Jeff Karam at the Walsh Ironman (Photo/Sam Janicki)Jeff Karam is stepping down as head wrestling coach at Bethlehem Catholic High School, the northeastern Pennsylvania school announced Friday.
Karam has been at the helm of the program, ranked No. 17 in the nation in InterMat's Fab 50 high school rankings, for a decade.
In his last season as coach, Karam's Golden Hawks were 16-1, earning a Class 3A team title -- with five individual champs -- at the 2018 PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) state wrestling championships. The wrestling program at Becahi won a total of six team titles during Karam's ten-year tenure, including four consecutive Class 2A championships from 2011-14, and compiled an overall record of 159-20.
Prior to coming to Bethlehem Catholic, Karam coached 16 seasons at Freedom High School, and one season at Delaware Valley in New Jersey. Before becoming a coach, Karam wrestled at Easton High School, then at Lock Haven University.
Why is Jeff Karam leaving one of the nation's top prep powerhouses? The 50-year-old coach decided it was time to spend more time with his family.
Karam and his wife Deborah have twin sons -- Luke, who just completed his first season wrestling at Lehigh University (where he was an NCAA championships qualifier), and Cole, who is considering a return to the sport after stepping away for a time.
"I missed Luke's first college pin," Jeff Karam told the Allentown Morning Call. "I missed something I can't get back."
"I just felt it was the right time to do it," Karam said. "My family always comes first in my life. I don't want miss those moments if I don't have to."
In announcing the departure of its successful wrestling coach, Bethlehem Catholic athletic director Chris Domyan said, "Jeff Karam has achieved tremendous accomplishments as a wrestling coach here at Becahi, but all of his accolades pale in comparison to his character, faith, and leadership. In just 10 years, he has led countless young men on a path of excellence in the sport of wrestling, all because of his unwavering dedication and commitment. I can think of no greater compliment than to say, that if I had a son, I would be blessed to have him coached by Jeff Karam. He will truly be missed by the Bethlehem Catholic community and we wish him all the best in the future."
"It has been an honor to coach at Bethlehem Catholic," Karam said in the news release. "The families, staff, student body, and the administration, have been very supportive. The relationships and memories are something that I will cherish for years to come. I was so blessed to be part of these athletes' lives and I look forward to seeing their growth and success in the future. I also just want to thank all of my coaches, especially Randy Cruz, who is one of the best coaches I have been around. Lastly, I want to thank my wife and sons for their support in allowing me to do something that I love."
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