Michael Ciotti Takes Over as Head Coach at Greater Latrobe

Michael Ciotti is back home.

He has been named the fifth coach in the history of the Greater Latrobe program. A Latrobe and Pitt graduate, Ciotti has traveled thousands of miles to return to where it all started.

In 10 seasons as a coach and educator, he’s worked in three Pittsburgh-area school districts – Pittsburgh Public, Franklin Regional and North Allegheny – as well as three in Hawaii – Kahakai, Kealakehe and Waikoloa.

Ciotti replaces Tad Harbert who spent four years as the Wildcat’s head coach – although Ciotti said in a social media post that he expects Harbert to be back in the room occasionally.

Ciotti, a 2002 state runner-up, also said in the post what it means to him to be head coach of the Wildcats.

“I’m prouder than ever to back in my home town,” he said. “It also happens to have one of the top educational systems in the States and is the best place in the World to wrestle folkstyle. The Latrobe Wrestling Program has been developed by dedicated individuals over many decades. We have traditions here and will keep them as we strive to improve.”

The Greater Latrobe program is steeped in tradition. Tom “Legs” Harbert – Tad’s father – was a hall of fame coach, as was his successor, Marc Billett, who retired in 2012. Tad Harbert followed in his father’s footsteps before giving way to Ciotti.

After 15 seasons spent on the sidelines at Greater Latrobe Tad Harbert, a 1986 graduate of Latrobe, has moved to the Dallastown Area School District where his wife will be teaching. Tad is anticipating staying involved in the sport in their new home. He spent 11 seasons as an assistant coach to Billett before taking over the reins in 2012.

Ciotti takes over a program that loses is biggest names from last year – Ohio State recruit Luke Pletcher and Kent State recruit Ethan McCoy – but includes 20-match winners Brady Sherback and Angelo Harr.