Something to flip over

Check out this blast from the past.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hld3Ps4q-5k

Random thoughts

When Jeff Bricker announced he would not be returning as Trinity's wrestling coach, a few people came to mind to replace him: Chris Day, Andy Migyanko, Angelo Marino and Shawn Amistade. Marino, of course, coached the team until Bricker took over six seasons ago. But he has been active in the program and might be able to be convinced to return. The other three are young, energetic and knowledgeable, something that would be important to anyone filling the position.

The wrestling season is grueling but there are many who want to see it extended. They do this by holding All-Star events. Many have popped up through the WPIAL and I am sure each region has its version. To me, the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic is the event I use to indicate the season is over.

I was told at the Powerade Wrestling Tournament that wrestlers from the state of California are only allowed 40 bouts per season. I think the PIAA should consider some sort of limitation like that. Many wrestlers pile up wins in the newly popular dual tournaments, where as many as five bouts can be wrestled. Zack Kemmerer of Upper Perkiomen is the state leader with 199 but I see that mark being passed in the future. To beat Kemmerer's record, a wrestler would have to WIN 50 bouts in each of his four seasons.

NCAA finals

Saturday night’s finals results
(Numbers next to names are seeds)

125 pounds
2-Troy Nickerson (Cornell) dec. 1-Paul Donahoe (Edinboro), 2-1 TB1

133 pounds
1-Franklin Gomez (Michigan State) dec. 2-Reece Humphrey (Ohio State), 5-4

141 pounds
3-J Jaggers (Ohio State) dec. 8-Ryan Williams (Old Dominion), 10-4

149 pounds
3-Darrion Caldwell (North Carolina State) dec. 1-Brent Metcalf (Iowa), 11-6

157 pounds
1-Jordan Burroughs (Nebraska) vs. 2-Mike Poeta (Illinois), 5-1

165 pounds
12-Jarrod King (Edinboro) dec. 2-Andrew Howe (Wisconsin), 3-2

174 pounds
1-Steve Luke (Michigan) dec. 7-Mike Miller (Central Michigan), 8-4

184 pounds
1-Jake Herbert (Northwestern) dec. 3-Mike Pucillo (Ohio State), 6-3

197 pounds
2-Jake Varner (Iowa State) dec. 1-Craig Brester (Nebraska), 2-1

285 pounds
2-Mark Ellis (Missouri) dec. 5-Konrad Dudziak (Duke), 3-2 TB2

(Note: Pitt's Ethan Headlee, a Waynesburg H.S. grad, went 2-2 and was eliminated in Friday morning's consolation round)

NCAA team standings

Final Team Standings (Top 25 Teams Only)

1. Iowa: 96.5 points
2. Ohio State: 92.0 points
3. Iowa State: 84.5 points
4. Nebraska: 78.5 points
5. Cornell: 73.5 points
6. Edinboro: 72.0 points
7. Missouri: 70.0 points
8. Illinois: 55.0 points
9. Wisconsin: 53.0 points
10. Maryland: 47.5 points
11. Michigan: 47.0 points
12. Boise State: 46.5 points
13. Northwestern: 46.0 points
T14. Central Michigan: 35.0 points
T14. Minnesota: 35.0 points
16. Oklahoma State: 34.0 points
17. Penn State: 31.0 points
T18. Kent State: 30.0 points
T18. North Carolina State: 30.0 points
T20. Arizona State: 27.5 points
T20. Old Dominion: 27.5 points
22. Northern Iowa: 25.0 points
23. Purdue: 24.5 points
24. Indiana: 24.0 points
T25. Michigan State: 23.0 points
T25. Navy: 23.0 points

Link for NCAAs

I searched the NCAA site and the host site in St. Louis and could not find results of the NCAA tournament. I did find a great site on Intermat to follow the tournament. Here's the address:

www.intermatwrestle.com/college/rankings/D1NCAAPage2.aspx

Headlee falls at NCAA

Pitt's Ethan Headlee, a Waynesburg High School graduate, had a first-round bye in the NCAA Wrestling Championships in St. Louis. Headlee is a sophomore with a 24-14 record. In Thursday evening's second round, Headlee dropped a 10-2 decision to No. 8 seed Jonathan Reader of Iowa State.

Reader led 4-1 after one period and 6-1 after two. Reader scored a reversal, received a stalling point and riding time point in the third period. Headlee managed an escape.

Allegheny vs. Westmoreland

The District 7 Wrestling Coaches Association is sponsoring an exhibition
wrestling match featuring the best of Allegheny County versus the best of
Westmoreland County. The match begins at 7 pm on Wednesday
at Fox Chapel Area High School.

112–Mike Henderson, Highlands 26-1 vs. Shane Young 38-1 Penn Trafford
119–Jack Clair, Plum 23-12 vs. Brandon Grainy, Penn Trafford 33-12
125–Corey Bonura, Plum 32-6 vs. Tyler Berger, Burrell 20-5
130–Anthony Bonaccorsi, Bethel Park 37-9 vs. Colin Sheridan, Mt. Pleasant 30-7
135–Joe Waltko, North Alegheny 31-1 vs. Joey Walters, Greater Latrobe 25-5
140–Buddy Blotzer, South Allegheny 15-2 vs. Eric Kemp, Derry 18-14
145–Dave Cawley, North Alegheny 1-0 vs. Jack Bachman, Hempfield 36-1
152–Justin Mahon, Fox Chapel 38-7 vs. Devan Jones, Penn Trafford 34-6
160–Corey Delmastro, Bethel Park 36-13 vs. Nick Revis, Norwin 11-13
171–James Fleming, West Mifflin 31-2 vs. P.J. Tasser, Belle Vernon 26-3
189–Jake Leninsky, West Allegheny 33-6 vs. Derek Edwards, Burrell 17-9
215–Garrett Spencer, Langley 28-6 vs. John Palumbo, Norwin 20-10
Hvy–Jordan Roussos, Carlynton 30-1 vs. Doug Knight, Hempfield 21-12

Claissical notes

I've never been a big fan of exhibition wrestling matches, but because of the charitable cause of the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic, I don't mind this event. Nearly 4,000 people filled Pitt's Fitzgerald Field House Sunday for two dual meets. That's a pretty strong crowd compared to other years when the arena was half full. I would keep the Sunday date.

