1/31/2008

Please fix it

The team tournament should be one of the vehicles by which the WPIAL shows off its sport. But too many times, it fails miserably. Take Wednesday night in the Class AA site at Burrell. The program that was sold for $.50 at the door had last year's Mt. Pleasant roster in it. Twice, the Burgettstown-Mt. Pleasant dual meet had to be stopped because the name of one Blue Devils wrestler was missing and another was marked at the wrong weight in the scorebook at the scorers table. The sound system was awful, but it didn't matter because the wrestlers were not introduced before each bout. And no one, not the coaches from both schools, the fans in the seats, and the media knew what wrestler was competing. It was a constant struggle to find out who was on the mat.

Compare that to Tuesday's dual meets at Canon-McMillan, where the sound system is terrific, the bouts are announced before each one is wrestled, the wrestlers are identified so the fans know who are out there, and the scorebook had all the names in the right spots. A real pleasure to watch.

Look, it's not difficult to understand. You would not want to watch a basketball game with players who did not wear numbered uniforms, who were misidentified and whose actions on the court were not noted by the PA announcer. So why would you want that for wrestling? These are just common sense adjustments. Tell the fans who is wrestling before each bout. Have a PA system that doesn't sound like the voice of Charlie Brown's teacher, and make sure the programs are correct.

Then, at least, you can present an entertaining evening for fans, not keep them in the dark.

Individual Rankings

Class AAA
103–1. Nico Megaludis, Franklin Regional, 23-0; 2. Alex Dunaway, McGuffey, 23-4; 3. Ross Orler, Pine-Richland, 24-2
112–1. Shane Young, Penn-Trafford, 26-0; 2. Zach Cecchetti, Kiski, 21-4; 3. Nick Rodgers, North Allegheny, 6-3
119–1. Nico Cortese, Hempfield, 28-1; 2. Nate Pennesi, Latrobe, 27-4; 3. Jeremy Weslager, Belle Vernon, 18-6
125–1. Sam Sherlock, West Mifflin, 20-1; 2. Joe Waltko, North Allegheny, 25-3; 3. Corey Bonura, Plum, 23-4
130–1. Zack Zummo, Plum, 24-1; 2. Zach Kelley, West Allegheny, 23-6; 3. Brian Knapp, Waynesburg, 20-3
135–1. Colin Johnston, Canon-McMillan, 27-1; 2. Jack Bachman, Hempfield, 27-5; 3. Matt Lowry, Albert Gallatin, 25-5
140–1. Dave Cawley, North Allegheny, 14-2; 2. Corey Perrotte, North Hills, 28-1; 3. Chris Pihiou, Canon-McMillan, 22-3
145–1. James Fleming, West Mifflin, 20-0; 2. Tony Clark, Kiski, 21-5; 3. Alex Martinez, North Hills, 29-2
152–1. Donnie Tasser, Belle Vernon, 23-3; 2. Matt Hundenski, Hopewell, 24-2; 3. Nick Bonnacorsi, Bethel Park, 22-5
160–1. Jake Kemerer, Hempfield, 28-1; 2. Jeff Dulaney, Albert Gallatin, 30-5; 3. Todd Martinek, Trinity, 22-5
171–1. Lance Bryson, Albert Gallatin, 31-0; 2. Fred Garcia, Ringgold, 24-2; 3. Karl DeCiantis, North Allegheny, 19-5
189–1. Mike Salopek, Norwin, 24-0; 2. Zack Benzio, Connellsville, 24-6; 3. Matt Wilps, Chartiers Valley, 29-3
215–1. Dan Utchel, Chartiers Valley, 28-3; 2. Michael Hull, Canon-McMillan, 25-3; 3. Adam Lazenga, Bethel Park, 24-1
Hvy–1. Sam Brownlee, Canon-McMillan, 28-3; 2. Justin Haines, Connellsville, 21-5; 3. Eric Kush, Chartiers Valley, 27`-4

