Rankings

Wrestling

Individual Rankings
Class AAA
103 1. Shane Young, 27-0, Penn-Trafford; 2. Chris Mongelluzzo, 22-5, Hempfield; 3. Tom Magness, 21-5, Kiski; 4. Nick Rodgers, 21-4, North Allegheny; 5. Alex Dunaway, 19-5, McGuffey
112 1. Kenny Trumbetta, 25-2, Greensburg Salem; 2. Zach Ceccheti, 24-3, Kiski; 3. Nate Pennesi, 24-6, Latrobe; 4. Jake Quinten, 24-2, Plum; 5. Rico Borz, 24-5, Bethel Park
119 1. Nico Cortese, 27-1, Hempfield; 2. Matt Scherich, 26-3, McGuffey; 3. Sam Sherlock, 21-2, West Mifflin; 4. Zach Zummo, 21-2, Plum; 5. Joe Waltko, 17-2, North Allegheny
125 1. Colin Johnston, 25-2, Canon-McMillan; 2. Grant Lowther, 7-2, Trinity; 3. Ian McGlaughlin, 14-1, Butler; 4. Josh Daniels, 22-5, McGuffey; 5. Cory Bonura, 22-6, Plum
130 1. Rudy Chelednik, 23-5, Hempfield; 2. Nick Garber, 29-4, Waynesburg; 3. Zack Kelley, 22-1, West Allegheny; 4. Jared Jones, 23-9, Penn-Trafford; 5. Adam Steele, 24-8, Greensburg Salem;
135 1. Matt Nelson, 17-1, Shaler; 2. Tony Clark, 23-3, Kiski; 3. Devan Jones, 23-9, Penn-Trafford; 4. Dave Cawley, 18-7, North Allegheny; 5. Corey Perrotte, 22-3, North Hills
140 1. James Fleming, 23-0, West Mifflin; 2. Jared Roberts, 26-7, Trinity; 2. Mike Reinhart, 20-8, Greensburg Salem; 3. Alexander Martinez, 20-5, North Hills; 4. Jacob Weslager, 27-3, Belle Vernon; 5. Matt Hundenski, 14-3, Hopewell
145 1. Nick Nelson, 21-2, Shaler; 2. Don Tasser, 30-0, Belle Vernon; 3. Luke Miller, 17-1, Indiana; 4. Derrick Jusczak, 18-0, Hopewell; 5. Dennis Fix, 17-3, Norwin
152 1. Ryan Goodman, 23-1, Latrobe; 2. Brian Letters, 24-3, Fox Chapel; 3. Mike Eberly, 20-5, Canon-McMillan; 4. Kalvin Schultz, 19-1, Trinity; 5. Scott Throckmorton, 22-5, Waynesburg
160 1. Matt Ryan, 26-2, Canon-McMillan; 2. Ethan Headlee, 31-3, Waynesburg; 3. Travis Uncapher, 27-1, Hempfield; 4. Eric Williams, 23-8, Trinity; 5. Kameron Zitelli, 25-5, Latrobe
171 1. A.J. Brentzel, 28-0, Penn Trafford; 2. Rob Waltko, 28-2, North Allegheny; 3. Lance Bryson, 25-3, Albert Gallatin; 4. Clint Podish, 32-4, Waynesburg; 5. Corey O’Keefe, 25-4, Chartiers Valley
189 1. Mike Salopek, 14-0, Norwin; 2. Zack Benzio, 22-6, Connellsville; 3. Jurdon Maier, 23-5, Canon-McMillan; 4. Matt Wilps, 26-2, Chartiers Valley; 5. Troy Cree, 23-6, Waynesburg
215 1. T.J. Valore, 22-3, Hempfield; 2. Dan Utchel, 16-5, Chartiers Valley; 3. Dave Mitchell, 25-5, Albert Gallatin; 4. Danny Vaughn, 27-3, Central Catholic; 5. Naddem Farah, 25-2, Baldwin
Hvy 1. Justin Haines, 25-5, Connellsvile; 2. Steve Santia, 23-7, Hempfield; 3. Jim Muraco, 19-5, West Allegheny; 4. Mike Gearhard, 25-5, Franklin Regional; 5. Eric Kush, 23-6, Chartiers Valley