The Pennsylvania team always has an advantage over the U.S. in that the season ends later and the athletes are still in decent conditioning. Kendrick Sanders, a three-time state champion from South Dade, Fla., seemed to sag in the final period of a 7-0loss to Joey Napoli of Cumberland Valley. Other U.S. wrestlers seemed winded by the third period.

I believe wrestling would become more popular with fans if the rules were changed to allow more offensive moves. Right now, it's far too easy to defend against most types of legal throws and even headlocks are becoming more rare. I will remember Dan Conley's high-crotch toss that won him a state title for Burgettstown not for just the pin it produced but the roar from the crowd. Wrestling needs more of those moments.

Grove City's Caleb Kolb is often referred to as the son of former Steelers lineman Jon Kolb. After watching Kolb tear up Alec Ortiz of Newberg, Ore., who came in with a 115-0 record and four state titles, that should change. Jon Kolb should be referred to as the father of Grove City's great wrestler Caleb Kolb.

Best in weight

After careful consideration, I have chosen the top wrestlers of the season, any classification, according to weight. Here are my choices. Weigh in (ha) with yours.

103–Alex Dunaway, McGuffey, 32-9 – "He gets the nod over Andrew Lucarini of Fort Cherry and Dario Dobbin of C-M."

112–Derrick Nelson, Waynesburg, 32-7 – "The sophomore is part of a bright future for Waynesburg."

119–Vic LiPari, Chartiers-Houston, 30-8 – "The best of a weak weight class."

125–Colton Blumer, West Greene, 28-7 – "No Triple-A wrestler made it to the WPIAL quartefinals in this weight."

130–Nick Catalano, Canon-McMillan, 39-8 – "Up-and-comer finished fourth in state."

135–Mitch Spencer, Avella, 39-5 – "Only losses in PIAA tourney came against defending state champ."

140–Sam Lombardo, Canon-McMillan, 32-9 – "Two losses to Buddy Blotzer of S. Allegheny cost him trip to states."

145–Nick Carr, South Fayette, 38-8 – "Fifth at states, let everyone know South Fayette's program is back."

152–Kyle Appleby, Avella, 35-7 – "One of three Avella state qualifiers."

160–Tommy Thorpe, Charleroi, 27-13 – "Made it to states when opponent decided to take bite out of finger."

171–Cody Catalina, Beth-Center, 37-11 – "First WPIAL champion from Beth-Center in 10 years."

189–Alex Temple, Avella, 39-18 – "Cracked three vertabre in his back last season. Still hurting."

215–Ryan Watson, Burgettstown, 39-7 – "Persevered through two seasons of injuries to win 100th this season."

Hvy–Sam Brownlee, Canon-McMillan, 32-4 – "Illness and injury cost him at last two state tournaments."

Classic Lineup

Wrestling

Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic
at Pitt’s Fitzgerald Field House
Sunday, March 15
United States vs. Pennsylvania, 4 p.m.
WPIAL vs. West Virginia, 2 p.m.
United States
Wrestler, School Rec. Titles
112–Robert Dyar, Vestavia Hills Ala. 185-19 2X
119–Tyler Cox, Campbell County, Wyo. 160-2 4X
125–Ryan Mango, Whitfield, Mo. 169-14 3X
130–Tony Ramos, Glanbard North. Ill 190-6 3X
135–David Talyor, St. Paris Graham, Ohio 180-2 4X
140–Eric Grajales, Brandon Fla 217-0 4X
145–Kendrick Sanders, S. Dade, Fla 190-8 3X
152–R J Pena, Sprague, Ore. 172-3 4X
160–Dallas Baily, Catoosa, Okla. 132-4 4X
171–Alec Ortiz, Newberg, Ore. 115-0 4X
189–Chris Perry, Stillwater Okla. 134-1 4X
215–Orlando Scales, Elder, Ohio 122-9 2X
Hvy–Eloheim Palma, Cary, N.C. 217-8 3X
Overall record – 2,183-76; State titles 44

Pennsylvania
112–Anthony Zanetta, Keystone Oaks 155-14 2X
119–Shane Young, Penn Trafford 153-19 3X
125–Evan Yenolevich, NW Lehigh 167-13 1X
130–Joe Waltko, North Allegheny 144-20 1 X 135–Joey Walters, Latrobe 129-32
140–Dane Johnson, SS Academy 182-11 3X
145–Joey Napoli, Cumberland Valley 162-26 1X
152–Corey Lear, Benton 154-17 1X
160–Jake Kemerer, Hempfield 174-21 2X
171–Caleb Kolb, Grove City 122-27 1X
189–Jon Fausey, Line Mountain 148-15 1X
215–Brandon Palik, Saucon Valley 138-17 1X
Hvy–Sean Owen, Clearfield 134-27 1X
Overall record – 1,962-259; Titles – 18
Coaches – Tim Giel, Shady Side Academy, Bob Stewart Bethel Park

WPIAL
112–Ron Schram, Canon-McMillan 107-29
119–Jake Swink, Connellsville 111-42
125–Nathan Pennesi. Latrobe 140-26
130–Colin Sheridan, Mt. Peasant 140-46
135–Mitch Spencer, Avella 139-28
140–Jack Bachman, Hempfield 161-35
145–Devan Jones, Penn Trafford 108-55
152–Kyle Appleby, Avella 122-39
160–James Fleming, West Mifflin 131-14171–Cody Catalina, Beth-Center 79-39
189–Roman San Doval, SS Academy 154-26
215–Ryan Watson, Burgettstown 108-25
Hvy–Jordan Roussos, Carlynton 120-36
Overall record – 1620-440 12
Coaches – Tim Giel, SS Academy; Bob Stewart, Bethel Park

