Wiercioch falls to Marsteller

Wow.
It’s not often that the a wrestling match lives up to the hype but the one that took place in a packed Canon-McMillan gymnasium Saturday night did.
In one of the most dazzling displays of defensive wrestling, Chance Marsteller of Kennard-Dale and Cody Wiercioch of Canon-McMillan thrilled the nearly 3,000 fans in the 170-pound finals of the Powerade Christmas Wrestling Tournament.
While this might be a subjective stat, it would be hard to find anyone in the gym who remembered a more memorable 3-2 decision where all the points were scored on escapes.
“I wanted to give the crowd a good match,” said Wiercioch, “and that’s what we did.”
This matchup of the No. 1- and 2-ranked wrestlers in the country by Intermat came down one move neither wrestler could control.
The flip of the disk.
It determined who would have choice in the fourth overtime period for the ultimate tiebreaker format. Marsteller won the flip, had the choice in the final overtime and scored three seconds in to take the 3-2 victory.
An appreciative crowd gave both wrestlers a standing ovation.

Schram wins Powerade title

Connor Schram of Canon-McMillan won the second Powerade title of his scholastic career when he had his match against Michael Kemerer of Franklin Regional stopped at 2:35. Schram had just his a nasty double-leg takedown and the crown of his head caught Kemerer on the chin. The two fell out of bounds and Kemerer was wobbly when he stood. Trainers checked him and Franklin Regional head coach Eric Mauser decided not to send him back out.
Schram, a former PIAA champion, had a 4-2 lead at the time of the default and was dominating the bout.

Powerade medal rounds

Powerade Christmas Wrestling Tournament

At Canon-McMillan High School

Team Results – Top 10

1. Blair 299, 2. Moeller 161, 3. Canon-McMillan 160, 4. Franklin Regional 136, 5. Huntington 123, 6. Parkland 120, 7. Good counsel 119.5, 8. Parkland 120, 9. Solanco 110, 10. Cedar Cliff 105.5

Individual Finals

106-Luke Pletcher (Latrobe) dec. Devan Brown (Saegertown) 7-1

113-Ethan Lizak (Parkland) dec. Jared Allen (Huntington) 5-2

120-Matt Kolodzik (Blair Academy) dec. Sam Krivus (Hempfield) 8-4

126-Connor Schram (Canon-McMillan) by default over Michael Kemerer (Franklin Regional) 2:35

132-Jason Nolf (Kittanning) dec. Tyler Smith (Franklin Regional) 10-5

138-Zain Retherford (Benton) dec. Mason Manville (Blair Academy) 2-0

145-Josh Shields of Franklin Regional dec. Dylan Milonas of Blair Academy 4-3

152-Russell Parsons (Blair Academy) dec. Anthony Collica (Solon) 2-1 UTB

160-Zack Zavatsky (Latrobe) dec. Zach Voytek (Greensburg Salem) 2-0

170-Chance Marsteller (Kennard-Dale) dec. Cody Wiercioch (Canon-McMillan) 3-2 UTB

*182-Dakota Deslauriers (Burrell) dec. addison Knepshield (Blair Academy) 3-1
 

195-Frank Mattiace (Blair Academy) dec. Jacob Hart (Hampton) 3-2 UTB

220-Kye Snyder Good Counsel) dec. Thomas Haines (Solanco) 16-6

Hvy-Brooks Black (Blair Academy) dec. Darrell Hicks (Ripley) 12-3

Third Place

106-Mackall (Walsh Jesuit) dec. Sheehan (Solanco) 7-5

113-Headlee (Waynesburg) pinned Cavallo (Hempfield) 1:27

120-Macri (Canon-McMillan) dec. Thompson (Solon) 8-2

126-McKenna (Blair Academy) dec. Diehl (Trinity D-3) 3-0

132-Gustafson (Forest Park) dec. Kostandaras (Walsh Jesuit) 1-0

138-Galasso (Father Judge) dec. Maruca (Franklin Regional) 8-3

145-Vassar (Cedar Cliff) dec. Arthur (Huntington) 9-7

152-Coles (Norwin) dec. Reinhart (Greensburg Salem) 3-2

160-Wedholm (Blair Academy) by default over Popp (Baylor, Tenn.)