Class AA
103–1. Geoff Alexander, SS Academy, 31-2; 2. Andrew Lucarini, Fort Cherry, 21-1; 3. Brian Scritchfield, Jefferson-Morgan, 16-4
112–1. Anthony Zannetta, Keystone Oaks, 23-0; 2. Dante DeCario, Derry, 27-7; 3. Patrick Gouin, Washington, 18-3
119–1. Frank Martelotti, SS Academy, 29-5; Colton Blumer, West Greene, 18-5; John Prezzia, SS Beaver, 13-2
125–1. Dane Johnson, SS Academy, 28-2; 2. Travis Shaffer, Derry, 28-3; 3. Dave Demor, SS Beaver, 27-5
130–1. Mitch Spencer, Avella, 19-1; 2. Colin Sheridan, Mt. Pleasant, 25-4; 3. Levi Smeltzer, Elderton, 18-1
135–1. Shane Welsh, Burrell, 25-3; 2. Zach Sheridan, Mt. Pleasant, 27-5; 3. Dav Ivashchenko, South Park, 22-0
140–1. Jordan Shields, Burrell, 28-1; 2. Colin Checkan, SS Beaver, 28-4; 3. Ryan Weston, South Allegheny, 21-5
145–1. Dom Demor, SS Beaver, 28-3; 2. Jamie Atwood, Kittanning, 16-1; 3. Brandon Vasinko, Mt. Pleasant, 20-8
152–1. Matt Cunningham, SS Academy, 27-1; 2. Bobby Speer, Burrell, 23-7; 3. Chris Stay, Beth-Center, 11-1
160–1. Tucker Conklin, West Greene, 20-3; 2. Aaron Hrutkay, Beth-Center, 15-3; 3. Dave Brown, SS Academy, 28-5
171–1. Kurt Brendel, SS Academy, 32-3; 2. Patrick Morris, West Greene, 18-2; Josh Dezort, Riverview, 21-4
189–1. Ethan Virgili, Jefferson-Morgan, 22-1; 2. Ryan Watson, Burgettstown, 21-3; 3. Roman SanDoval, SS Academy, 30-6
215–1. Dan Conley, Burgettstown, 15-4; 2. Rob Rutkowski, Highlands, 21-5; 3. Jordan Roussos, Carlynton, 19-3
Hvy–1. Paul Snyder, Mt. Pleasant, 27-1; 2. Sam Miller, Washington, 17-1; 3. Zack Reefer, Elderton, 18-0

1/28/2008

Your opinion please

In another attempt to make this blog interactive, I want to know what changes you would make to alleviate the problem of forfeits in wrestling. Please read the story I had in Monday's paper (see link in earlier post) and respond.

Forfeits in wrestling

A story I wrote in Monday's edition on forfeits in wrestling can be reached at this link:

http://www.observer-reporter.com/OR/Story/01_28_07_Wrestling_forfeits_analysis

Wrestling Classic

The U.S. Team has been chosen for the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic.

Here is the link.

http://wrestlingclassic.com/2008/usa_team.htm

1/24/2008

WPIAL Team Tournament

WPIAL Team Tournament

Class AAA
Tuesday, Jan. 29
Pairings
at Hempfield High School
First Round
Hempfield (14-0) vs. Franklin Regional (10-4); Waynesburg (17-2) vs. Penn-Trafford 8-1, 6 p.m.
Quarterfinals
Winners meet 8 p.m.
at Kiski High School
First Round
North Allegheny (13-1) vs. Hopewell (19-5); Kiski (14-1) vs. Butler (16-2), 6 p.m.
Quarterfinals
Winners meet 8 p.m.
at Connellsville High School
Connellsville (12-4) vs. Fox Chapel (12-3); West Allegheny (9-1) vs. North Hills (22-4), 6 p.m.
Quarterfinals
Winners meet 8 p.m.
at Canon-McMillan High School
Bethel Park (12-1) vs. Albert Gallatin (13-5); Canon-McMillan (14-1) vs. Ringgold (13-5), 6 p.m.
Quarterfinals
Winners meet 8 p.m.
Semifinals
Thursday, Jan. 31
Site, times to be determined
Hempfield-Franklin Regional-Waynesburg-Penn-Trafford winner vs. North Allegheny-Hopewell-Kiski-Butler winner
Connellsville-Fox Chapel-West Allegheny-North Hills winner vs. Bethel Park-Albert Gallatin-Canon-McMillan-Ringgold winner
Finals
Saturday, Feb. 2
at Gateway High School, 7 p.m.