West Virginia
112–Dirk Bauer, Wheeling Park 160-22
119–Ryan Asbury, Oak Glen 137-25
125–Nick Taylor, Wheeling Park 134-44
130–Drew Jenkins, E. Fairmont 185-21
135–John King, Philip Barbour 143-12
140–Victor Panico, University 130-39
145–Andy Church, Parkersburg South 51-45
152–Eric Morris, East Fairmont 178-26
160–Mason Bailey, East Fairmont 177-16
171–Jacob Dempsey, Huntington 146-33
189–Cameron Gallaher, Grafton 175-3
215–Josh Kay, Capital 156-34
Hvy–Gabriel Hardiman, Cabell Midland 75-23
Overall record – 1,947-343
Coaches – Roy Michael, North Marion; Larry Shaw Oak Glen

PIAA medals

CLASS AAA
Championship matches
103—Jimmy Gulibon, Derry Area major dec. Paul Bewak, Hempfield (Dist. 7), 13-3.
112—Nico Megaludis, Franklin Regional dec. Zach Horan, Nazareth, 3-1 OT.
119—Shane Young, Penn Trafford dec. Tyler Rauenzahn, Blue Mountain, 5-3 OT.
125—Sam Sherlock, West Mifflin dec. Nathan Pennesi, Greater Latrobe, 6-3.
130—Joe Waltko, North Allegheny dec. Rocco Welleck, Erie Cathedral Prep, 10-6.
135—Josh Kindig, Blue Mountain pinned Joey Walters, Greater Latrobe, 3:03.
140—Andrew Alton, Central Mountain pinned Jack Bachman, Hempfield (Dist. 7), 1:24.
145—Dylan Alton, Central Mountain dec. Joey Napoli, Cumberland Valley, 6-3.
152—Marshall Peppelman, Central Dauphin dec. Mark Havers, Bradford, 8-0.
160—Jake Kemerer, Hempfield (Dist. 7) dec. Kenny Courts, Central Dauphin, 4-2.
171—Clay Gable, Dallastown tech. fall Clint Morrison, Cedar Cliff, 16-1, 5:18.
189—Tony Dallago, Central Dauphin pinned Jamie Callender, Council Rock North, 1:33.
215—Nate Gaffney, Connellsville dec. Spencer Myers, Selinsgrove, 5-4.
285—Evan Craig, Abington Heights dec. David Osei, Abington, 3-1.

Third Place Consolations
103—Shyheim Brown, Central Dauphin dec. Alex Dunaway, McGuffey, 4-1.
112—Tanner Bidelspach, Spring Grove dec. Dan Dortone, Springfield Delco, 6-5.
119—Zac Haynes, Council Rock North dec. Mitchell Port, Bellefonte, 3-2.
125—Steve Spearman, Erie McDowell dec. Jordan Rich, Central Mountain, 6-2.
130—Shawn Greevy, Cumberland Valley dec. Nick Catalano, Canon-McMillan, 3-0.
135—Kyle Bove, Kennett dec. Ryan Krecker, Nazareth, 2-1 UTB.
140—Tye Boyer, Indian Valley dec. Robert Blotzer, South Allegheny, 8-3.
145—Jake O’Hara, Crestwood dec. Bo Candelaria, Middletown, 4-3.
152—Bryce Busler, Cumberland Valley dec. Dan Karpency, Albert Gallatin, 3-2.
160—Jimmy Sheptock, Northampton dec. Ed Shupe, Council Rock South, 6-4.
171—Nick Milano, Erie Cathedral Prep by forfeit over Jim Resnick, Penncrest.
189—Andre Petroski, Springfield Delco dec. Joe Piro, Northampton, 6-1 OT.
215—Carl Buchholz, Great Valley dec. Jonathan Gingrich, Bald Eagle Area, 5-3 OT.
285—Sean Owen, Clearfield dec. Tyler Cowman, Wyoming Valley West, 3-1.
Fifth Place Consolations
103—Corey Keener, Blue Mountain major dec. Jordan Conaway, New Oxford, 10-2.
112—Anthony Marino, Bethlehem Liberty major dec. Tom Traxler, Bellefonte, 21-9.
119—Simon Rice, Central Dauphin dec. Cameron Throckmorton, South Western, 5-0.
125—Tyler Buckman, Central Dauphin major dec. Joey Rizzolino, Easton, 13-8.
130—Cortland Choate, Blue Mountain pinned Josh Yurasits, Northampton, 4:42.
135—Travis Shaffer, Derry Area dec. Kenny Stank, Central Dauphin, 4-2.
140—Philip Marano, Northampton dec. Dave Cawley, North Allegheny, 3-1 OT.
145—Cole Baxter, Butler dec. Brandon Loro, Springfield Delco, 11-7.
152—Nick Fuschino, Owen J. Roberts dec. Matt Hundenski, Hopewell, 6-2.
160—James Fleming, West Mifflin pinned Devon Passman, Central Bucks East, 3:52.
171—Patrick Tasser, Belle Vernon by forfeit over Hunter Smith, West Chester Henderson.
189—Shane Rosenberry, Elizabethtown dec. Jacob Bachman, Central Mountain, 7-5.
215—Antonio Giorgio, Warwick dec. Scott Syrek, Owen J. Roberts, 7-1.
285—Justin Grant, Easton dec. Alex Myers, Hatboro Horsham, 9-2.
Seventh Place Consolations
103—Mike Mathis, Central Bucks South dec. Mike Fake, Parkland, 6-1.
112—Brandon Choate, Blue Mountain pinned Bubba McGinley, Central Bucks West, 0:30.
119—Mitchell Minotti, Easton major dec. Joe Bonaduce, Unionville, 12-2.
125—Jonathan Childress, Dallastown dec. Chris Alexander, Cardinal O’Hara, 7-1.
130—Alex Pellicciotti, Boyertown major dec. Matt Martoccio, Council Rock South, 9-0.
135—Austin Sommer, Northampton dec. Luke Walker, Cumberland Valley, 4-2.
140—Jayshon Wilson, Carlisle dec. Mark Hartenstine, Easton, 4-3.
145—Shane Alterio, Bellefonte dec. Mike English, Lower Dauphin, 8-4.
152—Matt Laird, Conneaut Lake dec. Jimmy Vollrath, Council Rock South, 5-4.
160—Jared Kay, Hazleton Area major dec. Luke Etter, Big Spring, 9-1.
171—Scott Schretzenmaier, Great Valley dec. Tyler Wilps, Chartiers Valley, 3-2.
189—Todd Miller, Ringgold dec. Petros Georgialis, Montour, 6-1.
215—Adam Lazenga, Bethel Park dec. Sean Sadosky, St. Marys, 5-3 OT.
285—Keith Dahlheimer, Red Lion pinned Zach Corl, Central Mountain, 4:30.



