Capone continues wrestling success

Wrestling remains a key part of Pete Capone’s life.

Years after capturing two state wrestling titles for Watertown High School, Capone is a successful wrestling coach at Johnson City High School.

He became involved in wrestling as a youngster watching his older brothers compete. His brother, Tom, also was named to the Times’ Greatest Athletes list. Capone became a member of the WHS wrestling program in the fifth grade, serving as the varsity team manager.

He began wrestling competitively on the modified team while he was in the seventh grade and then won the first of his two state championships as a junior in the 145-pound class in 1979. A year later, he won the state title in the 155-pound class.

Capone finished his high school career with a 112-13 record. His two state titles matched his brother Tom’s feat. In 1980, he was named one of the top 12 scholastic wrestlers in the country. He was the recipient of the William I. Graf Award presented annually to the outstanding senior athlete.

Upon graduating from WHS, Pete went on to wrestle at Hofstra University where he received All-American honors. He also wrestled on the junior world wrestling team.

Capone also competed and won wrestling honors at the Empire State Games.

Capone, who also works as a dentist, has been the coach at Johnson City since the 1990-91 season. He led the team to its first state title in 1998. In 2003, he was named Section 4 Class A wrestling coach of the year. That year, Capone led the Wildcats to a 23-0 record in dual meets. Johnson City finished as the top-ranked school in the state.

Capone’s son, Peter Michael, has joined the Ohio State wrestling program. A six-year varsity starter at Johnson City, he was a three-time state qualifier and a two-time state placer. He won the state title in the 152-pound class as a senior. He will redshirt his first year at Ohio State and then compete for a position for the following year at either 184 or 197 pounds.