Lycoming News

Pankil Chander has announced his resignation as the Head Wrestling Coach at Pennsylvania College of Technology. Chander is leaving to pursue another full-time coaching opportunity, prompting Penn College to initiate a national search for his successor.

Reflecting on his tenure, Chander expressed gratitude for his time with the team. "I'm grateful for the lessons, relationships, and opportunities that came with being at the helm of Penn College Wrestling," he said. "I cherished the process of hard work it took with our student-athletes, coaches, and community to grow this program in every category - it could not have happened without the buy-in they displayed in my vision and system."

Chander's leadership saw significant achievements for the wrestling program over two seasons. Last season, the Wildcats began ranked 23rd in the National Wrestling Coaches Association preseason poll and ended with a top-25 GPA among Division III wrestling teams. The team's accomplishments included defeating a nationally ranked opponent for the first time and securing their inaugural tournament title by winning the RIT Invitational.

Further successes under Chander's guidance included seven wrestlers being ranked in the Mideast region, a runner-up finish at the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Championship, nine podium finishes at this event, three regional place-winners, four wrestlers achieving over 30 wins each season, and receiving multiple academic honors.

In his first year during 2022-23, Chander led Penn College to its first winning dual meet record in NCAA history. The team also had three wrestlers place at Mideast regionals, with Isaac Cory becoming their first national qualifier following a runner-up finish.

Beyond coaching duties, Chander served as Athletic Diversity and Inclusion Designee (ADID) for Penn College’s athletics department. He played a key role in obtaining funding for a new full-time position within their communications office.

Penn College will now focus on finding a new leader to continue building upon these foundations established by Chander.