Class AA
103 1. Frank Martellotti, 29-0, SS Academy; 2. Brian Scritchfield, 20-4, Jefferson-Morgan; 3. Andrew Lucarini, 20-2, Fort Cherry
112 1. John Prezzia, 9-3, SS Beaver; 2. Dane Johnson, 25-0, SS Academy; 3. Anthony Zannetta, 21-2, Keystone Oaks
119 1. Colin Sheridan, 21-7, Mt. Pleasant; 2. Ben Fratangeli, 19-2, Center; 3. Mitch Spencer, 19-4, Avella
125 1. Troy Dolan, 28-2, Derry; 2. Zach Sheridan, 22-7, Mt. Pleasant; 3. Garrett Johnston, 25-5, West Greene
130 1. Jordan Shields, 24-3, Burrell; 2. Ty Basinger, 23-5, Jefferson-Morgan; 3. Allan Park, 22-8, Mt. Pleasant
135 1. Shane Welsh, 27-1, Burrell; 2. Dom Demor, 24-5, SS Beaver; David Ivashchenko, 27-3, South Park
140 1. Devon Maloney, 25-2, Burrell; 2. Grady Paxton, 11-1, Chartiers-Houston; 3. Wes Weston, 21-6, South Allegheny
145 1. Adam Hoffman, 22-3, Fort Cherry; 2 Bobby Speer, 23-6, Burrell; 3. Jesse Byerly, 12-2, Keystone Oaks
152 1. Phil Sorrentino, 29-1, South Allegheny; 2. Matt Cunningham, 13-0, SS Academy; 3. Nick Glesk, 20-6, Highlands
160 1. Alex Evans, 17-1, Washington; 2. Zak Klinvex, 26-4, SS Academy; 3. Aaron Hrutkay, 22-4, Beth-Center
171 1. Charlie Wonsettler, 23-3, Bentworth; 2. Dave Grillo, 20-6, Charleroi; 3. Kurt Brendel, 27-7, SS Academy
189 1. Damian Majocha, 28-3, Burrell; 2. Nic Harr, 24-5, Mt. Pleasant; 3. Roman Sandoval, 22-3, SS Academy
215 1. Stefan Firmstone, 26-3, Mt. Pleasant; 2. Codie Noga, 20-1, Avella; 3. Luke Miller, 26-2, Chartiers-Houston
Hvy 1. Myles Caragein, 22-0, Keystone Oaks; 2. Paul Snyder, 29-2, Mt. Pleasant; 3. Matt Kosarik, 16-1, Fort Cherry

I hate this

Yes, the WPIAL Team Tournament is about to get under way and I can't stand it. It's not the teams that are participating or where the bouts are being held. I hate it because the whole process is a fraud. Those of you who have followed my writings over the decades, er, years, know why I hate it.

For you newcomers, here's the reason. Let's suppose you are participating on, say, Hempfield's team this year. You are in pretty good shape to win the WPIAL Team Title and earn a trip to Hershey for the state event. Suppose, your team wrestles well enough to win the state team title, too. Happy occasion, right? Lots of cheering, celebrating, tears of joy.

Enjoy it because it may not last. One month later, the PIAA will crown another team champion, maybe not your team, at the individual tournament. The process is different because it's based on placement in the individual championships, not a legitimate team competition.

So let's say Easton wins the second title because three of their wrestlers win state titles. Now, who is officially the PIAA team champion – Hempfield, which won the event held a month earlier or Easton, the last team to carry around the trophy in the gym. I had one person associated with the PIAA tell me that Hempfield, if you will, is the team champion of the team tournament and that Easton, if you will, is the team champion of the individual tournament.

Really?

What a complete and total waste of time this is. If the PIAA is going to keep team scores at the individual tournament, why hold this upcoming event? The answer is easy: for the money. Since the end of the of regular season Jan. 24, until the beginning of the individual tournaments Feb. 17, wrestlers not participating in the team tournament have to find something to do.

Some schools schedule dual meets but they don't have the same flavor or meaning because the team season is over. This is an individual sport, and no matter how hard the PIAA tries to make it otherwise, the emphasis should always stay as an individual sport.

As long as the PIAA awards a team trophy at its individual tournament in March, then these next two weeks are nothing more than an exercise in the absurd.

Trinity Canon-Mac

What was so amazing about this dual meet is that one bout - just one - had to go the other way for Trinity to win. You might have guessed Nick Standish would have trouble beating C-M's Chris Pihiou again at 135, after edging him in overtime at the Washington County Tournament. Trinity's two 215-pounders, one of whom wrestles Hvy, came as close as you can to winning. One hold that slips or an unexpected moved could have changed the whole complexion of the match.

