ALTOONA — It was a long time coming but five of the all-time greats in the history of Mifflin County wrestling were honored with induction into the District 6 Wrestling Hall of Fame Saturday during the District 6 Class 3A tournament.

Bob Torok, the longtime coach at Chief Logan, Penn Highlands and Indian Valley; the late Charlie Faust (Chief Logan); and Lewistown standouts Gary Gill, John Henderson and Jim Swineford are the latest members enshrined from Mifflin County, bringing the total to 15.

Torok assisted Hall-of-Famer Charlie Roselle for 25 years (1965-1990) and the duo were the perfect pair. The animated Roselle and the laid-back Torok complemented each other’s personality and the results were fantastic.

During their time together, they produced five state champions, 14 state place-winners, 25 state qualifiers, 23 district champions and 10 regional champs.

“We had mutual respect for each other. Charlie never wanted to just be the head man and dictate everything. I was allowed to coach. It was a great relationship,” Torok said. “Continuity in a staff is important in every sport and we had that. I was an assistant in football under Joe Shirk and we had the same staff, there was no turnover. In my opinion, that’s the key to a good program.”

Despite the gaudy numbers, Torok, a 1957 graduate of Chief Logan, didn’t imagine ever going into the hall of fame until he got the call.

“I didn’t expect it, so it’s kind of exciting from that standpoint to be recognized by the hall of fame,” Torok said. “Charlie (Roselle) was inducted into the hall of fame and all our state champions were inducted, so I’m happy and excited to join them.”

Torok graduated from Lock Haven University in 1961 and after a stint assisting at Shamokin under Pennsylvania Hall-of-Famer Mal Paul, he matriculated back to his alma mater, turning down the chance to lead programs at Mount Carmel and Southern Columbia.

“I’m glad I went back to Chief Logan. It was the right decision because we were able to bring the first Mifflin County state champion and produce other state champs,” Torok said. “We had a lot of great kids and I had a lot of great times with Charlie. After I retired, I’ve been a scorer at districts and regionals the last 23 years. Wrestling is a great sport. It’s an individual sport and a team sport at the same time. There’s nothing quite like it.”

Gill was a PIAA runner-up in 1960 for the Panthers, losing to Robert Bell of Columbia 5-3 at 95 pounds.

“I was very happy to hear I was going to be inducted. I didn’t expect it at all and after so many years since we last wrestled, it’s quite an honor,” Gill said. “What pops in my mind about my finals match is maybe I wasn’t prepared enough. I lost a lot of weight. I was a little tired. I was growing that season and tried to keep my weight down and to be honest with you, I got weaker as the season went along. No excuses though, the guy definitely beat me. I’m very happy to be a state runner-up. It was an honor.”

Gill gravitated to wrestling because it was a sport the little guy could participate and excel at, provided he put in the time and effort.

“I was a small child, but I was tough and I was strong. By chance, a friend of mine talked me into going out for wrestling and I’m glad I did,” Gill said. “I love the sport. It was something I could compete in because I was going against kids my own size and that’s what I liked the most about wrestling. I had great teammates and great coaches that helped me during my high school career. It was a great sport for me. It taught me many things. Wrestling teaches great lessons.”

Swineford, the first wrestler in county history to earn two district and regional titles along with two PIAA appearances, earned runner-up status in 1965 after falling to Trinity’s John Abajace 12-5 in the 103-pound finals.

“It’s hard to remember my state finals match, that was over 50 years ago,” joked Swineford. “Abajace was a solid wrestler and I was proud and honored to be in the state finals and to wrestle at Rec Hall. I wrestled there in 1963, my sophomore year, in the semifinals and in 1965. I got a fire truck ride after my senior year and I think I was the first in Mifflin County to get the ride.”

Swineford, like all the inductees, feels honored and humbled going into the hall. He appreciates what the sport taught him over the years.

“It’s a great honor to be recognized for your achievements. I didn’t expect it after so many years, but it’s a nice feeling to be inducted and to go in with four others from Mifflin County,” Swineford said. “It was a lot tougher to get to states back then because only the champions advanced and there was only one class, so if you weren’t at your best that would be it. Wrestling taught me discipline, got me physically strong and helped me grow in so many ways.”

Henderson earned PIAA silver in 1961, dropping a 3-1 decision to John Dussling of Springfield-Delco at 145 pounds. Henderson could not make the event because he was taking care of his ill wife.

Faust lost in the 120-pound finals in 1967 to Ron Junko of Trinity by a 5-3 score. His record that season was 23-1-2. Faust was the first state qualifier, placer and finalist in school history. Tragically, Faust died in a car accident in 1969 at the age of 20.

“It’s nice to see Charlie Faust, even though he passed away, getting inducted. He was our first state finalist and a great kid. It was too bad he died in an automobile accident,” Torok said. “It’s nice that all the others are being recognized from the Mifflin County area. They were all great wrestlers. I enjoyed watching them and in some cases, having wrestlers compete against them.”