USA Team for Classic selected

The Wrestling Classic committee selected the USA All-Star Team for the Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic, the most prestigious high school all-star wrestling meet in the United States.  The Wrestling Classic will be on Sunday, March 17, 2013, at the University of Pittsburgh’s Fitzgerald Field House. 

This year, Virginia will challenge the Western Pennsylvania All-Stars in the preliminary dual meet beginning at 4:00 p.m.  The feature match, between the Pennsylvania and USA All-Stars is at 6:00 p.m.   

The team: Name, school, state, records and state titles through junior year

USA Team

113-Paul Mascarenas, Cleveland, N.M., 133-2, 3X
120-Nathan Tomasella, Cuyahoga Valley, Christian, Ohio, 127-5, 3X
126-Joey Dance, Christiansburg, Va., 139-14, 3X
132-Dean Heil, St. Edward’s, Ohio, 91-5, 3X
138-Anthony Ashnault, South Plainfield, N.J., 130-0, 3X
145-Benjamin Whitford, St. John’s, Mich., 128-1, 3X
152-Jake Short, Simley, Minn., 189-20, 3X
160-Isaiah Martinez, LeMoore, Calif., 152-6, 2X
170-Zach Beard, Tuttle, Okla., 122-9, 3X
182-Domenic Aboundander, St. Edward’s, Ohio, 99-8, 2X
195-Broc Berg, Kasson-Montourville, Minn., 130-6, 2X
220-Frank Mattiace, Blair Academy, N.J., 123-15, 1X
Hvy-Brooks Black, Blair Academy, N.J., 112-8, 3X

Total won-loss record and titles: 1,675-99 34X

Forfeits

If the WPIAL wants to run a competitive, exciting team tournament format, it should cut down on the number of qualifying teams.Scanning the results from last night's first round and quarterfinals, it's obvious there are teams that don't have enough quality wrestlers to compete.
And it's not just in Class AA.
Forfeits rob wrestlers of competition, fans of action and the sport of its credibility. And there were tons of them this week. In Monday's preliminary round in Class AAA, Pittsburgh Central Catholic forfeited four of the final six matches in losing to Ringgold. Kittanning forfeited four times in a quarterfinals loss to Jefferson-Morgan. Canon-McMillan forfeited four times in a quarterfinals win over Hampton. If West Greene could have simply fielded two lightweights, it would have defeated Kittanning but the Pioneers could not.
Some of the forfeits come because of injury, some because of a lack of wrestlers in the weight class, and some for strategic purposes - why take a chance on injuries when the match is already wrapped up?
Forfeits are not new to the sport, and this is not the first time so many have popped up in the postseason, but each time a dual meet in what is supposed to be the premier event for the top teams in the WPIAL is over before it begins because of forfeits, it hurts the sport.
It's rare that a third-place team in the section makes it to the finals in this event. The final eight teams in this year's tournaments were either first- or second-place finishers in the section tournaments.
If the WPIAL wants a more exciting event, eliminate the preliminary and first-round matches by simply qualifying the top two teams in each section. and begin the even from the quarterfinal round.
If it wants to simply drag in as many teams possible with the hope of high ticket sales, then leave it as it is.

Team Tourney results

Class AAA

at Canon McMillan

1st Round

Canon McMillan 56 Ringgold 9

Hampton 44 Peters Township 27
Quarterfinals
Canon McMillan 46 Hampton 28

at Connellsville

1st Round
Connellsville 45 Hempfield 16
Kiski 51 McGuffey 22
Quarterfinals
Kiski 46 Connellsville 21

at North Allegheny

1st Round
North Allegheny 54 Mt. Lebanon 16
Greensburg Salem 36 Butler 28
Quarterfinals
North Allegheny 44 Greensburg Salem 17

at Franklin Regional

1st Round
Franklin Regional 47 North Hills 24

Belle Vernon 34 Latrobe 30
Quarterfinals
Franklin Regional 60 Belle Vernon 16

Class AA

At Burrell
1st Round

Burrell Bye
Mt. Pleasant 61Ellwood City 18

Quarterfinals

Burrell 52 Mt. Pleasant 18

at Chartiers Houston
1st Round
Bentworth 55 Avonworth 18
Chartiers Houston 44 Yough 27

Quarterfinals

Chartiers Houston 37 Bentworth 31

at Jefferson Morgan
1st Round
Jefferson Morgan 47 Avella 29
Kittanning 41 West Greene 24

Quarterfinals
Jefferson Morgan 50 Kittanning 22

At South Fayette

1st Round
Burgettstown 48 Valley 27
South Fayette 66 South Allegheny 12

Quarterfinals
South Fayette 54 Burgettstown 15

 