That's why it is so much fun to watch.

One of things that used to drive me crazy about some of Canon-Mac's teams of the past was the ability of its wrestlers to slow a match down to a crawl when they were overmatched. Anyone remember the tiny square-shaped mat they used for the big bouts? The wrestlers used to make a living on the edge of it. A dual meet could last 2 1/2 hours. It was mind-numbing.

On Wed. night, the Big Macs were methodical, not slow. They stayed off their backs at 103, didn't give up big points at 145, won two 1-0 decisions, and had one more pin that Trinity. Success in a dual meet is not only how you win but how you lose bouts. Give the Big Macs credit because they did just about everything right in this match. Buns Pihakis has to be smiling.

Picking Seeds

The WPIAL will release the team tournament brackets Thursday afternoon. Here is my guess to the top four seeds, which will have home matches in the first round.

1. Hempfield
Everyone's No.1

2. Penn-Trafford
Maybe not the No. 2 team but defending champion and undefeated record impress committee.

3. Connellsville
If the committee is smart, it will overlook that the Falcons finished second to Hempfield.

4. Waynesburg
North Allegheny could be the pick here but the Raiders have beaten better teams.

Class AA

1. Burrell
Like Hempfield, a no-brainer.

2. Derry
OK, I'm convinced how good they are.

3. Burgettstown
Surprise team in Class AA.

4. Mt. Pleasant
SS Academy could sneak in but loss to Elderton hurts them.

Team Ratings

(Prior to Wed. Matches)

Class AAA
1. Hempfield 12-0
2. Connellsville 13-3
3. Penn Trafford 9-0
4. Waynesburg 18-3
5. Canon-McMillan 10-3
6. Kiski 12-2
7. N. Allegheny 12-1
8. Albert Gallatin 14-4
9. Latrobe 11-3
10. Trinity 9-4

Class AA
1. Burrel 13-2
2. Derry 13-1
3. Burgettstown 13-1
4. Mt. Pleasant 17-4
5. SS Academy 13-2

Rankings

Individual Rankings
Class AAA
103 1. Shane Young, 25-0, Penn-Trafford; 2. Chris Mongelluzzo, 19-5, Hempfield; 3. Tom Magness, 18-5, Kiski; 4. Nick Rodgers, 17-3, North Allegheny; 5. Alex Dunaway, 16-4, McGuffey
112 1. Kenny Trumbetta, 20-1, Greensburg Salem; 2. Zach Ceccheti, 22-2, Kiski; 3. Nate Pennesi, 23-6, Latrobe; 4. Jake Quinten, 18-1, Plum; 5. Rico Borz, 20-4, Bethel Park
119 1. Nico Cortese, 24-1, Hempfield; 2. Joe Waltko, 17-2, North Allegheny; 3. Matt Scherich, 22-3, McGuffey; 4. Sam Sherlock, 15-1, West Mifflin; 5. Zach Zummo, 15-2, Plum
125 1. Colin Johnston, 21-2, Canon-McMillan; 2. Grant Lowther, 6-2, Trinity; 3. Ian McGlaughlin, 14-1, Butler; 4. Josh Daniels, 21-5, McGuffey; 5. Mike Grant, 22-4; Greensburg Salem
130 1. Rudy Chelednik, 20-5, Hempfield; 2. Nick Garber, 27-4, Waynesburg; 3. Zack Kelley, 16-1, West Allegheny; 4. Jared Jones, 22-7, Penn-Trafford; 5. Adam Steele, 20-4, Greensburg Salem;
135 1. Matt Nelson, 12-1, Shaler; 2. Tony Clark, 21-1, Kiski; 3. Corey Perrotte, 16-1, North Hills; 4. Devan Jones, 21-9, Penn-Trafford; 5. Dave Cawley, 14-6, North Allegheny
140 1. James Fleming, 17-0, West Mifflin; 2. Jared Roberts, 20-6, Trinity; 2. Jacob Weslager, 26-2, Belle Vernon; 3. Mike Reinhart, 12-6, Greensburg Salem; 4. Alexander Martinez, 13-3, North Hills; 5. Matt Hundenski, 14-3, Hopewell
145 1. Nick Nelson, 17-2, Shaler; 2. Don Tasser, 28-0, Belle Vernon; 3. Luke Miller, 16-1, Indiana; 4. Derrick Jusczak, 17-0, Hopewell; 5. Dennis Fix, 14-3, Norwin
152 1. Ryan Goodman, 22-1, Latrobe; 2. Brian Letters, 18-3, Fox Chapel; 3. Kalvin Schultz, 16-0, Trinity; 4. Mike Eberly, 17-4, Canon-McMillan; 5. Scott Throckmorton, 21-5, Waynesburg
160 1. Matt Ryan, 22-2, Canon-McMillan; 2. Ethan Headlee, 29-3, Waynesburg; 3. Travis Uncapher, 24-1, Hempfield; 4. Eric Williams, 20-7, Trinity; 5. Kameron Zitelli, 24-5, Latrobe
171 1. A.J. Brentzel, 26-0, Penn Trafford; 2. Rob Waltko, 22-2, North Allegheny; 3. Lance Bryson, 24-2, Albert Gallatin; 4. Clint Podish, 30-4, Waynesburg; 5. Corey O’Keefe, 19-3, Chartiers Valley
189 1. Mike Salopek, 12-0, Norwin; 2. Zack Benzio, 19-6, Connellsville; 3. Jurdon Maier, 19-5, Canon-McMillan; 4. Matt Wilps, 20-2, Chartiers Valley; 5. Troy Cree, 20-6, Waynesburg
215 1. T.J. Valore, 19-3, Hempfield; 2. Dave Mitchell, 24-4, Albert Gallatin; 3. Dan Utchel, 16-5, Chartiers Valley; 4. Danny Vaughn, 21-2, Central Catholic; 5. Naddem Farah, 21-0, Baldwin
Hvy 1. Steve Santia, 20-7, Hempfield; 2. Justin Haines, 22-5, Connellsvile; 3. Jim Muraco, 14-4, West Allegheny; 4. Jim Palmer, 16-1, Thomas Jefferson; 5. Mike Gearhard, 23-5, Franklin Regional

