Talking Sports And Fitness With Zeke

Reading High wrestling coach Joe Ferrari shares with Zeke the story of a milestone season for the Red Knights and himself. When Ferrari became the wrestling head coach at Reading High, he wanted to build a program around a solid work ethic and a family atmosphere. “Our philosophy is to try to make guys better humans ... character builders and teach respect,” Ferrari tells Zeke. “Good people equals good work ethic equals successful people. Wrestling is hard work. Other teams say, ‘Do your guys always work that hard?’ Wrestling is hard work. We keep your heart rate as high as it can go.” More than a quarter-century after taking the job, Ferrari's philosophy helped the Red Knights enjoy one of their most successful seasons and reach a pair of milestones for the oldest wrestling program in Berks County. The Red Knights reached 20 wins in a season for the first time, finishing the dual meet schedule with a 22-8 record. The 22nd victory also was the 300th in Ferrari's 26 years at Reading. The Red Knights also qual