Individual rankings

Individual Rankings
Class AAA
106–1. Luke Pletcher (Latrobe), 2. Gage Curry (North Hills), 3. Brendon Price (Canon-McMillan), 4. Mike Heinl (Shaler), 5. Doug Gudenburr (Ringgold)
113–1. A. C. Headlee (Waynesburg), 2. Ricky Cavallo (Hempfield), 3. James Harrison (West Mifflin), 4. Phil Mary (Peters Township), 5. Kevin Kinyua (Mt. Lebanon)
120–1. Sam Krivus (Hempfield), 2. Dalton Macri (Canon-McMillan), 3. Dom Forys (North Allegheny), 4. Vincenzo Joseph (Pgh. Central Catholic), 5. Conner Medlang (Franklin Regional)
126–1. Connor Schram (Canon-McMillan), 2. Michael Kemerer (Franklin Regional), 3. Tyler Walker (North Hills), 4. Nate Russo (Belle Vernon), 5. Tyler Buckiso (Peters Township)
132–1. Tyler Smith (Franklin Regional), 2. Drew Walker (North Hills), 3. Italo Merante (Peters Township), 4. Corey Wilding (Upper St. Clair), 5. Philippo Crivelli (Hopewell)
138–1. Josh Maruca (Franklin Regional), 2. Ethan Kenney (Connellsville), 3. Jesse Rodgers (North Allegheny), 4. Justin Alexander (Pgh. Central Catholic), 5. Sean LaVella (Hempfield)
145–1. Josh Shields (Franklin Regional), 2. Cole Landowski (Kiski), 3. Kevin Synan (Hampton), 4. Chris Nuss (Pgh. Central Catholic), 5. Nathan Hall (West Allegheny)
152–1. Heath Coles (Norwin), 2. Tyler Reihnart (Greensburg Salem), 3. Devin Austin (Penn Trafford), 4. Kyle Skelly (Kiski), 5. Kyle Coniker (Pgh. Central Catholic)
160–1. Zack Zavatsky (Latrobe), 2. Zach Voytek (Greensburg Salem), 3. Jonathan Avon (North Hills), 4. Austin Bell (Belle Vernon), 5. Dom Nania (Hempfield)
170–1. Cody Wiercioch (Canon-McMillan), 2. Kellan Stout (Mt. Lebanon), 3. Noah Wilps (Chartiers Valley), 4.Brandon Olszewski (Hampton), 5. Ryan Hannon (Butler)
182–1. Adam Nickelson (Belle Vernon), 2. Alex DeCiantis (North Allegheny), 3. Drew Phipps (Norwin), 4. Brent Blacharczyk (McGuffey), 5. Tyler Worthing (Kiski)
195–1. Matt McCutcheon (Kiski), 2. Jacob Hart (Hampton), 3. Alen Turcinhodzic (North Hills), 4. Anthony Cable (Greensburg Salem), 5. Zach Smith (North Allegheny)
220–1. Alex Campbell (Canon-McMillan), 2. Zach Deluca (Pgh. Central Catholic), 3. Cole Macek (Montour), 4. Noah Shulman (Hampton), 5. Dylan Miller (Connellsville)
Hvy–1. Shane Kuhn (Kiski), 2. Damen Sims (Hopewell), 3. Luke FLeck (Franklin Regional), 4. Angelo Broglia (Canon-McMillan), 5. Evan Seaman (Trinity)

Class AA
106–1. Austin Griffiths (Southmoreland), 2. Austin McDermitt (Burgettstown), 3. Brendan Howard (Jefferson-Morgan)
113–1. Seth Carr (South Fayette), 2. George Phillipi (Derry), 3. Zach Swarrow (Beth-Center)
120–1. Nathan Reckner (SS Beaver), 2. Mike Carr (South Fayette), 3. Rich McGinnis (Chartiers-Houston)
126–1. Patrick Dewitt (Valley), 2. John Demaske (Jefferson-Morgan), 3. Vince Vahaly (Bentworth)
132–1. Jason Nolf (KIttanning), 2. Nick Zanetta (Keystone Oaks), 3. Shane Gentry (SS Beaver)
138–1. Nick Gavazzi (Charleroi), 2. Steven Edwards (Burrell), 3. Jason Miller (Jefferson-Morgan)
145–1. Tanner Sutton (Chartiers-Houston), 2. Matt Johnston (West Greene), 3. Phil Marra (Burrell)
152–1. Boe Bonzo (Freedom), 2. Grant Fetchet (South Fayette), 3. Corey Falleroni (Burrell)
160–1. J.J. Walker (South Fayette), 2. Bill Bowlen (Jefferson-Morgan), 3. Mike Anderson (Yough)
170–1. Mike Fetchet (South Fayette), 2. Dalton Rosta (Laurel), 3. Connor Payne (SS Beaver)
182–1. Dakota Deslauriers (Burrell), 2. Dustin Conti (Jefferson-Morgan), 3. Terrell Fields (Valley)
195–1. Garrett Vulcano (Chartiers-Houston), 2. Christian Williams (Yough), 3. Cody Jacobs (West Greene)
220–1. Jake Temple (Avella), 2. Thomas Sever (Yough), 3. Tyler Cousins (Freedom)
Hvy–1. Jake Beistel (Southmoreland), 2. Allen Beattie (BUrrell), 3. Trevin Bedillion (West Greene)