Class AA
103 1. Frank Martellotti, 27-0, SS Academy; 2. Brian Scritchfield, 19-4, Jefferson-Morgan; 3. Andrew Lucarini, 16-2, Fort Cherry
112 1. John Prezzia, 9-3, SS Beaver; 2. Dane Johnson, 24-0, SS Academy; 3. Anthony Zannetta, 14-2, Keystone Oaks
119 1. Colin Sheridan, 20-7, Mt. Pleasant; 2. Ben Fratangeli, 13-1, Center; 3. Mitch Spencer, 18-4, Avella
125 1. Troy Dolan, 27-2, Derry; 2. Zach Sheridan, 21-7, Mt. Pleasant; 3. Garrett Johnston, 23-5, West Greene
130 1. Jordan Shields, 23-3, Burrell; 2. Ty Basinger, 20-4, Jefferson-Morgan; 3. Allan Park, 21-8, Mt. Pleasant
135 1. Shane Welsh, 26-1, Burrell; 2. Dom Demor, 22-5, SS Beaver; David Ivashchenko, 26-3, South Park
140 1. Devon Maloney, 24-2, Burrell; 2. Grady Paxton, 9-1, Chartiers-Houston; 3. Wes Weston, 21-6, South Allegheny
145 1. Jesse Byerly, 11-1, Keystone Oaks; 2. Bobby Speer, 20-6, Burrell; 3. Zach Ritrosky, 21-2, Kittanning
152 1. Phil Sorrentino, 25-0, South Allegheny; 2. Adam Hoffman, 18-2, Fort Cherry; 3. Matt Cunningham, 12-0, SS Academy
160 1. Alex Evans, 17-1, Washington; 2. Zak Klinvex, 26-4, SS Academy; 3. Aaron Hrutkay, 17-4, Beth-Center
171 1. Dave Grillo, 15-5, Charleroi; 2. Charlie Wonsettler, 22-3, Bentworth; 3. Kurt Brendel, 26-7, SS Academy
189 1. Damian Majocha, 27-3, Burrell; 2. Nic Harr, 23-5, Mt. Pleasant; 3. Roman Sandoval, 21-3, SS Academy
215 1. Stefan Firmstone, 25-3, Mt. Pleasant; 2. Codie Noga, 20-1, Avella; 3. Luke Miller, 24-2, Chartiers-Houston
Hvy 1. Myles Caragein, 20-0, Keystone Oaks; 2. Paul Snyder, 28-1, Mt. Pleasant; 3. Matt Kosarik, 15-1, Fort Cherry

Wash. County wrapup

It's only the second year of existence but the Washington County Wrestling Tournament is becoming a hit with the fans. Beth-Center's Middle School had large crowds for the two-day tournament and they are very good at organizing the event. I did hear some grumblings about how small and out of the way B-C is but I like the atmosphere. It seems there are always people lining the mats and the seats are filled. That makes the atmosphere better than holding it a larger facility, where it can make just as many people seem like a lot less.