170-Sizemore (Moeller) dec. Coover (Blair Academy) 3-1

182-Colello (Cedar Cliff) dec. Phipps (Norwin) 3-1 OT

195-Neff (Good Counsel) dec. Vulcano (Chartiers-Housto) 5-2

220-Frueauf (Moeller) dec. Campbell (Canon-McMillan) 8-6

Hvy-Mironenko (Mifflinburg) dec. DeLuca (Pgh. Central Catholic) 5-4

Fifth Place

106-Grass (Huntington) dec. Lenox (Erie McDowell) 4-2

113-Ziegler (Moeller) dec. Friedman (St. Paul's) 10-2

120-Joseph (Pgh. Central Catholic) dec. Deitz (Erie McDowell) 5-4

126-Walter (Mifflinburg) dec. Welliver (Benton) 3-0

132-Hollingshead (Altoona) dec. Brunner (Baylor, Tenn.) 5-1

138-Alexander (Pgh. Central Catholic) by def. over Zacherl (Brookville) 5:00

145-Cotton (Benton) dec. Sutton (Chartiers-Houston) 2-0

152-Colello (Cedar Cliff) dec. Jack (Kittanning) 9-7

160-Meyer (Moeller) dec. Walter (Mifflinburg) 5-2

170-Stein (Forest Park) dec. Wagh (St. Paul's) 7-3

182-Haddad (Parkland) dec. Blacharczyk (McGuffey) 3-2

195-Barnes (Altoona) dec. Thornberry (Moeller) 3-1

220-Shulman (Hampton) dec. Heist (Parkland) 5-4

Hvy-Poorman (Bellefonte) pinned Spiller (Solanco) 2:56

Seventh Place

106-Price (Canon-McMillan) dec. Ortz (Brookville) 5-1

113-Tucker (Blair Academy) dec. Vath (Saegertown) 5-1

120-Budock (Good Counsel) dec. Guers (Blue Mountain) 4-0

126-Whitely (Walsh Jesuit) dec. Mutchnik (St. Paul's) 3-1

132-Monica (Blair Academy) dec. Evans (Parkland) 3-2

138-Brandt (Altoona) dec. Zacherl (Brookville) 5-2

145-Synann (Hampton) dec. Nuss (Central Catholic) 4-0

152-Austin (Penn Trafford) by default over Falleroni (Brrell)

160-Zacherl (Brookville) dec. Pettis (Cedar Cliff) 9-0

170-Wilps (Chartiers Valley) by default over Myers (Blue Mountain)

182-Reynolds (Saegertown) dec. Willett (Greensburg Salem) 7-2

195-Grygo (Bethel Park) dec. Butler (Connellsville) 7-1

220-Cabell (Huntington) dec. Showunmi (Blair Academy) 6-3 OT

Hvy-Broglia (Canon-McMillan) pinned Beattie (Burrell) 1:27

Powerade update for semifinals

106-Luke Pletcher of Latrobe had no trouble with Connor Sheehan of Solanco, winning 6-0 in semifinals. He'll meet Devon Brown of Saegertown, a 5-3 winner over Alex mackall of Walsh Jesuit.

113-Ethan Lizak of Parkland continued to dominate with 11-2 win over Ryan Friedman of St. Paul's. Jordan Allen of Huntington W.Va., pinned Ricky Cavallo of Hempfield in OT in the other semifinal.

120-Matt Kolodzik took a 10-6 decision from randon Thompson of Solon in overtime. Sam Krivus of Hempfield decisioned Dalton Macri 8-6. Krivus had a 4-1 lead after one period and 7-4 after two.

126-Connor Schram of Canon-McMillan hits a roll-through takedown with 20 seconds remaining to beat Trinity's Ryan Diehl 3-1. Diehl is a defending Class AA state champion. Schram gets Michael Kemerer of Franklin Regional, a 2-1 winner over Joe McKenna of Blair Academy.

Connor Schram

132-Jason Nolf of Kittanning took an 8-4 decision from Dennis Gustafson of Forest Park. Tyler Smith of Franklin Regional is Nolf's oppoenent in final, thanks to 3-0 win over Mike Kostandaras of Walsh Jesuit.

138-Zain Retherford's takedown in OT gives him 5-3 win over Joe Galasso of Father Judge. Mason Manville of Blair easy 6-0 winner over Josh Maruca of Franklin Regional.

145-Dylan Milonas of Blair Academy edges Chris Vassar of Cedar Cliff 4-2. Josh Shields of Franklin Regional a 2-1 winner over Colt Cotton of Benton.

152-Russ Parsons of Blair Academy stops Tyler Reinhart of Greensburg Salem 9-4. Parsons will face Anthony Collica of Solon, a 9-4 winner over Heath Coles of Norwin.

160-Zach Zavatsky of Latrobe shuts out Ty Walter of Mifflinburg 4-0. Zach Voytek of Greensburg Salem gets by Jack Wedholm of Blair, 4-2.

Wiercioch

Marsteller
 

170-Cody Wiercioch of Canon-McMillan handled Patrick Coover of Blair Academy 8-1, thanks to three takedowns. Coover kept his distance but Wiercioch had little trouble with that strategy. Chance Marsteller of Kennard-Dale won by 19-4 technical fall over Dakota Sizemore of Moeller.





182-Dakota Desluariers of Burrell looks fully recovered from a bout of mono earlier in the season in a 10-3 win over Nezer Haddad of Parkland. Addison Knepshield stopped Brent Blacharczyk kof McGuffey 5-1.


195-Jacob Hart of Hampton knocked off Garrett Vulcano of Chartiers-Houston 13-6. Frank Mattiace of Blair Academy advances with an 8-0 decision over Spencer Neff of Good Counsel.
220-Kyle Snyder of Good counsel got his third pin of the tournament, 3:16 over Chalmer Freuauf of Moeller. Thomas Haines of Solanco dominated Alex Campbell of Canon-McMillan, 13-2.

Hvy-Brooks Black of Blair Academy has a chance to repeat as champion at Powerade with a pin of Garrett Poorman of Bellefonte in 2:58. Daryl Hicks of Ripley, W.Va., decisions Bo Spiller of Solanco 5-3 in - what else for the last bout of the torund? - overtime.

Southmoreland Tournament

Jefferson-Morgan placed three wrestlers in the semifinals of the Southmoreland Holiday Classic Friday. Brendan Howard (106), Jason Miller (138) and Dustin Conti (182) each swept their way to that spot.
Bentworth’s Jake Rothka (113) and Jake Fordyce (195); Burgettstown’s Austin McDermitt (106), West Greene’s Matt Johnston (145), Charleroi’s Nick Gavazzi (138) and Beth-Center’s Jason Stay (145) also are two wins away from a gold medal.