Team Tournament predictions

Canon-McMillan High School’s wrestling team is four victories away from establishing an unprecedented standard for Class AAA team wrestling in the WPIAL.
The Big Macs have won the past three WPIAL Team Tournament titles and begin a quest for a fourth tonight in Canonsburg with a first-round dual meet against Ringgold.
No other Class AAA wrestling program has won more than three consecutive titles. North Allegheny, under the late Gus DeAugustino, won championships from 1986 through 1988. The Tigers’ program was so dominant in the 1980s that it also won titles in 1984 and 1990. Only the Tom Dolde Sr.-coached Connellsville team stopped North Allegheny from making that streak five straight titles with a 31-29 win in the 1989 semifinals.
Interestingly, Canon-McMillan will have to get past second-seeded Connellsville in the semifinals of this year’s bracket.
With the bulk of last year’s team that won the state team and individual team titles in Hershey back, Canon-McMillan seems a lock to win a fourth straight title.
The big threat should come from Franklin Regional, which has bolstered its lineup with the return of heavyweight Luke Fleck and 120-pounder Conner Medlang. Franklin Regional handed Kiski its first loss of the season in the Section 1 finals last week.
Canon-McMillan has been battling injuries with Malachi Krenzelak, a 145-pound junior, and William Pihiou, a 152-pound senior, missing time. If they are healthy and Solomon Chishko, a bronze medalist in last year’s PIAA Championships, returns from a fractured elbow suffered in the preseason Super 32 Tournament in November, the Big Macs should prevail.
Final Four prediction: Canon-McMillan, Kiski, North Allegheny, Franklin Regional
Finals prediction: Canon-McMillan 31, Franklin Regional 21

The Class AA title also could be influenced by injuries. Burrell has won a WPIAL-record six championships in a row and has the No. 1 seed. But South Fayette has been surging at the end of the season, winning a thrilling rematch against Chartiers-Houston to capture the Section 1 team title.
Burrell has gone through most of the season without two of its top middleweights. Corey Falleroni, a 152-pound junior, missed five weeks and Phil Marra, a 145-pound senior, missed a month because of injuries, Both returned last week but rust and conditioning could be a problem.
The Bucs have rolled through their Class AA opponents and the 11-4 record is misleading because the four losses came against the top Class AAA teams in the WPIAL this season: Kiski, Franklin Regional, Belle Vernon and North Allegheny.
South Fayette, the No. 2 seed, was not given much hope on most prognosticators’ rankings at the start of the season. The Lions got a late start because the football team advanced to the WPIAL semifinals. A slow, steady climb and the rounding into shape of wrestlers who played football have the Lions confident they are peaking at the right time of the season.
The flip which decided who sends their wrestlers to the mat first will be critical in deciding the outcome of the final.
Final Four prediction: Burrell, Chartiers-Houston, Jefferson-Morgan, South Fayette
Finals prediction: Burrell 32, South Fayette 29.

Team Rankings

Class AAA

1. Canon-McMillan

2. Franklin Regional

3. Kiski

4. North Allegheny

5. Connellsville

6. Greensburg Salem

7. Latrobe

8. Peters Township

9. Hempfield

10. Hampton

Class AA
1. Burrell
2. South Fayette
3. Chartiers-Houston
4. Jefferson-Morgan
5. Yough

Bedford Tournament Results

Team Results

1. Chestnut Ridge (CR) 213; 2. Bedford (BD) 191.5; 3. South Fayette (SF) 180.5; 4. Berlin Brothersvalley (BB) 154; 5. Tri-Valley (TV) 144.5; 6. West Branch (WB) 139; 7. Jefferson-Morgan (JM) 133.5; 8. Huntingdon (HU) 113.5; 9. Meyersdale (MY) 103; 10. Northern Bedford (NB) 101; 11. Somerset (SO) 99.5; 12. Mount Pleasant (MP) 96.5; 13. Cambria Heights (CH) 90.5; 14. Blairsville (BL) 88.5; 15. North Star (NS) 76.5; 16. Richland (RI) 72.5; 17. Conemaugh Township (CT) 66; 18. Tussey Mountain (TM ) 65; 19. Claysburg-Kimmel (CK) 64; 20. Central (CEN) 56; 21. Penn Cambria (PC) 52; 22. Northern Garrett (NG) 39; 23. Tyrone (TY) 37; 24. Beth-Center (BC) 35.5; 25. Newport (NP) 25.5; 26. Everett (EV) 22; 27. Shade (SH) 7

 

Individual Finals

106-Jon Gabriel, BD, pinned Brendan Howard, JM, 5:39.