Fort Cherry really had a good tournament, winning three titles. The Rangers have surprised a lot of people this season.

I wouldn't believe any stories about the severity of the injuries to Trinity's Grant Lowther and Todd Martinek and Canon-McMillan's Mike Eberly. Lowther and Martinek were held out as a precaution and Eberly's knee problem is not believed to be serious. With Trinity wrestling at Canon-Mac Wednesday, I am sure the rumor mill will have those three wrestlers close to death this week.

Every year, I expect great things from Avella's Codie Noga. Things keep getting in his way. Last year, he was sick at the end of the season and medication sapped his strength. If he's healthy this year, I am still optimistic. I feel that way about Grady Paxton of Chartiers-Houston. One season of health seems too much to ask for him.

I don't understand a wrestler throwing headgear at the end of the bout because he's angry that he lost. I've seen it happen a few times this season and I am guessing it goes on more than usual. Think about this: If you have the strength to whip your headgear across the gym after a bout, you are not using enough of your energy in your bouts.

Washington County Tournament

Individual Finals
103 Andrew Lucarini (FC) maj. dec. Alex Dunaway (McG) 17-8
112 Nick Whipkey (McG) dec. Nate Blackman (R) 7-4
119 Matt Scherich (McG) pinned Mitch Spencer (A) 5-4
125 Colin Johnston (CM) pinned Matt Longstreth (A) 3:33
130 Steve Stopyra (CM) dec. Sam Scherich (McG) 7-6
135 Nick Standish (THS) dec. Chris Pihiou (CM) 3-2 2 OTs
140 Grady Paxton (CH) maj.dec. Andrew Markovich (BC) 15-5
145 Adam Hoffman (FC) maj. dec. Kyle Appleby (A) 12-1
152 Kalvin Schultz (THS) won by default over Mike Eberly (CM)
160 Matt Ryan (CM) dec. Eric Williams (THS) 3-0
171 Dave Grillo (Charl) dec. Charlie Wonsettler (Bent) 5-4
189 Jurdan Maier (CM) dec. Joe Tarley (BC) 5-4
215 Codie Noga (A) dec. Luke Miller (CH) 6-4
Hvy Matt Kosarik (FC) dec. Sam Miller (WHS) 4-2

What? A girl?

When I wrote a story about Amanda Cooper, a female wrestler for Beth-Center competing in the Washington County Tournament, I was surprised at how many people resent her being out for the sport. Here's what strikes me as odd. The fans who came up to me and told me they didn't feel girls belong in wrestling were from some of the smaller schools in the area that are constantly forfeiting weight classes. My feeling on the matter is this: When the schools can fill all the weight classes, then their fans can grumble about females in the sport. As long as there are athletes who refuse to come out for the sport, leaving a spot available, then using a female wrestler is in the best interest of the school, program and coach's future.

Bissett is back

One day after Burgettstown got Ryan Watson back in the lineup for the first time this season, West Greene got Kory Bissett back. Bissett injured his shoulder over the summer and the healing process has taken time. Bissett looked strong in his bout against South Side Beaver's Matt Hospodar, taking a 7-1 decision at 140 pounds. Now, if West Greene could just find a 103-pounder.

Brownlee transfer

When the Sam Brownlee transfer from Mt. Lebanon to Canon-McMillan was denied by the WPIAL and PIAA, most people were scratching their heads over the seeming double-standard that appeared to exist, including me. But there were other issues and my column discussed why I changed my mind about the transfer.



http://www.observer-reporter.com/main.asp?SectionID=7&SubSectionID=30&ArticleID=37650

team rankings

Class AAA
1. Hempfield 9-0
2. Connellsville 11-3
3. Penn Trafford 7-0
4. Waynesburg 17-3
5. Canon-McMillan 9-3
6. Kiski 11-1
7. N. Allegheny 11-1
8. Albert Gallatin 12-3
9. Chartiers Valley 9-2
10. Latrobe 9-3