Here is the link:

http://southmoreland.schoolwires.com/domain/9

Former coach Kling dies

Former Keystone Oaks wrestling coach Dave Kling died this week in Florida. Kling moved to Florida when he retired after the 2002-03 season. Kling ranks fourth in WPIAL history with 381 victories. In 30 seasons at Keystone Oaks, Kling had a 381-152-2 record.
The only WPIAL coaches with more victories are: Chuck Tursky (467-133-2 at Kiski Area and Burrell), Tom Dolde Sr. (448-137-6 at Connellsville), and Ken Lockey (392-158-13 at Seneca Valley).

Powerade updates - Day 1 (11:04 p.m.)

A quick Wiercioch-Marsteller breakdown: Up front, I have to admit that I have seen many more bouts from Wiercioch than I have Marsteller. I know Marsteller is getting a sound wrestler, able to wrestle a physical match or a technical one, whichever is required for a victory.
Normally, these type of bouts don't take place this early in the season. But credit Marsteller for coming up to 170 for Powerade.
Wiercioch presents a couple of problems for Marsteller. He is taller, has a longer reach, is just as strong on his feet and has great technique. If Wiericioch attempts to go chest-to-chest with Marsteller, I don't think he can win. Marsteller is too strong for that, and has the quickness to make Wiercioch pay for any little mistake. Wiercioch would be more effective working his angles and not allowing Marsteller in on his legs.
Marsteller has great balance and movement and can slip around a wrestler before he can react. I am reminded of the match between Wiercioch and Burrell's Travis McKillop two years ago in the state finasl. McKillop did a great job of keeping Wiercioch at arm's length and scoring off Wiercioch's mistake to win the match.
It's a different Wiercioch now, smarter and more talented than his sophomore days. Whether that will be enough to beat Marsteller, who is often compared to cary Kolat, is anyone's guess. It will be a great way to find out.

Top 5 team scoring through the heading into the semifinals: 1. Blair Academy 175; 2. Moeller 111; 3. Canon-McMillan 107; T4. Franklin Regional 94; T4. Solanco 94

Six local wrestlers are in the semifinals, including four from Canon-Mac. Joining Wiercioch are Dalton Macri (120), Connor Schram (126) and Alex Campbell (22). Garrett Vulcano of Chartiers-Houston and Brent Blacharczyk of McGuffey are in at 195 and 182, respectively.

Cody Wiercioch of Canon-McMillan and Chance Marsteller of Kennard-Dale each advanced to the semifinals at 170 by breezing through the first threerounds. Marsteller and Wiercioch are ranked 1-2 in the country by Intermat and are expected to meet in the finals barring an upset or injury.

It didn't take long for one of the top four seeds to be upset in the Powerade Christmas Wrestling Tournament at Canon-McMillan. Senior  Tommy Aoli of Forest Park, Va., the No. 2 seed at 106, was decisioned by freshman Charlie Lenox of Erie McDowell, 9-3, in the second round. Lenox gets another touted freshman in Luke Pletcher of Latrobe in the quarterfinals.

Powerade link, seeds

Here is a link to the Powerade Christmas Wrestling Tournament home page.

www.poweradewrestling.com

Here are the Powerade top-seeded wrestlers:
106-Devan Brown, Saegertown
113-Ethan Lizak, Parkland
120-Matthew Kolodzik, Blair Academy
126-Michael Kemerer, Franklin Regional
132-Jason Nolf, Kittanning
138-Zain Retherford, Benton
145-Dylan Milonas, Blair Academy
152-Russ Parsons, Blair Academy
160-Zack Zavatsky, Latrobe
170-Chance Marsteller, Kennard-Dale
182-Dakota Deslauriers, Burrell
195-Jake Hart, Hampton
220-Kyle Snyder, Good Counsel
Hvy-Brooks Black, Blair Academy

Wiercioch-Marsteller at 170 for Powerade

What better place for a matchup between the top two wrestlers in the country than the Powerade Christmas Wrestling Tournament. That can happen this weekend when the two-day tournament gets under way at Canon-McMillan High School.
Chance Marsteller, a junior from Kennard-Dale, and Cody Wiercioch, a senior from Canon-McMillan, are each weighed in at 170 pounds. Avoiding an upset or injury, the matchup of these two-two-time state champions should be the feature final in the tournament.
Marsteller is undefeated in two seasons and has the chance to become the 11th four-time PIAA wrestling champion in that event's history. He is ranked No. 1 at 170 by Intermat and Wiercioch is ranked No. 2.
Wiercioch, who won his second state title last season, and Marsteller are defending Powerade champions.
In other news, Clovis, Calif., was forced to withdraw from the tournament because the team's flight out of California was postponed by the winter snowstorm here until Friday, the first day of the tournament. Clovis had competed in two previous Powerade tournaments.

