwin High School, where he was a Westmoreland County and section champion, WPIAL runner-up, and one of the top eight competitors in the state. He continued his career at Lycoming College, competing from 1961 to 1965 as a four-year varsity wrestler. During his collegiate years, Lorence wrestled on nationally ranked teams that consistently placed among the top 10 in the country.

Lorence’s impact on the sport began almost immediately after his own competitive career ended. As a high school senior in 1961, he was asked by his coach to help establish a junior high wrestling program in the Norwin School District. Working with school administrators and physical education teachers, Lorence and his peers built a foundation that soon produced competitive teams, culminating in a runner-up finish at the WPIAL regional tournament within just four years. This early initiative foreshadowed the leadership that would characterize his life in wrestling.

After graduating from Lycoming in 1965, Lorence embarked on a long coaching career across southeastern Pennsylvania. He served as an assistant coach at Bensalem High School and William Tennent High School before taking head coaching positions at Springfield (Montgomery County) and Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, where he led teams for more than 20 years. He later returned as a volunteer assistant coach, remaining active on the mat well into the 2000s. Under his leadership, Lorence not only developed competitive high school programs but also founded influential community initiatives. He launched the Wristlock Wrestling Clinic, which over two decades brought in top clinicians such as Olympic champion Bobby Weaver to work with young athletes. He also co-founded the Plymouth Youth Wrestling Organization, which grew into one of the premier youth wrestling clubs in the area and continues to serve more than 100 athletes annually.

In addition to coaching, Lorence played a pivotal role in shaping policy and recognition for athletes. Troubled by the lack of team scoring and medals for place winners in postseason tournaments, he personally tallied results and created awards in the early 1970s, setting a precedent that soon became standard across District One. He served on the District One Steering Committee, acted as Suburban One League representative, and was president of the District One Coaches Association. Beyond coaching, Lorence gave back through officiating, serving 15 years as a PIAA official and leading the Old York Road Chapter as president from 1990 to 1992.

Robert Lorence’s career is defined by service to the sport at every level. Whether through pioneering youth programs, advocating for fair recognition of athletes, or developing competitive high school teams, his contributions have left a permanent mark on Pennsylvania wrestling. For his decades of leadership, vision, and dedication, Robert Lorence is a worthy inductee into the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Lorence lives with his wife, Karen, in Plymouth Meeting and has three adult children, Robert Jr., Adam and Kristen.