Class AA
Monday, Jan. 28
Preliminary Round
Highlands (16-6) vs. Chartiers-Houston (11-4), 7 p.m.
Quarterfinals
Wednesday, Jan. 30
at Burrell High School
Burrell (15-0) vs. Highlands-Chartiers-Houston winner; Mount Pleasant (11-4) vs. Burgettstown (12-4) 6 p.m.
Semifinals
Winners meet 8 p.m.
at Shady Side Academy High School
Derry (13-2) vs. West Greene (12-3); Shady Side Academy (19-1) vs. Jefferson-Morgan (10-7), 6 p.m.
Semifinals
Winners meet 8 p.m.
Finals
Saturday, Feb. 2
at Gateway High School, 4 p.m.

1/23/2008

Rockets' lament

What's a wrestling season without controversy? Well, for Jefferson-Morgan, it was an unpleasant night against Derry in a Section 2-AA match. Here's how J-M coach Scott Rhodes explained it. At weigh-ins for Tuesday match, Derry's Dave Burrows weighed in at 130 pounds but competed at 140 against Nathan Elkins, one weight class higher than he was allowed to wrestle. The mistake was not discovered until after the match and Burrows was forced to forfeit to Elkins. That still gave Derry a 36-30 win but a question was raised about whether the dual meet should have been forfeited to the Rockets because of the use of Burrows at the wrong weight class.

The WPIAL told Rhodes that the match Burrows competed in had to be forfeited but the dual meet did not have to be forfeited to the Rockets. That was crucial because if Derry had forfeit the dual meet, a three-way tie would have been created in the section and the chances are Derry would not have the third seed in the WPIAL Class AA Team Tournament when the pairings are released today.

What might have tripped up Derry coach Mike Wood was the two-pound allowance that's permitted at this point in the season. For Burrows to compete at 140, he had to weigh in above 132 pounds, not 130. The rules allow a wrestler to compete at the weight he weighs in at or the next highest weight. Rhodes wanted a share of the section title for his surprising Rockets, who clinched a berth in the team tournament with a win over Beth-Center Wednesday night.

Individual rankings

WRESTLING

O-R Individual Rankings
Class AAA
103–1. Nico Megaludis, Franklin Regional, 21-0; 2. Alex Dunaway, McGuffey, 18-3; 3. Ross Orler, Pine-Richland, 18-1
112–1. Shane Young, Penn-Trafford, 19-0; 2. Zach Cecchetti, Kiski, 19-4; 3. Nick Rodgers, North Allegheny, 6-3
119–1. Nico Cortese, Hempfield, 25-1; 2. Nate Pennesi, Latrobe, 24-4; 3. Jeremy Weslager, Belle Vernon, 15-6
125–1. Sam Sherlock, West Mifflin, 15-0; 2. Joe Waltko, North Allegheny, 18-3; 3. Corey Bonura, Plum, 18-1
130–1. Zack Zummo, Plum, 18-0; 2. Zach Kelley, West Allegheny, 18-4; 3. Brian Knapp, Waynesburg, 17-3
135–1. Colin Johnston, Canon-McMillan, 16-1; 2. Jack Bachman, Hempfield, 25-4; 3. Matt Lowry, Albert Gallatin, 22-5
140–1. Dave Cawley, North Allegheny, 8-1; 2. Corey Perrotte, North Hills, 25-0; 3. Ken Downing, Central Catholic, 13-1
145–1. James Fleming, West Mifflin, 14-0; 2. Tony Clark, Kiski, 19-5; 3. Alex Martinez, North Hills, 24-1
152–1. Donnie Tasser, Belle Vernon, 15-3; 2. Brett Landefeld, North Allegheny, 6-2; 3. Matt Hundenski, Hopewell, 23-2
160–1. Jake Kemerer, Hempfield, 25-1; 2. Jeff Dulaney, Albert Gallatin, 27-5; 3. Todd Martinek, Trinity, 21-5
171–1. Lance Bryson, Albert Gallatin, 28-0; 2. Fred Garcia, Ringgold, 18-1; 3. Karl DeCiantis, North Allegheny, 12-5
189–1. Mike Salopek, Norwin, 23-0; 2. Zack Benzio, Connellsville, 20-5; 3. Matt Wilps, Chartiers Valley, 23-3
215–1. Dan Utchel, Chartiers Valley, 23-3; 2. Michael Hull, Canon-McMillan, 19-3; 3. Adam Lazenga, bethel Park, 19-0
Hvy–1. Sam Brownlee, Canon-McMillan, 22-3; 2. Justin Haines, Connellsville, 18-5; 3. Eric Kush, Chartiers Valley, 21-4