Headlee fourth at Beast of the East

A.C. Headlee of Waynesburg High School took fourth place in this weekend's Beast of the East Tournament.
Here are his bouts:

113  pounds

Champ. Round 1 - A. C. Headlee (Waynesburg) 17-2 won by major decision over Tyler Casamenti (Bergen Catholic) 27-14 (Maj 10-2)

Champ. Round 2 - A. C. Headlee (Waynesburg) 17-2 won by pin over Tyler Hoover (Mechanicsburg) 3-13 (Pin 1:12)

Champ. Round 3 - A. C. Headlee (Waynesburg) 17-2 won by pin over Sean Badua (Osbourn Park) 16-4 (Pin 1:36)

Quarterfinal - Charles Tucker (Blair Academy) 30-4 won by decision over A. C. Headlee (Waynesburg) 17-2 (Dec 6-1)

Cons. Round 6 - A. C. Headlee (Waynesburg) 17-2 won by decision over Derek Gulotta (Owen J Roberts) 38-13 (Dec 3-0)

Cons. Round 7 - A. C. Headlee (Waynesburg) 17-2 won by decision over Ryan Friedman (St Pauls School for Boys) 50-11 (Dec 3-0)

Cons. Semi - A. C. Headlee (Waynesburg) 17-2 won by decision over Steven Simpson (St Marys Ryken) 16-6 (Dec 6-2)

3rd Place Match - Charles Tucker (Blair Academy) 30-4 won by decision over A. C. Headlee (Waynesburg) 17-2 (Dec 5-1)

Pick up the phone, give us a call

Time for a small rant.
In Thursday's edition of the Observer-Reporter, you might notice the results of the wrestling matches competed on Wednesday. You also might notice that about half of the scheduled results are not in the paper. That's because we did not get a call, or fax, or e-mail with information. I know which ones, but I will not embarrass the programs by listing them this time.
We have a four-man sports staff and we cover two dozen schools. Most of these schools have at least three winter sports. We have to rely on the teams to call in their results, not because it makes me happy - it does - but because it makes their fans happy. The newspaper is a conduit for information about the teams fans want to follow at their school. When those results are not reported, it hurts the fans.
We also use these results to gather information and form future stories or possibly pick an Athlete of the Week. We can't do that when it's not submitted.
It only takes about 5 minutes to make the call and give the information. Not doing so keeps their performances hidden. Even losing teams have worthy efforts to publicize. But no one gets recognized if the results are not provided.

Cook to be inducted into state Hall of Fame

Dave Cook, who coached wrestlers to four state titles at Canon-McMillan, will be an inductee into Pa. Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame. Cook will be in Canonsburg Friday night to be honored with others by the Canon-McMillan wrestling program.
Cook retired from coaching after the 1986 season and had three wrestlers - Craig Dellorso, Rob Benjamin and Ron rothka - win a combined four titles.
Cook also coached at Ringgold High School and Chartiers-Houston, Cook's alma mater.

WPIAL pushes C-H incident to January meeting

The WPIAL Board of Control put an incident that took place during the Chartiers-Houston Wrestling Tournament on the January agenda for review.
Tim O’Malley, executive director of the WPIAL, said the organization asked for, and received, reports from both schools about the altercation.
Chartiers-Houston police said a physical altercation erupted between Rich Hall, the president of the Chartiers-Houston School Board, and Josh Mollica, an assistant wrestling coach for South Fayette during the tournament, which was held Dec. 7-8.
"We put it on the January agenda for review," said O'Malley, "and we will see what direction to take."
Chartiers-Houston police said no charges were filed.

CM wins Reno title; Wiercioch champ

Canon-McMillan captured the team title and Cody Wiercioch won the 170-pound title at the Reno Tournament of Champions.
The Big Macs had 225.5 points, four better than Poway (Calif.). Maple Mountain High School in Utah was third at 173.5, Pomona, Calif., fourth at 158.5 and Green Valley High School in Reno was fifth at 155.
Wiercioch, a two-time PIAA champion, won a 2-1 overtime decision against Steve Cervantes of Poway in the 170 finals.
Dalton Macri was second at 120, Connor Schram was second at 132, Brendon Price was third at 106, Alex Campbell took third at 220 and Angelo Broglia was third at heavyweight.
Macri dropped a 2-1 decision to Isaiah Locsin of Live Oak in California and Schram was pinned in 3:14 by Jed Mellon of Payson High School in arizona.
Price took third place with an 8-2 decision by Dustin Steffino of Upper Perkiomen in Pennsylvania. Campbell earned third place with an 11-9 win over Vic Raygoza of Orland High School in California. Broglia edged Carlos Taylot Broken Arrow High School in Oklahoma.

WPIAL investigating CH incident

At its Monday meeting in Green Tree, the WPIAL Board of Control will review an incident that took place during last week’s Chartiers-Houston Wrestling Tournament.

Chartiers-Houston police said a physical altercation erupted between Rich Hall, the president of the Chartiers-Houston School Board, and Josh Mollica, an assistant wrestling coach for South Fayette during the tournament.

"We heard about it," said Tim O’Malley, executive director of the WPIAL. "The board will discuss it at the meeting."

Chartiers-Houston police said no charges were filed.

The board of control is investigating the matter because the incident happened during a WPIAL event. O’Malley said the WPIAL asked for, and received, reports from both schools about the altercation. The board of control could take a number of varying punitive steps if the incident is thought to be serious. O’Malley said he would release what action, if any, the board took Tuesday.

Chartiers-Houston police were already at the wrestling event to provide security when they were called over to one of the scoring tables in the middle of the gymnasium.

Police said an argument took place between Mollica and Hall, who was one of the workers in expediting the bouts of the tournament. Police said Mollica and Hall settled the matter and asked that no charges be filed.

John George, superintendent of Chartiers-Houston, said he was alerted about the incident but had no comment.

