MECCA Sports Inc: Empowering Athletes, Educating Families, and Building Community
By: Carrie Miner Yaple | Sportzwire | April 6, 2025 | Photo courtesy Carrie Miner Yaple @v1sion_media
Founded in November 2024, MECCA Sports Inc. located in Bloomsburg, is a nonprofit organization with a mission to promote athletics, education, health, and community engagement. MECCA was established by a group of wrestling enthusiasts who are focused on providing mentorship to both athletes and their families, helping them navigate the world of youth sports while maximizing their potential. With a unique emphasis on personal growth and community support, MECCA is creating opportunities for athletes of all ages to thrive.
A Personal Commitment to Athlete Development
The vision for MECCA Sports Inc. is deeply rooted in the Retherford family's own experience in the world of athletics. Al and Sarah, proud parents of three children who each competed or will complete, at the Division I level in various sports, understand the challenges that families face when guiding their kids toward success. As Sarah shared, “Our mission is for each athlete to achieve their greatest potential—not just as an athlete, but as a person.” Al added, “We’ve been through the journey ourselves, and we know the path. Our goal is to help other parents and athletes find their way through it, at the right time.”
MECCA was born from the Retherfords’ desire to fill a gap they saw in their community. There simply wasn't a local facility that offered the same level of training and resources available at larger, far-off institutions. “When our son was training, we had to travel hours away,” Al explained. “We want to offer that same high-level training, mentorship, and community right here, so families don’t have to go far from home to give their kids opportunities.”
Creating a Strong Community Through Mentorship
MECCA isn't just about athletic training; it's about building a supportive environment where athletes and their families can thrive. Al emphasized that "wrestlers, in particular, need the club environment." A strong sense of community can provide a crucial foundation for athletes, both in terms of technical development and emotional support. By providing top-tier training close to home, MECCA ensures that young athletes have the chance to focus on improving their skills without the added burden of long-distance travel.
“Our role is not just about coaching,” Sarah said. “We want to be there for families, offering guidance, and being a resource they can trust. We’re building a community of athletes, parents, and coaches who can all support each other.”
This sense of camaraderie is evident in the coaching staff, which Sarah refers to as “the heart of MECCA.” The coaching team is made up of seasoned professionals with extensive experience both on the mat and in coaching, all of whom are dedicated to developing the next generation of athletes.
Meet the Coaches: A Team of Champions
Ty Walters - Director of Operations, Mifflinburg HS and Cornell graduate
Mike Rhone – Men’s Head Coach, Benton graduate, D2 All-American at St. Cloud State University, and PIAA State Runner-Up. Mike brings both technical expertise and a deep passion for teaching.
Jaret Lane – Assistant Men’s Head Coach, Southern graduate, 2X PIAA State Champion, and EIWA Champion at Lehigh University. Jaret is a recognized leader in the wrestling community with numerous accolades.
Mike Stuart – Head Assistant Coach, a 3x PIAA Place Winner from Benton. Mike’s experience as an athlete and coach adds invaluable insight to MECCA’s program.
Cole Rhone – Women’s Head Coach, 2X PIAA State Runner-Up for Benton, and D1 National Qualifier at Bloomsburg University. Cole is passionate about fostering female athletes and bringing out their best.
Spencer Myers – Heavyweight Coach, PIAA State Champion for Selinsgrove, NCAA 6th place at the University of Maryland, and 2X ACC Champion. Spencer’s experience in both high school and college wrestling makes him a key asset to the team.
Patrick O'Hara – Youth Head Coach, former Wyoming Seminary Prep School coach for nine years.
Jarryd Lokuta – Elementary Coach, dedicated to instilling foundational skills in the youngest athletes at MECCA.
Dr. Jiatian Qu – A valued coach who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team.
Colton Babcock – A Northwest grad and coach who helps athletes refine their skills and build their mental toughness.
A significant development for MECCA Sports Inc. is the addition of clinician's like Vayle-Rae Baker, women's wrestling standout athlete, and Zain Retherford, a Benton High School and Penn State University graduate. Zain, who is also the son of Al and Sarah, brings a wealth of experience to the program. He is widely regarded as one of the top wrestlers in the USA, and his involvement with MECCA marks an exciting chapter for the organization.
Zain’s credentials are nothing short of remarkable. Zain is a 2X State Champ at Benton and 2012 Cadet World Champion. He is a 3X National Champion at Penn State, a 2X Hodge Trophy Winner (the equivalent of the Heisman Trophy for wrestlers), a 2023 World Champion, and a 2024 Paris Olympian. Zain’s extraordinary achievements and success on the international stage inspire both current athletes and aspiring champions at MECCA.
This week, Zain kicked off an eight-week training series with the athletes at MECCA, offering expert instruction and sharing insights from his own storied career. His involvement in the program highlights MECCA’s commitment to providing athletes with access to the best training available.
A Bright Future for MECCA Sports Inc.
With a clear vision for the future, Al and Sarah Retherford are excited to continue growing MECCA Sports Inc. and expanding the opportunities it offers to athletes in their community. Their commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for athletes is reflected not only in their mission but also in the outstanding coaching staff and incredible mentors they’ve assembled.
As MECCA moves forward, it remains dedicated to helping athletes reach their highest potential, both in sports and in life, while building a strong, connected community around the sport of wrestling. With the expertise of the coaching staff and the addition of top-tier athletes like Zain Retherford, MECCA Sports Inc. is poised to make a lasting impact on the region.
For families in Benton, PA, and the surrounding areas, MECCA Sports Inc. offers a place where athletes can grow, learn, and achieve their goals—without having to leave their hometown. With a focus on mentorship, athlete development, and community engagement, MECCA is the place where future champions are made.
Located at 225 Columbia Mall Drive, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