Class AA
103–1. Geoff Alexander, SS Academy, 26-2; 2. Andrew Lucarini, Fort Cherry, 18-1; 3. Brian Scritchfield, Jefferson-Morgan, 15-4
112–1. Anthony Zannetta, Keystone Oaks, 16-0; 2. Dante DeCario, Derry, 20-6; 3. Patrick Gouin, Washington, 15-3
119–1. Frank Martelotti, SS Academy, 23-5; Colton Blumer, West Greene, 16-5; John Prezzia, SS Beaver, 10-2
125–1. Dane Johnson, SS Academy, 24-1; 2. Travis Shaffer, Derry, 25-3; 3. Dave Demor, SS Beaver, 18-3
130–1. Mitch Spencer, Avella, 15-1; 2. Colin Sheridan, Mt. Pleasant, 22-4; 3. Levi Smeltzer, Elderton, 17-1
135–1. Shane Welsh, Burrell, 24-3; 2. Zach Sheridan, Mt. Pleasant, 24-5; 3. Dav Ivashchenko, South Park, 18-0
140–1. Jordan Shields, Burrell, 27-1; 2. Colin Checkan, SS Beaver, 18-3; 3. Ryan Weston, South Allegheny, 17-4
145–1. Dom Demor, SS Beaver, 20-1; 2. Jamie Atwood, Kittanning, 15-1; 3. Brandon Vasinko, Mt. Pleasant, 18-8
152–1. Matt Cunningham, SS Academy, 22-1; 2. Bobby Speer, Burrell, 22-7; 3. Chris Stay, Beth-Center, 10-1
160–1. Tucker Conklin, West Greene, 18-3; 2. Aaron Hrutkay, Beth-Center, 12-2; 3. Dave Brown, SS Academy, 25-4
171–1. Kurt Brendel, SS Academy, 27-2; 2. Patrick Morris, West Greene, 17-1; Josh Dezort, Riverview, 18-2
189–1. Ethan Virgili, Jefferson-Morgan, 19-1; 2. Ryan Watson, Burgettstown, 17-3; 3. Roman SanDoval, SS Academy, 24-5
215–1. Dan Conley, Burgettstown, 12-3; 2. Rob Rutkowski, Highlands, 15-2; 3. Lou Gardone, Burrell, 17-5
Hvy–1. Paul Snyder, Mt. Pleasant, 124-1; 2. Sam Miller, Washington, 16-1; 3. Zack Reefer, Elderton, 16-0

1/18/2008

Tournament needs more

While the crowd was good and the wrestling OK, the first night of the Washington County Wrestling Tournament showed that more is needed. More teams that is. Two rounds and a wrestleback session took just four hours among 13 Washington County schools. There were too many lopsided matches. This tournament should extend an invitation to Greene County teams to compete. The inclusion of Waynesburg, Jefferson-Morgan, and West Greene would make this a much stronger tournament.

The teams in the two counties wrestle each other every season, some by choice but mainly because the teams are in the same section. Next season would be a good time to include Greene County because a week and two competition points are being lopped from the season.

1/17/2008

Washington County Tournament

The Washington County Wrestling Tournament will be held Friday and Saturday at Ringgold High School. The first round begins 5 p.m. and is expected to be completed by 9 p.m. On Saturday, wrestling begins 10:30 a.m. and the finals are 5 p.m.

