12/30/2006

Powerade thoughts

Through the first day of the Powerade Christmas Tournament, a few things struck me.

No matter how tough this tournament is, and it is one of the best in the country, there are always some magnificent success stories. I wrote about Chris Pihiou making the semifinals after he beat the wrestler who upset the top seed in the 135-pound weight class. It just goes to show you that no matter how big the tournament, any wrestler can do well.

The controversy over the 189-pound quarterfinal bout between Waynesburg's Troy Cree and No. 2 see Andy Thomas of Parkersburg shows just how difficult it is to officiate in wrestling. The two were tied 1-1 in OT and Cree shot in and picked Thomas up before taking him to the mat. The referee gave two for the takedown but Cree lost control when the two hit the mat and Thomas wriggled free. The ref waived off the takedown and Thomas spun around for a takedown of his own and the win. This all happened in about 3 seconds. I would much rather write about wrestling than referee it.

Ethan Headlee's 4-0 victory over Kam Zitelli of Latrobe in the quarters showed me the Waynesburg 160-pounder has the talent to not only reach Hershey but earn a high place after he drops to 152.

Luke Miller of Chartiers-Houston had an impressive win over Stefan Firmstone of Mt. Pleasant in the 215 QFs. Miller is having a strong season.

Finally, if the WPIAL wants a tournament run the right way, then Frank Vulcano and his band of merry men should be the first ones to call. Vulcano, who heads the wrestling steering committee for the WPIAL, puts on a first-class operation and gets a lot of help from people all over the area who appreciate wrestling. They do an outstanding job.

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