Class AA
1. Burrel 11-1
2. Mt. Pleasant 16-3
3. Burgettstown 12-1
4. SS Academy 13-1
5. SS Beaver 9-6

Rankings

Class AAA
103 1. Shane Young, 20-0, Penn-Trafford; 2. Tom Magness, 15-3, Kiski; 3. Chris Mongelluzzo, 15-4, Hempfield; 4. Nick Rodgers, 15-3, North Allegheny; 5. Alex Dunaway, 15-4, McGuffey
112 1. Kenny Trumbetta, 16-1, Greensburg Salem; 2. Zach Ceccheti, 18-1, Kiski; 3. Nate Pennesi, 20-4, Latrobe; 4. Jake Quinten, 17-1, Plum; 5. Nate Blackman, 16-3, Ringgold
119 1. Nico Cortese, 19-0, Hempfield; 2. Joe Waltko, 17-2, North Allegheny; 3. Matt Scherich, 20-3, McGuffey; 4. Sam Sherlock, 14-1, West Mifflin; 5. Zach Zummo, 14-2, Plum
125 1. Colin Johnston, 17-2, Canon-McMillan; 2. Grant Lowther, 5-2, Trinity; 3. Ian McGlaughlin, 14-1, Butler; 4. Josh Daniels, 20-5, McGuffey; 5. Mike Grant, 19-3; Greensburg Salem
130 1. Rudy Chelednik, 16-4, Hempfield; 2. Nick Garber, 25-4, Waynesburg; 3. Adam Steele, 16-4, Greensburg Salem; 4. Zacl Kelley, 14-1, West Allegheny; 5. Jared Jones, 17-6, Penn-Trafford
135 1. Matt Nelson, 10-1, Shaler; 2. Tony Clark, 17-1, Kiski; 3. Corey Perrotte, 14-1, North Hills; 4. Devan Jones, 16-8, Penn-Trafford; 5. Dave Cawley, 13-5, North Allegheny
140 1. James Fleming, 16-0, West Mifflin; 2. Jared Roberts, 20-6, Trinity; 2. Jacob Weslager, 22-1, Belle Vernon; 3. Jacob Boyer, 11-0, Elizabeth Forward; 4. Mike Reinhart, 12-6, Greensburg Salem; 5. Alexander Martinez, 13-2, North Hills
145 1. Nick Nelson, 15-2, Shaler; 2. Don Tasser, 23-1, Belle Vernon; 3. Luke Miller, 14-1, Indiana; 4. Derrick Jusczak, 15-0, Hopewell; 5. Dennis Fix, 14-3, Norwin
152 1. Ryan Goodman, 17-1, Latrobe; 2. Brian Letters, 16-3, Fox Chapel; 3. Kalvin Schultz, 14-0, Trinity; 4. Mike Eberly, 13-4, Canon-McMillan; 5. Scott Throckmorton, 21-5, Waynesburg
160 1. Matt Ryan, 18-2, Canon-McMillan; 2. Ethan Headlee, 27-3, Waynesburg; 3. Travis Uncapher, 19-1, Hempfield; 4. Eric Williams, 18-7, Trinity; 5. Kameron Zitelli, 20-4, Latrobe
171 1. A.J. Brentzel, 21-0, Penn Trafford; 2. Rob Waltko, 20-2, North Allegheny; 3. Lance Bryson, 23-3, Albert Gallatin; 4. Clint Podish, 28-4, Waynesburg; 5. Joe Fix, 15-2, Franklin Regional
189 1. Mike Salopek, 8-0, Norwin; 2. Zack Benzio, 18-6, Connellsville; 3. Jurdon Maier, 15-5, Canon-McMillan; 4. Matt Wilps, 19-2, Chartiers Valley; 5. Troy Cree, 20-6, Waynesburg
215 1. T.J. Valore, 14-3, Hempfield; 2. Danny Vaughn, 15-0, Central Catholic; 3. Dave Mitchell, 23-4, Albert Gallatin; 4. Dan Utchel, 16-5, Chartiers Valley; 5. Naddem Farah, 20-0, Baldwin
Hvy 1. Steve Santia, 16-6, Hempfield; 2. Justin Haines, 21-5, Connellsvile; 3. Nebojsa Nedic, 16-4, Baldwin; 4. Jim Muraco, 12-4, West Allegheny; 5. Jim Palmer, 16-1, Thomas Jefferson