CLASS AA
Championship matches
103—Nick Roberts, North Star dec. Evan Link, Penn Cambria, 4-1.
112—Arty Walsh, Wyomissing dec. Zach Beitz, Juniata, 5-2.
119—Anthony Zanetta, Keystone Oaks dec. A.J. Schopp, Tyrone, 4-3.
125—Evan Yenolevich, Northwestern Lehigh dec. Coty Burnett, Greenville, 7-4.
130—Nick Hodgkins, Wyomissing major dec. Logan Sheldon, Hyndman, 10-2.
135—Colin Shober, Schuylkill Valley dec. Phillip Steiberg, Central Cambria, 9-3.
140—Dane Johnson, Shady Side Academy major dec. Robert Henderson, United, 11-3.
145-—Eric Hess, Benton dec. Tyler Hain, Warrior Run, 9-2.
152—Dirk Cowburn, Coudersport dec. Joe Harper, Susquenita, 10-5.
160—Corey Lear, Benton dec. Matthew Cunningham, Shady Side Academy, 7-2.
171—Caleb Kolb, Grove City dec. Josh Smith, Octorara, 3-2.
189—Jon Fausey, Line Mountain dec. Dallas Brown, Delone Catholic, 7-5.
215—Brandon Palik, Saucon Valley dec. Josh McDannell, Chestnut Ridge, 3-2.
285—Jordan Roussos, Carlynton dec. Tyler Demott, Benton, 9-6.

Third Place Consolations
103—Josh Polacek, Westmont Hilltop dec. Dylan D’Urso, Reynolds, 2-1.
112—Mason Beckman, Reynolds dec. Luke Frey, Montoursville, 4-3.
119—David Fogle, Forest Hills dec. Adam Matthews, Reynolds, 4-2.
125—Tyler Chesney, Northern Bedford dec. Ronnie Garbinsky, Tyrone, 12-7.
130—Frank Martellotti, Shady Side Academy dec. Cody Kelly, Reynolds, 4-2 OT.
135—Jordan Moss, Sharon dec. Mitch Spencer, Avella, 3-1.
140—Derek Schmelyun, Bermudian Springs dec. Kris Krawchuk, Northern Lehigh, 3-2.
145-—Dakota Kuhn, Boiling Springs pinned Fabio Boccuzzi, Hickory, 2:42.
152—Sam Kuhn, Habor Creek dec. Nick Bancroft, Maplewood, 7-2;
160—Lewendo Teague, Sharon dec. Colin Hedash, Northern Lehigh, 3-1.
171—Nathaniel Brown, Lewisburg pinned Logan Shirey, Redbank Valley, 1:34
189—Roman SanDoval, Shady Side Academy dec. R.J. Malson, Greenville, 9-3.
215—Jesse Chesla, Towanda dec. Brian Beattie, Burrell, 6-2.
285—Lance Moore, Lackawanna Trail dec. Travis Chesla, Towanda, 6-1.
Fifth Place Consolations
103—Jamie Welsh, Pen Argyl dec. Randy Cruz, Bethlehem Catholic, 4-1.
112—David White, Schuylkill Valley dec. Geoff Alexander, Shady Side Academy, 6-4.
119—Derek Brothers, Curwensville by default over Jeremy Landowski, Burrell, 1:25.
125—Tyler Small, Delone Catholic dec. Josh Lahr, Shamokin, 6-5.
130—Bryson Brooke, Warrior Run dec. Brandon Pesarchick, Shamokin, 8-4.
135—Travis McKillop, Burrell dec. Aaron Fry, Muncy, 8-2.
140—Daniel Knott, Claysburg-Kimmel major dec. Philip Racciato, Pen Argyl, 16-2.
145-—Nick Carr, South Fayette dec. Jeremy King, Fort LeBoeuf, 6-4.
152—Alex Depew, Wilson Area major dec. Sam Shirey, Midd-West, 10-2.
160—Wesly Phipps, Grove City pinned Eric Hummel, Lewisburg, 3:56.
171—Cody Catalina, Beth-Center dec. Glenn Miller, Hamburg, 5-3.
189—Zac Bennett, Westmont Hilltop pinned Alex Temple, Avella, 1:55.
215—John Rizzo, Richland dec. Nick Dawson, Montoursville, 3-1.
285—Joe Chittester, Ridgway dec. Josh Krupa, Bedford, 8-3.
Seventh Place Consolations
103—Dylan Long, Northwestern Lehigh dec. Nate Giorgio, Schuylkill Valley, 6-4.
112—Brock Waughen, Milton major dec. Joshua Ruppert, Delone Catholic, 10-2.
119—Joe Spisak, Boiling Springs pinned Jacob Boyde, Delone Catholic, 2:04.
125—Dave Makara, Burrell pinned Devin Cook, Bedford, 4:58.
130—Bryan Smith, Bethlehem Catholic dec. Garet Pisani, Ridgway, 3-0.
135—David Demor, South Side Beaver dec. Travis Erdman, Line Mountain, 7-2.
140—Jordan Powell, Commodore Perry dec. Elias Biddle, Warrior Run, 4-3.
145—-Shawn Perich, Portage dec. Craemer Hedash, Northern Lehigh, 3-2 TB.
152—Devin OBrien, Bermudian Springs dec. T.J. Keklak, Wesmont Hilltop, 4-3 TB.
160—Derec Sauve, Susquenita pinned John Julian, Penn Cambria, 4:59.
171—Michael Blaszczyk, Lancaster Catholic dec. Corey Matilla, Boiling Springs, 6-4.
189—Kyle Dudley, Valley dec. Tim DeFrances, Commodore Perry, 5-2.
215—Jared Burger, Union City dec. Dylan Ferguson, Fairfield, 8-5.
285—Will Ringer, Reynolds dec. Mike Paradise, Harbor Creek, 3-2.