New life

For a little more than two hours Wednesday night, it was the 1990s all over again. Mark Caffrey was sitting in the coaching chair in a packed McGuffey gymnasium. The crowd was fired up and the music coming out of the sound system hurt your ears.
The crowd reacted to each match against rival Trinity, right up until the final bout. There would be no victory on this night for the Highlanders, losing 36-30, but they might have won more than they realized. The program, which like Trinity, had fallen a couple notches, looks like it's on its way to making a comeback.


A packed house at McGuffey for Trinity's match.
 

There is still a ways to go but with Caffrey, a PIAA Hall of Fame coach making his third go-round with the Highlanders head coaching job, leading the way, the momentum is there. It's easy to remember when McGuffey was a powerhouse program. The Highlanders dominated Class AAA in the 1990s under Caffrey, making it to at least the team tournament semifinals 10 times and winning three titles.
On the other side of the mat was the new kid, Mark Powell. But that's not an accurate description. Powell is a familiar name among Trinity wrestling. He graduated from there before heading on to Purdue, then Pitt, then West Greene as an assistant coach and now Trinity to run a program that needed a fresh start.
He infused an energy into the Hillers last night that was sorely missing. Unlike Caffrey, Powell is constant motion in the chair, up, down, grabbing an assistant next to him to demonstrate a move, walking back to the on-deck wrestler to pass on some information he just thought of. He makes you exhausted just watching him and it's easy to lose track of him, but the Hillers seemed to feed off that against McGuffey.
Building a winning wrestling program is not easy. Maintaining it is even harder.
It appears that McGuffey and Trinity are headed in the right direction, with the right people leading the way.

Eastern Area Tournament

Individual Finals

Championship

 

106 Brendan Howard, Jefferson-Morgan Dec Kevin Miller, Norwin, 7-6

113 James Harrison, West Mifflin Dec Scott Stossel, North Allegheny, 7-5

120 Dom Forys, North Allegheny M-Dec Ryan Hardaway, Kiski Area, 14-5

126 Nate Russo, Belle Vernon Fall AJ Wilkins, Gateway, 3:02

132 Jason Nolf, Kittanning Fall Joel Pezze, Norwin, 1:27

138 Jesse Rodgers, North Allegheny T-Fall Paul Dunn, Bethel Park, 15-0

145 Cole Landowski, Kiski Area Dec Derek Verkleeren, Belle Vernon, 6-2

152 Brian Estep, Allderdice Dec Kyle Skelly, Montour, 6-4

160 Heath Coles, Norwin M-Dec Bill Bowlen, Jefferson-Morgan, 12-4

170 Zach Pinkas, Forrest Hills Fall Will Palarino, Penn Trafford, 5:48

182 Adam Nickelson, Belle Vernon Fall Zach Smith, McKeesport, 2:33

195 Matt McCutcheon, Kiski Area Fall Zac Croyle, Kittanning, 1:29
220 Cole Macek, Montour Dec James Keys, West Mifflin, 7-2

285 Shane Kuhn, Kiski Area Fall David Grafton, Kittanning, :52

More on Ironman

If you wanted more information on this year's Ironman tournament, Josh lowe of Intermat has this report:

http://www.intermatwrestle.com/articles/10905

Wiercioch wins, CM fifth at Ironman



Cody Wiercioch’s victory in the 170-pound weight class helped Canon-McMillan High School’s wrestling team take fifth place in the Ironman tournament at Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Saturday.



Wiercioch

Wiercioch, a two-time PIAA champion, decisioned Zach Epperly, a two-time Virginia state champion from Christiansburg, 3-2 in the finals. Wiercioch is ranked second in the country by Intermat and Epperly third. Chance Marsteller of Kennard-Dale is No. 1.

Alex Campbell was second at 220 and Dalton Macri and Connor Schram each finished fifth at 120 and 132, respectively.

"I’m very happy with our performance," said C-M coach Chris Mary. "There is a high level of competition here."

Campbell lost by technical fall, 26-11, to top-ranked Kyle Snyder of Good Counsel in Olney, Md.

Macri decisioned Jordan Laster of Montini Catholic in Lombard, Illinois, 5-2, at 120.

Schram lost to two of the top wrestlers in the country – No. 1 Dean Heil of St. Edward’s and No. 3 Aaron Pico of St. John Bosco in Bellflower, Calif.

• Brent Blacharczyk and Tyler Harris each went 3-0 as McGuffey finished third at the John Marshall Duals. McGuffey defeated Marietta, Ohio, 61-12, Buchanan Upsher, W.Va., 42-27, and East Fairmont, W.Va., 42-37.

• Dom Nania, Chase Logan and Cameron Kistler recorded pins as Hempfield defeated Waynesburg, 46-15, in a non-section match. A.C Headlee recorded a pin for Waynesburg (0-1).

• Robert West helped Trinity to a seventh-place finish in the North Coast Classic by winning the 182-pound title, 8-7, over Drew Schiemann of Madison, Ohio. West went 7-0. Taking third for the Hillers were Justin Ritter (136), Don McWreath (195) and Evan Seamn (Hvy). Evan Sherrieb (152) and Jeff Miller (145) were fifth and Jared Iddings (120) eighth.

