State wrestling champion takes reins of Malvern wrestling program

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Francesco Borsellino has been selected as the new wrestling coach at Malvern High School. He will officially be hired at the Malvern Board of Education meeting Aug. 19.

Borsellino is a 2017 graduate of Sandy Valley High School. He earned bachelor’s degree in Social Work from West Liberty University in 2022 and a master’s degree in Business Administration from West Liberty University in 2024. He will also serve as a full-time substitute teacher for Brown Local this school year.

Francesco was a standout student and athlete at Sandy Valley where he wrestled for Coach Greg Donahue. Francesco twice qualified for the OHSAA State Wrestling Championships, earning First Team All-Ohio Honors during his junior season by placing fifth. As a senior, Borsellino made history by becoming the first wrestling champion in Sandy Valley history. He was also a star football player for the Cardinals, earning First-Team All-Ohio honors during his junior season.

At the college level, Borsellino earned three varsity letters at West Liberty University in football and six varsity letters in wrestling. He qualified for the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships on four occasions, earning All-American recognition in 2020 by placing seventh in the nation. He also excelled in the classroom, earning Academic All-American status in 2024. While at West Liberty, Francesco had the opportunity to be coached and mentored by Head Coach Danny Irwin, who has had a positive impact on his life.

Malvern Athletic Director Dave Tucci said Borsellino was selected based on his strong wrestling experience and enthusiasm for the sport.

“We are very excited for Coach Borsellino,” Tucci stated. “He is young, but has been mentored by outstanding coaches along the way. He will also have the support of Principal Tim Babiczuk and Coach Dan Clear to ensure his success. Our program thrived under Coach Robbie Wilson and I am confident Borsellino will continue the success.”

“I am very grateful for this opportunity and excited to lead the Malvern Hornet wrestling program. Malvern has a great wrestling foundation. I want to give back to the great sport of wrestling that has given me so much. Coach Irwin was such a great coach and mentor. I plan to bring many of his philosophies in the Malvern Hornet Program,” Borsellino said.