Individual rankings

WRESTLING

O-R Individual Rankings
Class AAA
103–1. Nico Megaludis, Franklin Regional, 16-0; 2. Alex Dunaway, McGuffey, 15-3; 3. Ross Orler, Pine-Richland, 14-1
112–1. Shane Young, Penn-Trafford, 13-0; 2. Zach Cecchetti, Kiski, 14-3; 3. Nick Rodgers, North Allegheny, 6-3
119–1. Nico Cortese, Hempfield, 21-1; 2. Nate Pennesi, Latrobe, 19-3; 3. Jeremy Weslager, Belle Vernon, 12-4
125–1. Sam Sherlock, West Mifflin, 12-0; 2. Joe Waltko, North Allegheny, 17-3; 3. Nick Catalano, Canon-McMillan, 15-4
130–1. Corey Bonura, Plum, 15-1; 2. Zach Kelley, West Allegheny, 14-4; 3. Joey Walters, Latrobe, 13-5
135–1. Colin Johnston, Canon-McMillan, 16-1; 2. Zack Zummo, Plum, 16-0; 3. Jack Bachman, Hempfield, 22-3
140–1. Dave Cawley, North Allegheny, 8-1; 2. Corey Perrotte, North Hills, 19-0; 3. Ken Downing, Central Catholic, 11-1
145–1. James Fleming, West Mifflin, 10-0; 2. Tony Clark, Kiski, 14-4; 3. Craig Chelednik, Hempfield, 19-4
152–1. Donnie Tasser, Belle Vernon, 15-3; 2. Brett Landefeld, North Allegheny, 6-2; 3. Matt Hundenski, Hopewell, 21-2
160–1. Jake Kemerer, Hempfield, 21-1; 2. Jeff Dulaney, Albert Gallatin, 21-3; 3. Todd Martinek, Trinity, 20-5
171–1. Lance Bryson, Albert Gallatin, 23-0; 2. Fred Garcia, Ringgold, 15-0; 3. Karl DeCiantis, North Allegheny, 11-5
189–1. Mike Salopek, Norwin, 19-0; 2. Zack Benzio, Connellsville, 18-5; 3. Matt Wilps, Chartiers Valley, 21-3
215–1. Danny Vaughm Central Catholic, 0-0; 2. Dan Utchel, Chartiers Valley, 21-3; 3. Michael Hull, Canon-McMillan, 14-3
Hvy–1. Sam Brownlee, Canon-McMillan, 17-3; 2. Justin Haines, Connellsville, 16-5; 3. Eric Kush, Chartiers Valley, 19-4

Class AA
103–1. Geoff Alexander, SS Academy, 24-2; 2. Andrew Lucarini, Fort Cherry, 17-1; 3. Brian Scritchfield, Jefferson-Morgan, 13-4
112–1. Anthony Zannetta, Keystone Oaks, 14-0; 2. Dante DeCario, Derry, 18-6; 3. Patrick Gouin, Washington, 16-2
119–1. Frank Martelotti, SS Academy, 22-5; Colton Blumer, West Greene, 15-4; John Prezzia, SS Beaver, 10-2
125–1. Dane Johnson, SS Academy, 24-1; 2. Travis Shaffer, Derry, 24-3; 3. Dave Demor, SS Beaver, 18-3
130–1. Colin Sheridan, Mt. Pleasant, 17-3; 2. Levi Smeltzer, Elderton, 17-1; 3. Garrett Johnston, West Greene, 14-4
135–1. Shane Welsh, Burrell, 23-3; 2. Mitch Spencer, Avella, 13-1; 3. Zach Sheridan, Mt. Pleasant, 23-5
140–1. Jordan Shields, Burrell, 26-1; 2. David Ivashchenko, South Park, 14-0; 3. Colin Checkan, SS Beaver, 14-3
145–1. Dom Demor, SS Beaver, 20-1; 2. Jamie Atwood, Kittanning, 14-0; 3. Ryan Weston, South Allegheny, 14-3
152–1. Matt Cunningham, SS Academy, 17-1; 2. Bobby Speer, Burrell, 21-7; Chris Stay, Beth-Center, 10-1
160–1. Tucker Conklin, West Greene, 15-3; 2. Aaron Hrutkay, Beth-Center, 10-2; 3. Dave Brown, SS Academy, 22-4
171–1. Kurt Brendel, SS Academy, 25-2; 2. Patrick Morris, West Greene, 14-1; Josh Dezort, Riverview, 14-2
189–1. Ethan Virgili, Jefferson-Morgan, 18-1; 2. Ryan Watson, Burgettstown, 15-3; 3. Dave Grillo, Charleroi, 11-3
215–1. Dan Conley, Burgettstown, 11-3; 2. Rob Rutkowski, Highlands, 13-2; 3. Lou Gardone, Burrell, 17-5
Hvy–1. Paul Snyder, Mt. Pleasant, 18-1; 2. Sam Miller, Washington, 16-1; 3. Zack Reefer, Elderton, 16-0

1/15/2008

Congratulations West Greene

West Greene captured the 500th victory in the history of its wrestling program Tuesday night and the Pioneers and their fans deserve a lot of credit. West Greene has consistently competed for the section title, been competitive in the individual postseason and team tournament, and does all this with a small male enrollment.

