Ziad Haddad to launch new mat program at Allentown charter school

Ziad Haddad, a Pennsylvania high school state wrestling champ and two-time national collegiate titlewinner, has been picked to launch the brand-new wrestling program at Executive Education Academy Charter School in Allentown, Pa., the Allentown Morning Call reported Friday.

The new wrestling program will take to the mat for the first time this fall in the EEACS's 1,600-seat gym now completing construction.

Although this will be Haddad's first head coaching assignment, the 29-year-old brings considerable experience as a student-athlete and coach. He served as an assistant coach at Dieruff and Freedom before returning to Kutztown University in 2013 to complete his wrestling career and education.

At Kutztown, Haddad went 55-0 during his junior and senior seasons, winning consecutive NCAA Division II titles at heavyweight. After completing his eligibility, Haddad spent three seasons as an assistant coach at his college alma mater.

Prior to Kutztown, Haddad won a PIAA state title at Bethlehem Catholic.

"The opportunities that Executive Education Academy is offering our students are great," Haddad told the Morning Call. "I like the fact that we're integrating the sports segment. I think it's an integral part of school.

"From a wrestling end, it's a unique challenge and a benefit at the same time. You don't have to fight some of the challenges of taking over a program, but you have to instill the values and culture where they haven't existed at all. I'm looking forward to it."

Wrestling is one of two inaugural sports at EEACS, joining a new boys' basketball program. In fact, at the same time Haddad was announced as head wrestling coach, the charter school revealed it had hired veteran coach Ray Barbosa for its new basketball program.

Opened in 2014, Executive Education Academy has 1,300 students in grades K-12. The school has applied for membership in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association. The PIAA is scheduled to vote on the school's membership at its board meeting next Wednesday.

If approved, EEACS will compete as a Class 2A school in District 11 and PIAA competition.