C-H wrestling finals

Chartiers-Houston Tournament

Team Standings (Top 10)

1. Butler 1855; 2. South Fayette 185; 3. Peters Township 180.5; 4. Chartiers-Houston 175; 5. North Hills 138; 6. Chartiers Valley 137; 7. Upper St. Clair 108; 8. Avella 101; 9. Thomas Jefferson 100.5; 10. Elizabeth Forward 100

Individual Results

Finals

106-Austin Griffiths (Southmoreland) dec. Gage Curry (North Hills) 8-2

113-Connor Foust (Butler) dec. Kevin Chaussard (S. Fayette) 2-0

120-Seth Carr (South Faytte) dec. Phil Mary (Peters Twp) 9-1 (major)

126-Tyler Walker (North Hills) pinned Luke Etzel (Eliz Forward) 5:56

132-Ty Buckiso (Peters Township) dec. Drew Walker (North Hills) 12-5

138-Italo Merante (Peters Township) dec. Jake Wentzel (South Park) 5-4

145-Nick Gavazzi (Charleroi) dec. Nick Kusich (Avella) 14-5 (major)

152-Tanner Sutton (Chartiers-Houston) dec. Boe Bonzo (Freedom) 7-6

160-D.J. Wilding (Upper St. Clair) dec. Colt Belardia (Eliz Forward) 3-0

170-Mike Fetchet (South Fayette) dec. Noah Wilps (Char Valley) 5-2

182-Ryan Hannon (Butler) dec. Pat Barcaskey (Moon) 4-3

195-Garrett Vulcano (Chartiers-Houston) dec. Alen Turcuinhodzic (North Hills) 2-1 2 OT

220-Jake Temple (Avella) tech. fall over Moe Slinger (Upper st. Clair) 22-7

Hvy-Jake Beistel (Southmoreland) dec. Thor Henze (Thos Jefferson) 2-1 UTB

OW: Tyler Walker, North Hills

Most Falls: Jake Temple, Avella 4.

Third Place

106-Wolfe (South Fayette) dec. Buckiso (Peters Township) 1-0

113-Barrickman (Thos Jefferson) dec. Klaas (North Hills) 2-0

120-Caudill (Butler) by def. over Swarrow (Beth-Center) :00

126-Reckner (SS Beaver) dec. Caudill (Butler) 5-3

132-Gentry (SS Beaver) dec. Wilding (Upper St. Clair) 9-3

138-Terrick (Eliz Forward) dec. Bennett (Butler) 5-3 OT

145-Stay (Beth-Center) dec. Wentzel (South Park) 2-0 OT

152-Fetchet (South Fayette) pinned Caputo (Peters Township) 2:48

160-Hull (Chartiers-Houston0 dec. Brown (Beth-Center) 6-4 OT

170-Payne (SS Beaver) tech. fall over Kincaid (Chartiers-Houston) 18-2

182-Fornier (Eliz Forward) dec. Saieva (Chartiers-Houston) 6-1

195-Walker (South Fayette) dec. Weaver (Butler) 6-0

220-Cousins (Freedom) dec. Wheeler (Char Valley) 7-3

Hvy- Cervanek (Peters Township) dec. Wheeler (Butler) 1-0

Fifth Place

106-Devine (Thos Jefferson) pinned Sullivan (Char Valley) 4:57

113-Flynn (SS Beaver) dec. Hritsko (Chartiers-Houston) 4-2

120-Valentine (AG) dec. Palm (Upper St. Clair) 11-1 (major)

126-McGinnis (Chartiers-Houston) dec. Lutton (Char Valley) 3-1

132-Houston (Butler) pinned Tharp (Char Valley) 4:13

138-Welsh (Beth-Center) dec. Trimmer (Avonworth) 5-2

145-Evanovich (Peters Township) pinned Smith (A. Gallatin) 1:46

152-Griffin (Chartiers Valley) pinned Tuzikow (North Hills) 4:03

160-McMahon (Mars) by def. over Mitchell (Peters Township) :00

170-Minous (Thos Jefferson) dec. Talorico (Beaver) 3-2

182-Haney (South Fayette) def. Bair (Mars) 9-1

195-Allen (Avella) by def. over Roper (Char Valley)

220-VanWyne (Mars) dec. Kraushaar (Chartiers-Houston) 5-3

Hvy-Piatt (SS Beaver) by def. over Saffell (Avella)

Trinity Hall of Fame

1955 Trinity team now: from left, Bob Wilson, Bill Bane, William Gallo, Daryl Kelvington, James Grimes, Veryl Long, Dewy Ankrom, Richard Guthrie, and Richard Miles.

 

 

Trinity High School 2012 Hall of Fame Induction included the 1955 team that went 12-0 and won a WPIAL championship. Coached by the late Henry Reihner, the Hillers won the Section II team title with five individual champions: and two runners-up. Roland Taggart and Bill Gallo each won PIAA gold medals and Ralph Littleberry and Veryl Long each took home silver medals.

 

 

 

Three other individuals were inducted in the wrestling category: Kevin Holley, Ron Junko and Scotty Miller.

Holley, who was also inducted for football, was a three-time letterwinner, a WPIAL runner-up, PIAA runner-up and named Outstanding Wrestling in the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic in his senior season. He played football at Purdue University and signed with the New England Patriots. An injury ended his NFL career.

Junko was a state champion for Trinity in 1967, a PIAA silver medalist, two-time WPIAL champion and had a successful coaching career with Trinity, McGuffey and Canon-McMillan. He competed for the University of Toledo and qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials.

Miller pinned his way through the 1970 PIAA Championships, becoming only the fifth wrestler in state history to do so at the time. He also won a PIAA silver medal, was a two-time WPIAL champion and was a key cog on the Hillers' WPIAL championship team.