Incredibly, the school has only had three head coaches: Carroll Dodge, Buzz Walters and Allen Hughes. Dodge spent one year as head coach, establishing the program in 1961. Walters and Hughes have combined to coach the next 46 years. If you are looking for reasons why the team has been successful, start with the coaching. Three coaches in the program's history give stability and familiarity. Other school districts might want to consider this important factor before firing a head coach. The other part of the success is the toughness of the wrestlers. The Pioneers are always difficult to beat, even in down seasons.

To reach 500 victories, the program had to average a little more than 10 dual meet wins a season for 47 seasons. That's an incredible feat for such a small school.

1/13/2008

Rankings

Team Rankings
Class AAA
1. Hempfield 11-0
2. Kiski 10-1
3. Canon-McMillan 7-0
4. Penn-Trafford 4-1
5. West Allegheny 6-0
6. North Allegheny 10-1
7. Connellsville 7-4
8. Waynesburg 13-2
9. Albert Gallatin 10-3
10. Bethel Park 10-1

Class AA
1. Burrell 13-0
2. SS Academy 15-1
3. Burgettstown 9-4
4. Mt. Pleasant 7-3
5. Derry 8-2

Hillers suffer

How bad of a season is Trinity having? Bad. The Hillers lost to Jefferson-Morgan in the Trinity Elite Duals, the first time that happened in 15 years. This week, Trinity was beaten by Hopewell. I've searched through some of my archives but I don't think that has ever happened.

How can a program fall so far, so quickly? Actually, it's not that difficult to do. Trinity has only a couple seniors on this year's team and lost seven starters from last year. The problem is this senior class, not its ability but its numbers. Only having a few seniors means that this was a lost year for the program. You can't have any of your classes field just two or three kids and expect it to not hurt you at some point.

That's why the youth and junior high programs are so vital to a program's success.

1/09/2008

Standings

Wrestling

Section 1-AAA
Team Sec. All
Penn-Trafford 3-0 3-0
Kiski 3-0 8-1
Franklin Reg. 2-0 5-2
Norwin 5-1 5-1
Plum 2-1 6-6
Latrobe 2-3 4-6
Indiana 1-2 5-3
Gateway 1-4 1-4
Woodland Hills 0-3 0-3
Penn Hills 0-5 3-9

Section 2-AAA
Team Sec. All
Hempfield 4-0 10-0
Albert Gallatin 2-0 9-3
Connellsville 2-0 7-3
Belle Vernon 4-2 8-7
Eliz Forward 2-1 2-2
Gbg. Salem 2-2 2-2
L.Highlands 0-2 0-2
Uniontown 0-4 0-6
McKeesport 0-5 3-7

Section 3-AAA
Team Sec. All
Butler 5-0 9-0
N. Allegheny 4-0 8-1
Seneca Valley 3-0 5-2
North Hills 5-1 15-3
Fox Chapel 3-2 8-3
Hampton 2-4 6-6
Pine-Richland 1-3 4-7
Shaler 1-4 1-4
Avonworth 0-5 3-8
Knoch 0-5 1-15

Section 4-AAA
Team Sec. All
Bethel Park 5-0 8-1
Waynesburg 2-1 11-2
Upper St. Clair 2-1 8-1
Baldwin 2-2 8-7
West Mifflin 2-2 8-7
McGuffey 2-2 2-3
Cent.Catholic 1-1 2-8
Ringgold 2-3 9-5
T. Jefferson 0-2 2-10
Peters Twp. 0-4 1-11

Section 5-AAA
Team Sec. All
Canon-McMillan 4-0 6-0
West Allegheny 4-0 5-0
Trinity 3-0 3-5
Chartiers Valley 3-1 5-7
Mt. Lebanon 2-1 2-1
Hopewell 2-2 14-5
Ambridge 0-3 0-6
Moon 0-3 0-9
Montour 0-4 3-10
Blackhawk 0-4 0-5