Team Scoring
1. Shady Side Academy 84, 2. Benton 74, 3. Reynolds 58.5, 4. Wyomissing 50, 5. Westmont Hilltop 43, 6. Burrell 41.5, 7. (tie) Delone Catholic & Grove City 38.5, 9. Schuylkill Valley 37.5, 10. Greenville 37.

A little turmoil

The state wrestling tournament couldn't end without at least one incident with a disgruntled wrestler. This one occurred at 171 pounds, where Jim Resnick of Penncrest was asked to leave the Giant Center in Hershey and not come back. PIAA officials apprently tired of Resnick's antics, the last one coming in his running battle with P.J. Tasser of Belle Vernon.

Tasser, a third-place finisher in the Southwest Region, beat Resnick, a Southeast champion, 6-4 in Thursday's first round.

In January, Resnick beat Tasser in the Easton Duals and pounded his chest to rub it in. When Tasser beat Resnick Thursday, he referred to the chest pounding by saying, "he got up and pounded his chest like the king ape of the zoo."

Resnick was called for unsportsmanlike conduct after saying something that can't be printed here.

On Saturday morning, the two wrestled in the consolation semifinals and Resnick won a 3-1 decision. At the end of the bout, another exchange of words, which also can't be printed here, were exchanged. Resnick received a second unsportsmanlike conduct, which meant he was out of the tournament. But PIAA officials had trouble finding him at the morning session, so they gave him the news when he arrived for his consolation finals bout Saturday night.

Resnick received a medal for fourth place but the spot on the awards' stand was left vacant.

Local AA wrestlers medal

Four area Class AA wrestlers won medals at the PIAA Class AA Championships Saturday.
Avella's Mitch Spencer finished fourth at 135 pounds following a 3-1 loss to Jordan Moss of Sharon. Spencer finished the season with a 39-45 record.
South Fayette's Nick Carr (38-8) became the first state placewinner for South Fayette in 10 years when he took fifth at 145 pounds after a 6-4 decision over Jermy King of Fort Leboeuf. South Fayette resurrected the program after shutting down after the 1999 season.
Beth-Center's Cody Catalina grabbed fifth place at 171 pounds with a 5-3 decision over Glenn Miller of Hamburg. Catalina finished with a 37-11 record.
And Alex Temple (39-18) took sixth place at 189 pounds after being pinned in 1:55 by Zac Bennett of Westmont-Hilltop.

Dunaway, Catalano fall in semifinals

McGuffey's Alex Dunaway and Canon-McMillan's Nick Catalano each lost their semifinal matches in the PIAA Class AAA Wrestling Championships Saturday.
Dunaway dropped a 3-0 decision to Hempfield's Paul Bewak at 103 pounds and Catalano lost a 6-0 decision to Joe Waltko of North Allegheny at 130 pounds. Both, however, won in the consolations and will battle for third place in their respective weight class.

Bewak got a takedown with two seconds remaining in the first period and escaped in the second for a three-point lead. Bewak rode Dunaway the final two minutes.
Catalano and Waltko were scoreless after two periods. Catalano conceded an escape point to start the third period but did not come close to taking Waltko down. A desperation attempt to pull him over his body in the final seconds resulted in Waltko getting a 5-point move at the buzzer.

In other semifinal bouts, Derry's Jimmy Gulibon (103) and Franklin Regiona's Nico Megaludis (112) reached the finals with decision victories. Shane Young of Penn Trafford defeated Simon Rice of Central Dauphin, 3-2, in a physical match to reach the 119-pound finals. It will be an all WPIAL final at 125 with Nate Pennesi of Latrobe against Sam Sherlock of West Mifflin.

Kenny Courts of Central Dauphin defeated James Fleming of West Mifflin in a 160-pound match that was emotional and caused the biggest reaction from the crowd. Courts caught Fleming in a crossface cradle for a four-point in the third period. Fleming rallied with a reversal and nearly turned Courts twice before the buzzer.

Waynesburg's Semple pulls upset

Corbin Semple of Waynesburg University pulled off an upset in the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships. Here is the link:


http://www.waynesburgsports.com/news/2009/3/6/WREST_0306093834.aspx

Dunaway, Catalano in semifinals

McGuffey's Alex Dunaway and Canon-McMillan's Nick Catalano earned a spot in Saturday morning's semifinals of the PIAA Class AAA Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center in Hershey.
Dunaway won a controversial 1-0 decision from Corey Keener of Blue Mountain at 103 pounds and draws Hempfield's Paul Bewak (35-11) in the semifinals. Catalano decisioned Mason Popham of Unionville, 5-3, at 130 pounds and drew Joe Waltko (39-1) of North Allegheny in the semifinals.
Dunaway was holding a 1-0 lead late in the match when Keener laced the leg and locked up his arm. But the two wrestlers were still standings. The referee gave Keener the takedown as the buzzer sounded. But the mat judge told the referee he didn't think it was a takedown it was waived off. That brought protests from the Blue Mountain coach, Todd Kindig, to no avail.