Preseason individual rankings

Connor Schram
 

Class AAA

106

1. Michael Kemerer, Franklin Regional
2. Vincenzo Joseph, Central Catholic
3. Dom Forys, North Allegheny
4. A.C. Headlee, Waynesburg
5. Brendon Price, Canon-McMillan

113

1. Sam Krivus, Hempfield
2. Dalton Macri, Canon-McMillan
3. Blake Caudill, Butler
4. Nate Russo, Belle Vernon
5. Ryan Hardaway, Kiski

120

1. Connor Schram, Canon-McMillan
2. Tyler Smith, Franklin Regional
3. Tyler Walker, North Hills
4. Luke Etzal, Elizabeth Forward
5. Joel Pezze, Norwin
126
1. Josh Maruca, Franklin Regional
2. Drew Walker, North Hills
3. Ron Seibert, Central Catholic
4. Korey Caudill, Butler
5. Jesse Rodgers, North Allegheny
132
1. Josh Shields, Franklin Regional
2. Ethan Kenney, Connellsville
3. Tyler Reinhart, Greensburg Salem
4. Malachi Krenzelak, Canon-McMillan
5. Justin Alexander, Central Catholic
138
1. Solomon Chishko, Canon-McMillan
2. Cole Landowski, Kiski
3. Kevin Synan, Hampton
4. Chris Nuss, central Catholic
5. Jeff Miller, Trinity
145
1. Heath Coles, Norwin
2. Brian Estep, Hampton
3. Jonathan Avon, North Hills
4. Brendan Burnham, Pine-Richland
5. Brandon Umble, Connellsville
152
1. Zach Voytek, Greensburg Salem
2. Dom Nania, Hempfield
3. Will Pihiou, Canon-McMillan
4. Devin Fallenstein, Ringgold
5. Bo Hampson, Waynesburg
160
1. Zack Zavatsky, Latrobe
2. Kellan Stout, Mt. Lebanon
3. Collin Siford, Hampton
4. Kyle Skelly, Kiski
5. Brent Blaharczyk, McGuffey
170
1. Cody Wiercioch, Canon-McMillan
2. Adam Nickelson, Belle Vernon
3. Alex DeCiantis, North Allegheny
4. Anthony Cable, Greensburg Salem
5. Damon Drositis, Hopewell
182
1. Matt McCutcheon, Kiski
2. Zach Weaver, Butler
3. Elliot Baran, Ambridge
4. Dom Politi, Chartiers Valley
5. Cole Pierce, Belle Vernon
195
1. Jake Hart, Hampton
2. Cole Macek, Montour
3. Erik Capra, McGuffey
4. Zach Smith, North Allegheny
5. Steve LaFrance, Canon-McMillan
220
1. Alex Campbell, Canon-McMillan
2. Tyler Hahn, Greensburg Salem
3. Alen Turcinhodzic, North Hills
4. Zach DeLuca, Central Catholic
5. Evan Seaman, Trinity
Hvy
1. Shane Kuhn, Kiski
2. Luke Fleck, Franklin Regional
3. Damon Sims, Hopewell
4. Noah Shulman, Hampton
5. Thor Henze, Thomas Jefferson

Class AA
106
1. Austin Griffiths, Southmoreland
2. Austin McDermott, Burgettstown
3. Rich McGinnis, Chartiers-Houston
113
1. Jason Noff, Kittanning
2. Zach Swarrow, Beth-Center
3. Seth Carr, South Fayette
120
1. Nate Recker, SS Beacker
2. Jason Miller, Jefferson-Morgan
3. Brett Beltz, Keystone Oaks
126
1. Nick Zanetta, Kerystone Oaks
2. Vince Vahaly, Bentworth
3. Wade Blackmon, West Greene
132
1. Shane Gentry, SS Beaver
2. Steven Edwards, Burrell
3. Ryan Zalar, Jefferson-Morgan
138
1. Phil Marra, Burrell
2. Nick Gavazzi, Charleroi
3. Mike Anderson, Yough
145
1. Tanner Sutton, Chartiers-Houston
2. Boe Bonzo, Freedom
3. Grant Fetchet, South Fayette
152
1. Jared Walker, South Fayette
2. Connor Payne, SS Beaver
3. Kurt Struwe, Beaver
160
1. Michael Fetchet, South Fayette
2. Matt Abbott, Burgettstown
3. Dylan Clark, Valley
170
1. Dustin Conti, Jefferson-Morgan
2. Garrett Vulcano, Chartiers-Houston
3. Derrick Beattie, Burrell
182
1. Dakota DesLauriers, Burrell
2. Dakota Datz, Southmoreland
3. Terrell Fields, Valley
195
1. Jake Temple, Avella
2. Allen Cratsenberg, Highlands
3. Tyler Cousins, Freedom
220
1. Cody Jacobs, West Greene
2. Jonah Long, Mt. Pleasant
3. Jake Fordyce, Bentworth
Hvy
1. Kenyatta McCloud, Summit
2. Adam Beich, Derry
3. Christian Williams, Yough

Weights based on last season.

Preseason Preview (Part 3)

Dustin Conti

Class AA

Fort Cherry

Key losses - Justin Tkach (182, 18-10); Tanner Garry (195, 12-1); Greg Kumer (220, 32-6, 8th PIAA); Corey Garry (Hvy, 33-3, 5th PIAA)
Key returns - None
Comment - Rangers do not have returning starter with double-digit wins from last year.

