Senior weatherman Doug Toth will become the newest member of the Nittany Lion family as he heads to Penn State University Park to study meteorology in the Fall of 2019.

“Every year since I was little, my family and I would go to Penn State to see a football game. I have wanted to go to Penn State ever since my first game. My mom also went to the university, so I have a family connection to the school,” Toth said. “They also have the best ice cream.”

While attending Penn State, Toth plans to major in meteorology. His passion for this field began his sophomore year of high school, when he created the iconic character of “Doppler Doug.”

“I made the segment ‘Doppler Doug’ because I liked the weather and I thought informing the student population about the weather on the morning announcements would be a great addition,” Toth said.

After receiving much praise and attention from informing the school about the latest local weather, Toth realized he wanted to take his skills to a higher level.

“I have always been fascinated by the weather. I love big snow storms and even hurricanes, and I have always been especially interested in how they form,” Toth said. “One day I hope to be a weatherman on a major news network or a meteorologist working for the National Weather Service.”

Once his predicted forecast is shared with the entire school, Toth spends the rest of his time at wrestling practice, a sport he has been dedicated to since the age of thirteen.

“I started wrestling in eighth grade because I played basketball, but I wasn’t that good at it, so I decided to try something new. A few of my friends wrestled as well, so they inspired and supported me to join the sport,” Toth said.

Toth’s rigorous practices and loyalty to the wrestling program paid off his senior year, as he was presented with the Doug Comunale Award. Toth earned this award by showing off his impressive wrestling skills at the Bangor vs. Pen Argyl wrestling match.

“I was very surprised and happy when I won the award.  The award was named after my uncle Doug Comunale and he is the person I was named after. Usually I am presenting the award with my family, but this year I got to receive it. Having my family present the award to me in memory of my uncle was the best feeling in the world,” Toth said.

Prior to his final wrestling season, Toth wrapped up his final football season as well. Playing since the young age of six, Toth knew he was devoted to the sport.

“I knew I loved, and still love, playing defense and tackling people on the field. The people that were out there on the field with me became some of my greatest friends too,” Toth said.

A special treat his senior year, Toth’s father also joined the team, not as a player, but as the head coach.

“This year was not the first time my dad has been my coach. He has been my coach on-and-off since I played flag football, so by now I am used to him being my coach. He doesn’t treat me any different than anyone else on the team,” Toth said.

The final game of the season against rival Pen Argyl was a highly anticipated game for all of the football players, but especially the seniors, as it was their last high school game ever.

“It was sad knowing that I will never play football again. I am really going to miss playing under the lights on Friday nights with my teammates,” Toth said. “I am also really going to miss the Bangor vs. Pen Argyl rivalry and the tradition and history that comes with it.”

Reflecting on the legacy he is leaving behind at Bangor High School is emotional for Toth, but he is prepared for the future and will thrive in Happy Valley and beyond.