Wrestling is in the blood for Panther Valley’s Hunter and Tanner Kennedy

Wrestling is second nature for Hunter and Tanner Kennedy. They grew up around the sport.

The brothers spent time with their dad, Ed Kennedy, as he imparted his knowledge to countless wrestlers, working to develop the next generation of wrestlers.

“Wrestling was my life, and they started when they were 4-years old,” said the elder Kennedy. “I’ve been coaching for 23, 24 years. They’ve been on my hips since they were three.”

In some ways, it’s all they know. It’s in their blood.

And the younger Kennedys have picked up right where their dad left off.

As Ed completed his career at Panther Valley with over 90 wins and two trips to the state tournament under his belt, his sons have positioned themselves to build on their family’s great wrestling legacy.

They added another milestone this past weekend when Tanner recorded his 100th career victory in front of family and friends at Panther Valley’s Anthracite Duals, joining Hunter, who accomplished the feat earlier this season, in the 100-win club.

“It’s awesome, especially for him today, he got it today and I got it the first week,” Hunter Kennedy said on Saturday. “All the hard work’s paying off and it should pay off, more as the season goes on.”

Both accomplished in their own right, the brothers had no problem finding motivating to reach the milestone win total.

“We talk about it a lot,” Tanner said. “We’re really competitive; we talked about it before the season started, who was going to get 100 quicker, who’s going to break the (school) record for wins. We’re just competitive at home.

“We learned a lot (from our dad). We joke around and stuff at home about him getting to states and stuff. And he didn’t get 100 wins, and we did. So we joke around like that at home,” added Hunter.

It has translated to success on the mat.

Hunter was a district and regional runner-up a year ago, and advanced to the state tournament for the first time. Hunter lost to Northern Lehigh’s Ryan Farber, a state runner-up, in both the district and regional finals.

Tanner was a Schuylkill League champion, placed third at districts and advanced to regionals last season.

So, is it any surprise that the duo have been so successful?

“They put a lot into it,” said Panther Valley head coach Tim Robb. “Wrestling is one of those sports where you get out of it what you put into it.

“There’s a lot of sports where sometimes kids are more athletic … but both those boys have worked their butts off all the way through.”

While their talent might come naturally, they have developed their skills with that relentless work ethic.

“They work hard. That’s all they do is workout, and I think it’ll payoff,” said Ed Kennedy, who wrestled at Panther Valley from 1982-86. “They work their butts off every day. They go to practice, they come home from practice, they go workout with (Tamaqua football coach) Sam Bonner. They’re just so dedicated. They deserve it.”

As wins pile up and records fall, the younger Kennedys are doing their part to rewrite the school’s record books and establish their own legacy at Panther Valley, while continuing the tradition of their family.

“It’s great. It’s awesome,” said Ed Kennedy. “I always told them I wanted them next to me in the trophy case. I got Tanner on the wall right with me. Hunter can hopefully get a title and get right next to me. I always told them, I want their pictures next to their dad.”

But it’s postseason success, more than anything else, that drives and matters most to the Kennedys.

“I’m not shocked at all that they got as many wins as they did,” said Robb. “But to be honest with you, I think they’d both give it back if we could get state medals. They’re not wrestling to win 100 or 130 matches. They’re wrestling to win state medals.”

Even if they don’t, they’re already a success in the eyes of their greatest mentor.

“And if it doesn’t happen, I’m still proud of them,” said Ed Kennedy. “I’m still proud of them. They had great careers. They’re awesome kids, good students. I couldn’t ask for anything better than that.”

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MILESTONE … Tamaqua head coach Jim McCabe picked up his 100th career victory at the Hamburg Duals this past weekend. The Blue Raiders went 2-3 in the tournament.

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RIGHT NEXT DOOR … After Panther Valley played host to the Anthracite Duals last weekend, Lehighton will be the site of the Indian Duals this Saturday. It’s another chance to check out great wrestling without having to travel out of the area.

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OFF THE MAT … Five Times News area wrestlers were ranked in Off the Mat’s second issue of Class AA rankings. Northwestern’s Caleb Clymer was ranked sixth at 170 pounds, while Panther Valley’s Hunter Kennedy was eighth. At 160 pounds, Northwestern’s Jackson Bernhard was ranked 10th, up from 16th last week. Panther Valley’s Tanner Kennedy was 11th at 160 pounds, down from ninth a week ago despite an impressive performance at the Anthracite Duals. Tamaqua’s Bronson Strouse was ranked 16th at 220 pounds. Two District 11 teams made the top-25. Saucon Valley was ranked ninth, with Wilson 14th.

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WHAT TO WATCH FOR … In addition to the Indian Duals on Saturday, Palmerton will be in action at the Big Red Tournament at Souderton High School. Action is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Other area teams in action are Pleasant Valley, which will travel to Bangor at 7 p.m., while Panther Valley will host Halifax in a match that’s set to begin at 11 a.m.