Jefferson-Morgan

Key losses - Shane Black (126, 26-23); Brandon Lesko (160, 37-17); Joe Phillips (182, 31-13); Ryan Mayfield (220, 30-13); Brian Rush (Hvy, 30-16)
Key returns - Brendan Howard (106, 10, 38-8); John Demaske (11, 113, 36-6); Jason Miller (11, 140, 41-11); Ryan Zalar (11, 132-21-10); Dustin Conti (12, 170, 46-2, 5th PIAA);
Comment - Conti's a stud; two losses last year came from a combined three points in PIAA tournament.

Mapletwon

Key losses - Kyle Gray (195, 25-9)
Key returns - None
Comment - Young Maples have nine returning starters

South Fayette

Key losses - None
Key returns - Kevin Chaussard (11, 106, 23-15); Seth Carr (12, 113, 34-9); Grant Fetchet (11, 145, 37-14); Jared Walker (10, 152, 36-15); Michael Fetchet (12, 160, 42-11 5th PIAA); Jack Previte (11, 170, 28-11);
Comment - Lions might struggle early as football players get into wrestling shape.

Washington

Key losses - None
Key returns - George Rogers (11, 138, 28-9); Shawn Hughes (11, 152, 15-16)
Comment - Program saved last spring; now it's time to move forward.

 

West Greene

Key losses - Jordan Gifford (145, 17-8); Wade Durbin (160, 29-13);
Key returns - Sheldon Phillips (106, 10, 22-16); Wade Blackman (12, 25-15); Matt Johnston (12, 145, 28-14); Cody Jacobs (12, 220, 31-13)
Comment - Cody Jacobs a pleasant surprise last year as PIAA qualifier. Bar raised for him this season.

Editor's note: The weights and records were taken from the end of last year. Because rosters have not been set at most schools, I did not include incoming freshmen.

InterMat National Team Rankings

The following is the national team rankings of high school wrestling teams by InterMat.


Team                                               Ranked wrestlers

1	Blair Academy	NJ	10
2	Wyoming Seminary	PA	5
3	St. Edward	OH	4
4	Apple Valley	MN	3
5	St. Michael-Albertville	MN	2
6	Canon-McMillan	PA	3
7	Brandon	FL	2
8	Simley	MN	2
9	St. Johns	MI	5
10	Montini Catholic	IL	0
11	Clovis	CA	3
12	Marist	IL	0
13	Oak Park River Forest	IL	0
14	Collinsville	OK	1
15	Detroit Catholic Central	MI	1
16	Tuttle	OK	1
17	St. Paris Graham	OH	3
18	Kasson-Mantorville	MN	2
19	Central Dauphin	PA	2
20	Broken Arrow	OK	0
21	Allen	TX	3
22	Perry Meridian	IN	2
23	Bethlehem Catholic	PA	2
24	Kearney	MO	3
25	McDonogh	MD	2

Preseason Preview (Part 2)



Class AA

Avella

Key losses - None
Key returns - Nick Kusich (10, 138, 24-14); Shawn Carl (11, 160, 15-8); Jake Temple (11, 195, 35-7)
Comment - Filling all the weights the first concern for Eagles in team portion of season

Bentworth

Key losses - Cole Foster-Alauzen (138, 14-9); Nick Smydo (145, 13-10); Francis Mizia (160, 44-3, 1st PIAA); Kyle Cline (170, 20-20); Jake Barker (Hvy, 22-20)
Key returns - Jake Rothka (11, 106, 33-11); Matt Vickless (11, 113, 29-16); Trevor Wood (12, 120, 33-13); Vince Vahaly (12, 126, 43-8); Jake Fordyce (12, 220, 31-13)
Comment - Good lightweights but the rest of lineup a big question mark.

 



Zach Swarrow

Beth-Center

Key losses - Zach Holmes (220, 21-16)
Key returns - Zach Swarrow (12, 113, 32-12, 8th PIAA); Jason Stay (10, 132, 25-18); Matt Riggle (11, 145, 21-12)
Comment - Swarrow one win away from 100 in his career.

Burgettstown

Key losses - Ryan Abbott (132, 25-21); Artie McDermott (182, 14-10); Roger Vigliotti (220, 15-14)
Key returns - Austin McDermott (10, 106, 35-12, 7th PIAA); Stephen Kotouch (11, 126, 27-12); Matt Abbott (12, 160, 22-13)
Comment - Austin McDermott a rising star for the Blue Devils.

Charleroi

Key losses - Aaron Toth (126, 39-5, 7th PIAA); Josh Kwasny (132, 39-6, 6th PIAA)
Key returns - Nick Gavazzi (11, 138, 36-5)
Comment - Gavazzi's goal: Place at states in Chad Alexis' first season as head coach.

Chartiers-Houston

Key losses - Jordan Henderson (132, 17-13); Andrew Vernau (138, 14-4); Joe Congie (182, 33-13); Steve Hazlett (182, 22-9); Nate Grandelis (Hvy, 37-11, 2nd PIAA)
Key returns - Rich McGinnis (11, 106, 34-15); Tanner Sutton (12, 145, 27-4); Garrett Vulcano (12, 170, 44-7); Jimmy Saieva (12, 220, 16-8)
Comment - Sutton victory away from 100 in his career. Vulcano has chance to surpass 150 career wins.


Editor's note: The weights and records were taken from the end of last year. Because rosters have not been set at most schools, I did not include incoming freshmen. Class AA preview will be broken into two parts. The second one will be published Thursday.