MORGANTOWN — The Vitale family has a long history with the sport of wrestling.
Frank Vitale and his son, UHS junior Max Vitale, the starting 157-pound wrestler for top-ranked University High, have shared countless memories and moments together.
With all they have seen and done together in wrestling, Frank and Max recently created a new memory when they served as referees in the same tournament.
“Being a referee is a great way to give back to the sport of wrestling,” Frank said. “I was certified when I was 17 in New Jersey and got out of it after heading to the military, where I coached wrestling. I ended up in Morgantown at WVU and always stayed around the sport, eventually becoming certified in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.”
It was Max’s aspiration to become a referee that inspired his father to return to the mat as an official and, ultimately, serve in the same tournament as his son.
“We are around wrestling 12 months out of the year,” Frank said. “Being a referee gives you a different perspective from being a coach, wrestler, parent, or fan. Your number one job is to provide a safe environment for the wrestlers, so you begin to see things a little differently. You’re also out there to maintain the integrity of the sport and make sure it’s upheld in a way you don’t have to worry about as much when you’re the one competing. We provide a safe, fair environment for the athletes.”
Coincidentally, Max, who refereed his first-ever tournament, also did so at the age of 17, just like his father.
“I didn’t even know that until you told me, that’s pretty crazy,” Max said. “I’ve been wrestling since I was a kid and can remember refs always being positive and encouraging when I was younger. So, I thought, why not go do that for some of the kids who are wrestling now? Some of these kids are four years old, and to see them smiling and enjoying the sport means they’ll continue to come back to it.”
Frank echoed his son’s words about inspiring the sport’s youth.
“Those are who we were refereeing in our first tournament together,” Frank said. “It’s a great chance to set the tone for the youth of the sport and show them a little extra when you’re out there. You can ref the match but also instruct the kids a little when they’re younger. Show them how to set up and how to position. Providing a little patience can go far with kids who are just getting started in the sport.”
Along with that, it’s important to note that Max and Frank are doing it for the right reasons.
“It isn’t just a job or something for some extra money,” Max said. “I love the sport and want to be around it anyway I can, helping it grow.”
