“A tremendous caring individual” -Those are the words of former Pen Argyl Head Football coach Paul Reduzzi, when asked about Mikey Racciato, who passed away on Christmas Day at the age of 26.
While no details were shared about his passing, Reduzzi took this one to heart. “This one hurts. Mikey is a kid that changed every room he was in and made a difference in everything he did. I was proud to coach him and be a big part of his family. He just lit up the room.”
Racciato was one of the best wrestlers to come out of the Lehigh Valley and also excelled on the football field. The 2013 Pen Argyl grad posted 184-8 career record. A 3-time PIAA champion, Racciato also won the District XI championship three times before moving to the collegiate level to excel at the University of Pittsburgh. He won more than 60 matches, including the ACC Championship during his sophomore campaign in 2015.
On the football field, Racciato, was a 2-way player for the Green Knights, helping Pen Argyl win a pair of District XI Championships, including his senior year, that saw him rush for more than 1400 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Reduzzi couldn’t speak more highly of Racciato. “While he was a tremendous wrestler and a great football player, he was even a better person.” He added, “Even when practicing hard, he took one hour everyday, to spend in the special education room. His good friend was David Williams, who has down syndrome, and he always wanted to help anyway he could and give back. They sang Christmas carols together just a couple days ago. “
Racciato was born May 25, 1994 and will forever go down as a wrestling legend from the Lehigh Valley. Racciato went 44-0 his senior year and his 184 wins ranks him in the top 20 in the state.
Photo courtesy of Paul Reduzzi