Class AA
103 1. Frank Martellotti, 22-0, SS Academy; 2. Brian Scritchfield, 18-4, Jefferson-Morgan; 3. Andrew Lucarini, 14-2, Fort Cherry
112 1. John Prezzia, 4-0, SS Beaver; 2. Dane Johnson, 24-0, SS Academy; 3. Anthony Zannetta, 14-3, Keystone Oaks
119 1. Colin Sheridan, 16-5, Mt. Pleasant; 2. Ben Fratangeli, 11-1, Center; 3. Ben Myers, 10-3, Derry
125 1. Troy Dolan, 26-2, Derry; 2. Zach Sheridan, 16-5, Mt. Pleasant; 3. Garrett Johnston, 16-05, West Greene
130 1. Jordan Shields, 20-3, Burrell; 2. Ty Basinger, 18-4, Jefferson-Morgan; 3. Allan Park, 20-7, Mt. Pleasant
135 1. Shane Welsh, 23-1, Burrell; 2. Dom Demor, 20-3, SS Beaver; David Ivashchenko, 21-2, South Park
140 1. Devon Maloney, 22-2, Burrell; 2. Grady Paxton, 5-1, Chartiers-Houston; 3. Zach Janocha, 12-2, Carlynton
145 1. Jesse Byerly, 11-1, Keystone Oaks; 2. Bobby Speer, 14-5, Burrell; 3. Zach Ritrosky, 20-2, Kittanning
152 1. Phil Sorrentino, 22-0, South Allegheny; 2. Adam Hoffman, 14-2, Fort Cherry; 3. Matt Cunningham, 12-0, SS Academy
160 1. Alex Evans, 13-0, Washington; 2. Zak Klinvex, 21-2, SS Academy; 3. Aaron Hrutkay, 13-2, Beth-Center
171 1. Charlie Wonsettler, 19-1, Bentworth; 2. Kurt Brendel, 21-5, SS Academy; 3. Phil Scalise, 14-2, Highlands
189 1. Damian Majocha, 24-3, Burrell; 2. Nic Harr, 23-3, Mt. Pleasant; 3. Roman Sandoval, 14-1, SS Academy
215 1. Luke Miller, 21-1, Chartiers-Houston; 2. Stefan Firmstone, 23-3, Mt. Pleasant; 3. Cody Noga, 14-1, Avella
Hvy 1. Myles Caragein, 15-0, Keystone Oaks; 2. Paul Snyder, 21-1, Mt. Pleasant; 3. Matt Kosarik, 10-1, Fort Cherry

Prezzia's problem

John Prezzia, the defending state champion from South Side Beaver, made his season debut over the weekend at the Corry Duals. It was a short-lived comeback. Prezzia, who has been battling a knee problem since injuring it over the summer, had the knee swell up on him Monday morning. Prezzia wrestled eight times in the duals, possibly a bit much for someone coming back from an injury. South Side coach Ron Ledbetter said the knee problem flared up and isn't sure how long Prezzia will be out of the lineup.

Watson's back

Burgettstown High School got a big boost Tuesday when Ryan Watson returned to the lineup. Watson, a PIAA qualifier, healed much quicker than expected and was a surprise starter in the Blue Devils 43-30 victory over South Side Beaver. Watson had a pin in 26 seconds. The win give Burgettstown the inside track to the Section 1-AA title and a chance for a top seed in the WPIAL Team Tournament. Head caoch Terry Havelka has only two seniors on the team and the future looks great for this program.

