Sanshiro Abe likes a challenge. And that's just what he is facing as Central Catholic High School's new wrestling coach.

The Vikings have compiled a 96-220 record the past 20 years and have had a winning record only once. That came during the 2001-02 season, when that squad posted a 10-4 mark. The only other Central Catholic squad to reach .500 during that stretch was the 2004-05 team, which had a 9-9 record.

"I've never been one to back down from a challenge," said Abe, who comes to Central Catholic after four years at Franklin Regional. "I'm starting from scratch and I like it that way. It will not be easy, but I'm looking forward to the challenge of turning this program into a winner."

Abe believes Central Catholic can have a successful program despite the absence of a feeder program.

"Just look at the great success Central Catholic has had in football and basketball," he said. "They face the same challenge and both teams have enjoyed great success. Both programs have shown it can be done."

Abe replaces Mike Downing, who had a 33-55 record in four seasons with the Vikings.

"Mike asked me to join his coaching staff when he took the job four years ago," Abe said. "Instead, I took a position as Franklin Regional's junior high coach. Last year, I became Eric Mausser's head assistant at Franklin Regional."

Then came the opening at Central Catholic.

"My goal has been to become a head coach," he said. "It was tough to leave Franklin Regional since I know the kids so well. This position at Central Catholic is a perfect fit for me."

Abe is originally from Tokyo.

"I began wrestling when I was 7 years old," Abe said. "Before I graduated from high school, I hooked up with an organization that tried to find college opportunities in the United States for Japanese athletes. They sent my resume to quite a few colleges and Penn State was one of the few schools that responded.

"One of Penn State's assistant coaches at the time was Hachiro Oishi, who is also from Japan. He contacted me and eventually offered a scholarship. It was a perfect fit for me."

Abe went on to became one of the most successful wrestlers in Penn State history. He is one of only three Nittany Lions' wrestlers who earned NCAA Division I All-American honors four consecutive years. He also was a two-time NCAA finalist and concluded his career in 1996 by winning the 126-pound national title.

"During my second year at Penn State, a couple teammates told me I had to have a nickname," Abe said. "They started calling me Sunny. Now everybody calls me Sunny."

Abe graduated from Penn State with a bachelor's degree in business management but stayed on at Penn State as a volunteer coach for three years. He also completed a master's degree in leisure studies during that time.

"In 1999, I moved to the Pittsburgh area and worked as an assistant coach at the University of Pittsburgh," he said. "I worked at Pitt four seasons, then took the job at Franklin Regional."

Abe also began the Pitt Bull Wrestling Club.

"Coaching has become my profession," he said. "I have 50-60 kids from various school districts in my club. We hold workouts two times a week, at both Franklin Regional and North Hills high schools. I really enjoy working with the kids."

Abe has added John Cortese to his coaching staff and retained Dan Heckert as another assistant. He would welcome any help from Downing but realizes a change in his work schedule will limit his availability.

"We have eight to 10 kids coming back," Abe said. "We lost only two starters to graduation. Our goal is to field a full lineup, but that may be tough the first year."

Abe isn't sure what to expect in his first season.

"I don't have any expectations," he said. "I won't have a clue until we start practice. I hope the wrestlers are as excited as we are."