Section1-AA
Team Sec. All
Burgettstown 6-0 7-4
SS Beaver 5-1 5-2
West Greene 4-1 7-3
Fort Cherry 3-2 4-6
Char-Houston 2-2 5-4
Carlynton 3-3 3-3
Center 2-5 3-5
Freedom 1-3 1-3
Avella 1-3 1-4
South Park 0-2 4-4
Washington 0-5 0-5

Section 2-AA
Team Sec. All
Derry 4-0 7-2
Mt. Pleasant 4-0 6-3
Jeannette 2-0 3-4
Keystone Oaks 3-1 3-1
Jeff-Morgan 3-1 5-6
Yough 2-1 4-9
Beth-Center 2-3 2-3
S. Allegheny 1-2 7-6
Bentworth 1-4 1-9
Southmoreland 0-4 0-5
Charleroi 0-6 0-6

Section 3-AA
Team Sec. All
Burrell 7-0 12-0
Highlands 5-1 13-5
SS Academy 3-1 13-1
Valley 3-1 5-4
Mars 4-2 9-11
Elderton 4-3 8-4
Kittanning 3-4 6-6
Summit Acad 2-3 2-3
Steel Valley 1-6 1-11
Laurel 0-5 0-6
Riverview 0-6 0-6

An unusual occurrence

Here is something you don't see very often: more points scored in a scholastic wrestling match than in a boys high school basketball game. On Tuesday night, Burgettstown defeated South Side Beaver 52-16 (that's 68 points if you are mathematically challenged. Canon-McMillan beat Peters Township, 42-20 (again, 62 if you need help cyphering). I think that says a lot about the sorry state of the area's basketball.

1/07/2008

Your input, please

I wanted to make this blog a little more interactive this year but I have been lax about doing so until now. I want your opinion on this question: What one change would you make to wrestling to make it better.
I'll go first.
Numbers on singlets.
Not weight classes, numbers. No. 14 No. 88.
Why in the world are wrestlers not required to wear numbers. It would make it so much easier to know who was wrestling. I've written about this a number of times in my 28 years at the O-R and no one seems to know why numbers are not worn on singlets.
True story, two years ago at WPIAL Team Tournament, woman stands up and yells, "C'mon Kurt." Husband tugs on her shirt. "That's Jimmy." Woman says "OK, c'mon Jimmy." Man on other side of her says, "That's Dustin."
Can you imagine watching a football or basketball game without players wearing numbers? It would be mass confusion, which wrestling is, especially in the postseason tournaments. Put a number on the hip, butt, back or chest of a singlet and it at least gives people a chance to know who's out there.

OK, I got you started. Let me hear from you on your one change to wrestling.

1/03/2008

Jeremy Lengle dies

Jeremy Lengle, a former wrestler from Pine-Richland, was killed in an automobile accident last week. Lengle reached PIAA folklore status when he wrestled Jefferson-Morgan's Travis Makel in the 125-pound finals at the PIAA Chamnpionships in 1995. Lengle pulled one of the greatest upset in the history of the state tournament when he caught undefeated Jason Betz of Warrior Run in a spladle and pinned him in 3:45 in the semifinals.

Makel was shooting for his second straight state title that season and dropped in weight from 145 to 125 so he could compete against Betz, who was considered a shoo-in to make the finals in the 125 weight class. The drop in weight took a toll on Makel, who struggled to hold it during the tournament. Matters were made worse when Makel came down with the flu and struggled in the semifinals.

Makel jumped out to an early lead but quickly ran out of gas. Lengle battled back but dropped a 9-7 decision to Makel. The crowd in Hersheypark Arena had taken Lengle's side during the bout because they felt Makel was stalling. When the awards were presented, many in the crowd booed when Makel's name was announced.

In an unparalelled act of sportsmanship in this event, Makel took the medal from around his neck and offered it to Lengle, who politely refused to take it.

Team rankings

Class AAA
1. North Allegheny 1-0
2. Hempfield 3-0
3. Penn-Trafford 0-0
4. Connellsville 1-0
5. Kiski 4-0
6. Canon-McMillan 4-0
7. West Allegheny 4-0
8. Chartiers Valley 3-1
9. Albert Gallatin 2-0
10. Belle Vernon 8-6

Class AA
1. Burrell 6-0
2. SS Academy 8-0
3. Mt. Pleasant 2-0
4. Burgettstown 6-4
5. Derry 7-2