Individual rankings

Class AAA
103 1. Shane Young, 18-0, Penn Trafford; 2. Tom Magness, 13-3, Kiski; 3. Chris Mongelluzzo, 9-4, Hempfield
112 1. Kenny Trumbetta, 15-1, Greensburg Salem; 2. Nate Pennesi, 19-4, Latrobe; 3. Jake Quinten, 15-1, Plum
119 1. Nico Cortese, 13-0, Hempfield; 2. Joe Waltko, 11-2, North Allegheny; 3. Matt Scherich, 14-3, McGuffey
125 1. Colin Johnston, 16-2, Canon-McMillan; 2. Grant Lowther, 5-2, Trinity; 3. Ian McGlaughlin, 11-1, Butler
130 1. Rudy Chelednik, 10-4, Hempfield; 2. Nick Garber, 16-4, Waynesburg; 3. Adam Steele, 15-4, Greensburg Salem
135 1. Matt Nelson, 9-1, Shaler; 2. Tony Clark, 15-1, Kiski; 3. Corey Perrotte, 12-1, North Hills
140 1. Jared Roberts, 14-6, Trinity; 2. Jacob Weslager, 17-1, Belle Vernon; 3. Mike Reinhart, 11-6, Greensburg Salem
145 1. Nick Nelson, 14-2, Shaler; 2. James Fleming, 15-0, West Mifflin; 3. Don Tasser, 17-0, Belle Vernon
152 1. Ryan Goodman, 16-1, Latrobe; 2. Brian Letters, 15-2, Fox Chapel; 3. Mike Eberly, 12-4, Canon-McMillan
160 1. Matt Ryan, 17-2, Canon-McMillan; Ethan Headlee, 19-3, Waynesburg; 3. Travis Uncapher, 13-1, Hempfield
171 1. A.J. Brentzel, 17-2, Penn Trafford; 2. Rob Waltko, 14-2, North Allegheny; 3. Lance Bryson, 18-1, Albert Gallatin
189 1. Matt Wilps, 15-1, Chartiers Valley; 2. Mike Salopek, 7-0, Norwin; 3. Zack Benzio, 10-5, Connellsville
215 1. T.J. Valore, 9-3, Hempfield; 2. Danny Vaughn, 13-0, Central Catholic; 3. Dave Mitchell, 17-4, Albert Gallatin
Hvy 1. Steve Santia, 12-4, Hempfield; 2. Justin Haines, 13-4, Connellsvile; 3. Nebojsa Nedic, 14-4, Baldwin

Class AA
103 1. Frank Martellotti, 15-0, SS Academy; 2. Brian Scritchfield, 15-3, Jefferson-Morgan
112 1. Dane Johnson, 18-0, SS Academy; 2. Tyler Berger, 16-4, Burrell
119 1. Colin Sheridan, 12-2, Mt. Pleasant; 2. Bren Fratangeli, 11-1, Center
125 1. Troy Dolan, 15-2, Derry; 2. Zach Sheridan, 12-3, Mt. Pleasant
130 1. Jordan Shields, 12-2, Burrell; 2. Ty Basinger, 15-4, Jefferson-Morgan
135 1. Shane Welsh, 13-1, Burrell; 2. Dom Demor, 12-1, SS Beaver
140 1. Devon Maloney, 12-2, Burrell; 2. Grady Paxton, 5-1, Chartiers-Houston
145 1. Jesse Byerly, 10-1, Keystone Oaks; 2. Bobby Speer, 9-4, Burrell
152 1. Phil Sorrentino, 17-0, South Allegheny; 2. Adam Hoffman, 9-1, Fort Cherry
160 1. Alex Evans, 10-0, Washington; 2. Zak Klinvex, 15-0, SS Academy
171 1. Charlie Wonsettler, 14-1, Bentworth; 2. Roman Sandoval, 13-1, SS Academy
189 1. Damian Majocha, 15-2, Burrell; 2. Nic Harr, 12-2, Mt. Pleasant
215 1. Luke Miller, 15-1, Chartiers-Houston; 2. Stefan Firmstone, 13-2, Mt. Pleasant
Hvy 1. Myles Caragein, 14-0, Keystone Oaks; 2. Paul Snyder, 15-1, Mt. Pleasant

Wash High's lament

It's been a tough season for Washington High School's wrestling team. Numbers are down and forfeits are up. Still, the Prexies could do well in the individual postseason. Alex Evans is a returning state qualifier and heavyweight Sam Miller has potential. The Prexies might have Patrick Gouin back in the lineup soon. Gouin, a state qualifier two years ago, suffered a broken leg during soccer season and is just now getting into wrestling shape.

Kosarik's return

Matt Kosarik returned to Fort Cherry's lineup just in time for last weekend's Fort Cherry Duals. And just in time to help the Rangers defeat West Greene that counted as a section match. Kosarik, a heavyweight and state qualifier last season, missed about a month with a back injury and rumors spread his was done for the season. The rumors were wrong. Suddenly, the Rangers are in good shape to make the team tournament out of Section 1-AA with a 5-2 record.

Technical delays

Sorry I haven't posted lately but we have been having some technical rearrangements that kept me off for a few days. I'm back so look for more posts soon.