Tournament notes Day 2 – Friday

In one of the most upset-filled semifinals in the history of the PIAA Class AAA Championships, four former state champions were knocked into the losers' bracket Friday night.

Jordan Moss (135) of Sharon, Luke Frey (112) of Montoursville and Shady Side Academy’s Roman San Doval (189) lost in the semifinals. Moss was beaten by Colin Shober of Schuylkill Valley, 3-1; Frey was upended by Juniata freshman Zach Beitz, 4-2. San Doval was sent to the losers’ bracket by Jon Fausey of Line Mountain.

San Doval beat Westmont-Hilltop’s Zac Bennett in the consolation semifinals and will compete for third place. Bennett won a state title two years ago and was knocked out of the winners’ bracket after a 6-5 loss to Dallas Brown of Delone Catholic in the quarterfinals.

Dane Johnson of Shady Side Academy became the WPIAL's career leader in victories with his 180th. Johnson, who is going for his third state title, passed Donnie Ament and Ashtin Primus of Connellsville, who each finished with 179. Zach Kemmerer of Upper Perkiomen has the unofficial lead in the state with 199 victories.

Cole Baxter of Butler became the first medalist in the history of Butler wrestling when he advanced to the semifinals after a 9-4 win over Shane Fenningham of Northampton at 145 pounds. Baxter is the nephew of former NFL players Rich and Ron Saul.

Hempfield's Jake Kemerer struggled for a 3-2 decision over James Sheptock of Northampton at 160 pounds. Kemer got a takedown about 40 seconds into the third period and rode Sheptock out.

Caleb Kolb of Grove City raised his record to 27-0 with a victory in the quarterfinals. Kolb is the son of former Pittsburgh Steelers lineman Jon Kolb.

Catalano beats state champ

Nick Catalano, a 130-pound sophomore at Canon-McMillan, pulled off the upset of the first round of the PIAA Class AAA Wrestling Championships when he defeated Cort Choate, a defending state champion from Blue Mountain, Thursday.

Catalano stopped choate, 4-2 in overtime, avenging a 1-0 loss to Choate in the Powerade Christmas Wrestling Tournament at Canon-McMillan in December. The bout was scoreless until the third period when Choate escaped. It was tied with 19 seconds remaining when Choate was called for his second stalling call, giving Catalano a penalty point.

The turning point came in the second overtime, when Catalano got a penalty point and reversal.

"This is the biggest win of my high school career," said Catalano.

PIAA Tournament notes - Day 1

Because I fear our local wrestlers are not going to have a strong tournament, I thought I would catch you up on what's going on with the rest of the tournament. Keep checking here for updates.

The first nugget: The rumor going around as to the reason why Cumberland Valley's Mike Evans is not allowed in the tournament is that he pulled a Najeh Davenport in a teammate's duffle bag. If you don't know what that is, well, um, can't help you there. Google it.

Westmont Hilltop's Tanner Hough lost his first-round bout in the 112-pound weight class in Double-A. Hough has a number of relatives in Washington. Hough won his consolation match and can finish as high as third.

Upset of the first round came at Brian Beattie of Burrell, fifth in the Southwest, decisioned Justin Buchanan of Sharpsville, 5-4. Buchanan lost his first match in 43 bouts.

The fastest pin of the session and day came at heavyweight, where Sean Owen of Clearfield, a defending state champion, pinned Kyle DiGiacobbe of La Salle College in nine seconds,

PIAA wrestling results- Saturday

Class AAA

103-Alex Dunaway, McGuffey, 29-7
Decisioned T.J. Stanton, Dubois, 28-5, 3-2
Decisioned Corey Keener, Blue Mountain, 47-3, 1-0
Lost to Paul Bewak, Hempfield, 3-0
Decisioned Jordan Conaway, New Oxford, 4-3
Lost to Shyheim Brown, Central Dauphin, 4-1
FOURTH PLACE

112-Derrick Nelson, Waynesburg, 31-5
Lost to Zach Horan, Nazareth, 31-3, 6-0
Pinned Derek Enders, Big Spring, 30-7, in 1:48
Lost to Dan Dorton of Springfield Delco, 6-4
ELIMINATED

130-Nick Catalano, Canon-McMillan, 36-6
Decisioned Cort Choate, Blue Mountain, 47-6, 4-2 OT
Decisioned Mason Popham, Unionville, 30-5, 5-3
Lost to Joe Waltko, North Allegheny, 6-0
Decisioned Cort Choate, Blue Mountain, 3-2 UTB
Lost to Shawn Greevy, Cumberland Valley, 3-0
FOURTH PLACE

135-Nick Whipkey, McGuffey, 21-9
Lost to Kyle Bove, Kennett, 39-0, 3-0
Decisioned Dylan Caprio, Central Mountain, 32-15, 3-2
Lost to Luke Walker, Cumberland Valley, 4-3
ELIMINATED

189-Todd Miller, Ringgold, 34-5
Lost to Jamie Callender, Council Rock North, 41-6, 15-2
Pinned Brook Gosch, Blue Mountain, 36-15, 2:32
Decisioned Jake Leninsky, West Allegheny, 7-5
Lost to Joe Piro, Northampton, 9-3
Decisioned Petros Georgilas, Montour, 4-1
SEVENTH PLACE

Hvy-Sam Brownlee, Canon-McMillan, 32-2
Lost to Alex Myers, Hatboro Horsham, 35-6, 4-0
Pinned by Keith Dahlheimer, Red Lion, 35-5, :40
ELIMINATED

Class AA

103–Andrew Lucarini, Fort Cherry, 34-5
Lost to Randy Cruz, Bethlehem Catholic, 36-4, 5-2
Lost to Tyler Roberts, Jamestown, 29-9, by default in 2nd period
ELIMINATED

