'He was an ambassador for the sport': Longtime wrestling official Ralph Hartlaub dies

Ralph Hartlaub, a legend among the York County wrestling community, died on Thursday, from what his daughter, Jody Becker, says was congestive heart failure. He was 81 years old.

Hartlaub's legacy is marked with dozens of accomplishments.

Among being one of the great sports figures in the area, Hartlaub was also responsible for creating the wrestling program at both New Oxford High High School (1964) and Delone Catholic (1966). He has also been elected to two halls of fame — New Oxford's in 1989 and the District 3 Hall of Fame in 1999.

Of interest: Battling cancer, this Fairfield teen had the prom of her dreams

Hartlaub also played softball overseas during his four years in the United States Air Force.

He finished his dual meet officiating career in 2015 at the same place he started his wrestling career: at Hanover High School. After 53 years and around 25,000 matches, he had to call it quits, on the advice of his doctor. But his passion for the sport continued.

Bryant Meckley is the rules interpreter for the Greater York Wrestling Officials Association. Thanks to Hartlaub, Meckley became involved with officiating.

More: A final time on the mat: YAIAA seniors duel at all-star wrestling match

"Ralph was an ambassador for wrestling and for the officials," Meckley said. "No matter where you went in southcentral Pennsylvania, someone knew Ralph Hartlaub and knew everything he was doing for everyone in wrestling.

"Ralph was a big influence on my life," he added.

Hartlaub was known to everyone as an ambassador for the sport. He was also known to call the quickest pin in York County, so it was a good idea not to roll on your back, according to his family.

But to Cody Becker, he was also known as grandpa.

More: Photos: Hanover Baseball celebrates opening day

More: Photos: Hanover Little League's 25th annual opening day

Cody said that Hartlaub got him and his brother into wrestling. And while his grandfather didn't referee many of Cody's matches, there's two that will always stand out.

Jody Becker recalled Cody's senior night at Spring Grove in 2004. Hartlaub was wearing a coat inside. When questioned about it, he took it off to show his striped shirt and whistle, surprising his family by reffing that match.

Cody went on to wrestle for Millersville. While his family sat waiting to watch him wrestle as a freshman against East Stroudsburg, there was one thing missing — a referee.

The Millersville head coach asked Hartlaub to officiate the match, so that it didn't need to be rescheduled.

"He always carried his reffing gear with him," Jody said. "But this time, he didn't have it."

Of interest: With 'humble hearts and a lot of talent,' Hanover thrift shop celebrates 25 years

That wasn't a problem. They brought him a shirt that was a little too big and a whistle.

Cody won that match.

"His life revolved around wrestling," Cody said. "You couldn’t go anywhere without anyone knowing him."

And his legacy will live on.

Instead of flowers, Cody said the family is asking for donations to the Greater York Officials Association — something Hartlaub would've wanted.