JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Screenwriter and producer Tony Marinozzi got to know Pat Pecora well in the final years of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown wrestling coach’s life.
He was impressed and inspired by the man he met.
Pecora, in 48 seasons in charge of the Mountain Cats’ program, earned more wins, 661, than any other wrestling coach in NCAA history. He led UPJ to NCAA Division II national team championships in 1996 and 1999. Fifteen of his wrestlers earned individual national titles.
His student-athletes thrived in the classroom. Many went onto have successful careers and lives, while remaining fiercely loyal to their former coach.
Pecora fought a years-long battle against cancer with dignity and character before succumbing at age 70 in September 2024.
Now Marinozzi is looking to tell Pecora’s life story in three separate projects – the movie “Never Let Go of the Rope,” the documentary “La Famiglia,” and the book “The System.”
“His story, his personality, his passion and enthusiasm, and serious tone at the same time – he was a conglomeration of things. As a writer, I was just like, ‘Wow, I’d really like to study him and how he became him,’ ” Marinozzi said. “And so after that, I said, ‘Let’s try to do this.’ ”
Marinozzi and a film crew were at UPJ to conduct interviews Friday as the school hosted Winterfest, an annual event that celebrates Pecora and Pitt-Johnstown athletics.
“Honestly, it means everything,” said Abby Gearhart, the university’s director of athletics. “I’m so honored and happy that they are telling Pat’s story. It’s something that needs to be told. And why I love it is because he was all about family, and that’s what we are here.”
Jessica Heisey, the actress who will portray Gearhart in “Never Let Go of the Rope,” also visited the school. She spent time with Gearhart on campus and in the local community, while learning more about Pecora’s contributions.
“I just thought it was a great story to tell, such a hard-working person, and really put UPJ on the map in this way,” Heisey said. “I just thought it was a great story – great people involved, good people, who also happen to be very good at what they do and left a legacy. I thought it was important to be a part of sharing that.”
Marinozzi said that, with an aggressive schedule, “Never Let Go of the Rope” could be ready for release during the 2026-27 wrestling season.
The documentary could be out within the next few months.