135–Mitch Spencer, Avella, 35-3
Decisioned Aaron Fry, Muncy, 35-2, 7-6
Lost to Jordan Moss, Sharon, 40-1, def. State champion, 4-1
Won by default over Derek Shingara, Shamokin, 33-8, 3:27
Decisioned Travis Erdman, Line Mountain, 41-4, 13-9 OT
Pinned Travis McKillop, Burrell, 3:32
Lost to Jordan Moss, Sharon, 3-1
FOURTH PLACE

140–Gus Mizia, Bentworth, 33-9
Lost to Jordan Powell, Commodore Perry, 34-5, 5-0
Pinned by Garrett Russell, Athens, 39-9, 4:14
ELIMINATED

145–Nick Carr, South Fayette, 34-6
Lost to Fabio Baccuzzi, Hickory, 39-7, 4-3
Decisioned Jacob Stumer, Bermudian Springs, 35-14, 6-2
Decisioned Colin Checkan, South Side Beaver, 38-9, 3-1 OT
Decisioned Shawn Perich, Portage, 37-1, 3-1
Lost to Fabio Boccuzzi, Hickory, 3-2 UTB
Decisioned Jeremy King, Fort Leboeuf, 6-4
FIFTH PLACE

152–Kyle Appleby, Avella, 34-5
Decisioned Sam Shirey, Mid-West, 37-6, 9-6
Lost to Nick Bancroft, Maplewood, 36-4, 8-4
Pinned by Alex Depew, Wilson, 38-5, 2:43
ELIMINATED

152–Dominic Moore, Beth-Center, 27-6
Lost to Beau Parker, Troy, 33-3, 5-0
Lost to Alex Depew, Wilson, 37-5, 14-5
ELIMINATED

160–Tommy Thorpe, Charleroi, 27-11
Lost to Wesley Phipps, Grove City, 30-8, 9-0
Pinned by Derec Sauve, Susquenita, 36-6, 4:52
ELIMINATED

171–Cody Catalina, Beth-Center, 33-9
Pinned by Caleb Kolb, Grove City, 35-0, in 3:08
Decisioned Dave Kephart, Portage, 25-8, 10-4
Decisioned Shane Stark, Lake Lehman, 5-3
Decisioned Corey Mattila, Boiling Springs, 35-7, 6-1
Lost to Nate Brown, Lewisburg, 4-2 OT
DECISIONED Glenn Miller, Hamburg,5-3
FIFTH PLACE

171–Sam Guidi, Fort Cherry, 36-5
Lost to Glenn Miller, Harrisburg, 40-2, 8-1
Lost to Corey Matthila, Boiling Springs, 33-7, 8-2
ELIMINATED

189–Alex Temple, Avella, 36-15
Lost to Dallas Brown, Delone Catholic, 33-3, tech. fall, 17-0
Decisioned Nick Demanski, Shamokin, 33-9, 3-2
Defeated Pat Leavitt, Schuylkill Valley, by default 2:46
Decisioned Tim DeFrances, Commodore Perry, 7-3
Pinned by R.J. Malson, Greenville, 4:13
Pinned Zac Bennett, Westmont-Hilltop, 1:55
SIXTH PLACE

215–Ryan Watson, Burgettstown, 38-5
Decisioned Ross Nicholson, Kane, 23-4, 6-4
Lost to Brandon Palik, Saucon Valley, 35-1, 7-1
Lost to Nick Dawson, Montoursville, 3-2
ELIMINATED

Hvy–Marty Kisla, Chartiers-Houston, 36-6
Decisioned Dan Fultz, Juniata, 33-5, 2-1
Lost to Joe Chittester, Ridgway, 36-3, 3-1 OT rideout
Lost to Will Ringer, Reynolds, 41-6, 6-2
ELIMINATED

Follow your wrestlers here

I will be updating the results of all the area wrestlers competing in the PIAA Championships at the end of each round. I will have who the next round's opponent will be and some comments on the match.

The updates will begin after Thursday's morning round. Also, any comments or questions are welcome.

PIAA predictions

Class AAA

103
1. Jimmy Gulibon, Derry
2. Corey Keener, Blue Mountain
3. Paul Bewak, Hempfield
4. Shyheim Brown, Central Dauphin

112
1. Nico Megaludis, Franklin Regional
2. Zach Horan, Nazareth
3. Shelton Mack, Meadville
4. Derrick Nelson, Waynesburg

119
1. Shane Young, Penn Trafford
2. Mitchell Port, Bellefonte
3. Simon Rice, Central Dauphin
4. Tyler Rauenzahn, Blue Mountain

125
1. Sam Sherlock, West Mifflin
2. Steve Spearman, Erie McDowell
3. Matt Rappo, Council Rock South
4. Nathan Pennesi, Latrobe]

130
1. Cort Choate, Blue Mountain
2. Rocco Welleck, Erie Cathedral Prep
3. Joe Waltko, North Allegheny
4. Shawn Greevy, Cumberland Valley

135
1. Josh Kindig, Blue Mountain
2. Ken Stank, Central Dauphin
3. Kyle Bove, Kennett
4. Tyler Parsons, Erie Cathedral Prep

140
1. Andrew Alton, Central Mountain
2. Jack Bachman, Hempfield
3. Dave Cawley, North Allegheny
4. Jayshon Wilson, Carlisle

145
1. Joey Napoli, Cumberland Valley
2. Dylan Alton, Central Mountain
3. Jake O'Hara, Crestwood
4. Cole Baxter, Butler

152
1. Marshall Peppelman, Central Dauphin
2. Mark Havers, Bradford
3. Bryce Busler, Cumberland Valley
4. Matt Hundenski, Hopewell

160
1. Jake Kemerer, Hempfield
2. Kenny Courts, Central Dauphin
3. James Fleming, West Mifflin
4. James Sheptock, Northampton

171
1. Nick Milano, Erie Cathedral Prep
2. Matt Transue, Stroudsburg
3. Patrick Tasser, Belle Vernon
4. Troy Reaghard, West Allegheny

189
1. Tony Dallago, Central Dauphin
2. Jamie Callender, Council Rock North
3. Jacob Bachman, Central Mountain
4. Joe Piro, Northampton

215
1. Anthony Giorgio, Warwick
2. Nate Gaffney, Connellsville
3. Spencer Myers, Selinsgrove
4. Jeremiah Karpency, Albert Gallatin

Hvy
1. Sean Owen, Clearfield
2. Keith Dahlheimer, Red Lion
3. Evan Craig, Abbington Heights
4. Sam Brownlee, Canon-McMillan

Class AA

103
1. Dylan Durson, Reynolds
2. Evan Link, Penn Cambria
3. Jamie Welsh, Pen Argyl
4. Andrew Lucarini, Fort Cherry

112
1. Luke Frey, Montoursville
2. Geoff Alexander, SS Academy
3. Mason Beckman, Reynolds
4. Art Walsh, Wyomissing

119
1. Anthony Zanetta, Keystone Oaks
2. A.J. Schopp, Tyrone
3. Joe Spisak, Boiling Springs
4. Zane Yocco, Brandywine Heights

125
1. Evan Yenolivch, Northwest Lehigh
2. Coty Burnett, Greenville
3. Ron Garbinsky, Tyrone
4. Tyler Chesney, Northern Bedford

130
1. Nick Hodgkins, Wyomissing
2. Garet Pisani, Ridgway
3. Logan Sheldon, Hyndman
4. Frank Martellotti, SS Academy

135
1. Jordan Moss, Sharon
2. Phil Steinberg, Central Cambria
3. Colin Shober, Schuylkill Valley
4. Mitch Spencer, Avella

140
1. Dane Johnson, SS Academy
2. Derek Schmelyun, Bermudian Springs
3. Kris Krawchuk, Northern Lehigh
4. Daniel Knott, Claysburg-Kimmel

145
1. Shawn Perich, Portage
2. Eric Hess, Benton
3. Dakota Kuhn, Boiling Springs
4. Brian Gibbons, Bedford

152
1. Dirk Cowburn, Coudersport
2. Nick Bancroft, Maplewood
3. T.J. Keklak, Westmont-Hilltop
4. Dave Snook, Mifflinburg

160
1. Matt Cunningham, SS Academy
2. Cory Lear, Benton
3. Colin Hedash, Northern Lehigh
4. Eric Hummel, Lewisburg

171
1. Caleb Kolb, Grove City
2. Tyler Capitosti, United
3. Josh Smith, Octorara
4. Nate Brown, Lewisburg

189
1. Roman San Doval, SS Academy
2. Zac Bennett, Westmont-Hilltop
3. Jon Fausey, Line Mountain
4. Dallas Brown, Delone Catholic

215
1. Justin Buchanan, Sharpsville
2. Brandon Palik, Saucon Valley
3. Ryan Watson, Burgettstown
4. Josh McDannell, Chestnut Ridge

Hvy
1. Jordan Roussos, Carlynton
2. Josh Krupa, Bedford
3. Tyler Demott, Benton
4. Lance Moore, Lackawanna Trail

Evans out of Tournament

From Rod Frisco of the Harrisburg Patriot-News



Cumberland Valley junior Mike Evans has withdrawn from the 2008-2009 PIAA wrestling championships for undisclosed reasons.

Also, Susquehanna Twp. freshman heavyweight Averee Robinson has dropped out of the tournament due to academic ineligibility.

Evans, a junior with a 41-1 record this season, won his third District 3 Class AAA wrestling championship on Feb. 21 at Hersheypark Arena and was slotted as the PIAA's Southcentral Region champion at 171 pounds for the state's Class AAA wrestling championships.

The state wrestling championships begin Thursday at Giant Center in Hershey.


Cumberland Valley upper house Principal Steve Kirkpatrick was not at the school Monday, according to office staff. CV athletic director Mike Craig confirmed that Evans would not represent CV at the PIAA Championships this weekend.

Officials at the PIAA office in Upper Allen Township re-posted the 171-pounds brackets after receiving a call Monday morning from a Cumberland Valley official confirming that Evans had withdrawn.

As a result, Dallastown's Clay Gable (35-4) will move up from the SC-2 spot into the SC-1 spot vacated by Evans and will meet Great Valley's Scott Schretzenmaier (36-5) in the opening round. The SC-3 wrestler, Clint Morrison (34-7) of Cedar Cliff, will move up to the SC-2 spot against Bobby Lavelle (33-11) of Council Rock South.

Donegal's Neal Sweigart (25-8], who finished fourth at the regional tournament, will fill the SC-3 slot and wrestle Cathedral Prep's Nick Milano (36-3), the presumed favorite with Evans' withdrawal.

Robinson posted a 33-5 record this season, losing by fall in the 3-AAA finals to Red Lion's Keith Dahlheimer.

Robinson's spot in the bracket as the Southcentral runner-up will be taken by 3-AAA third-placer Nick Page (29-5) of Kennard-Dale. Page will face Hampton's Joe Raimondi (30-3).

PIAA Schedule

Schedule
Thursday March 5
Preliminaries AA 9 am
First Round Consolations AA 12:15 pm
Preliminaries AAA 4 pm
First Round Consolations AAA 7:15 pm
Friday March 6
Quarterfinals AA 8:00 am
Second Round Consolations AA 9:45 am
Quarterfinals AAA 1 pm
Second Round Consolations AAA 2:45 pm
Semi-Finals AA 6:30 pm
Third Round Consolations AA 6:30 pm
Fourth Round Consolations AA 9 pm
Saturday March 7
Semi-Finals AAA 8 am
Third Round Consolations AAA 8 am
Fourth Round Consolations AAA 10:30 am
3rd, 5th, & 7th Place Consolations AA 12:30 pm
Finals AA 2:30 pm
3rd, 5th, & 7th Place Consolations AAA 6 pm
Finals AAA 8:00 pm