113-Seth Carr, SF, dec. Josh Brown, CK, 6-1.

120-Ryan Easter, BD, pinned Mike Carr, SF, 5:09.

126-Garrett Thomas, BD, dec. Trent Crouse, CR, 12-8.

132-Chase Schaeffer, TV, dec. J.P. Hayles, WB, 7-2.

138-Nick Naglic, RI, dec. Toby Brett, BD, 9-3.

145-Drew Gartland, NB, dec. Blake Bowman, TV, 11-7.

152-Drew Doak, BL, dec. Tanner Williams, BD, 3-2.

160-Bryce Fochtman, BB, dec. J.J. Walker, SF, 3-2

170-Dustin Conti, JM, dec. Tyler Dibert, 8-5.

182-Gavin Berkley, MY, dec. Lyle Troutman, TV, 4-1.

195-Jacob Nickelson, SO, dec. Dan Albright, 7-4.

220-Eric Grace, NB, dec. Buzzy Maines, WB, 3-2.

285-Mitchell Hall, TM, dec. Austin Buttry, CR, 8-4.

Third-Place Matches

106-Collin Glorioso, HU, tech. fall Aaron Burkett, CR, 18-2 (4:36).

113-Caleb Bordner, TV, pinned Zach Swarrow, BC, 4:04.

120-Derrick Claar, CR, pinned Mike Novak, MP, 2:13.

126-John Demaske, JM, dec. Collin Day, MY, 5-0.

132-Chris Miller, BB, dec. Tanner Hetrick, MY, 9-2.

138-Noah Tarr, BL, dec. Hunter Harner, TV, 9-4.

145-Tanner Cahill, CT, dec. Ryan Zalar, JM, 3-1.

152-Grant Fetchet, SF, dec. Taylor Cahill, CT, 1-0.

160-Landon Lohr, SO, dec. Bill Bowlen, JM, 7-1.

170-Mike Fetchet, SF, maj. dec. Lucas Kristofits, WB, 13-1.

182-Justin Overly, MP, dec. Michael Brett, BD, 8-1.

195-Zach Walker, SF, dec. D.J. Wunder, TY, 3-2.

220-BradWinegardner, CR, dec. Mitchell Walker, BB, 2-1 (TB).

285-Aaron Gill, CH, dec. Morgan Selepack, WB, 1-0.

Fifth-Place Matches

106-Kyle Stephen, TV, dec. Dalton Klotz, EV, 9-8.

113-Kale Burket, CEN, dec. Jake Warren, BD, 7-0.

120-Joe Swank, BB, pinned Jason Schopp, TY, 2:58.

126-Joe Davis, CH, dec. Justin Opel, NG, 6-4.

132-Nathan Russell, HU, pinned Mike Eckenrode, PC, 1:58.

138-Tony Welsh, BC, dec. Jason Miller, JM, 6-2.

145-Seth Deist, MY, pinned Austin Mears, MP, 2:26.

152-Bobby Long, MP, dec. Blake Miller, BB, 8-1.

160-Caleb Grimes, BD, dec. Conner Buttry, CR, 8-2.

170-Tyler Crawford, CH, def. over Bobby Thompson, BL.

182-Brad Haney, SF, def. over Bradie Bollman, CR.

195-Michell Lauer, HU, pinned Alex Tripodis, BL, 4:15.

220-Luke White, BL, def. over Levi Albright, NS.

285-Matt Moose, RI, pinned Jon Wilkinson, PC, 1:56.

Record win for Vulcano

Garrett Vulcano’s pin of South Fayette’s Bryce Christoff in Wednesday night’s WPIAL Section 1-AA Team Tournament was one of his quickest of the year: 27 seconds. It also was the most meaningful in Chartiers-Houston wrestling history.

The pin was Vulcano’s 133rd win of his career and set the school’s career victory record. Michael Innes previously held the mark with a 132-20 record.

"Garrett just goes out and gets it done," said Chartiers-Houston head coach Bill Sutton. "Sometimes it’s tough, because you talk to other kids (before a match), and you kind of skip over Garrett. He’s that good. He’s that dependable. You know you can count on him."

Vulcano, a 195-pound senior, has a 23-2 record this season and a 133-37 career mark. He has 12 pins this season, the quickest coming in just eight seconds in a season-opening victory against Beaver’s David Burzenski.

"He’s always in good position," Sutton said. "He’s impossible to score on. That’s why he has all those wins."

No action taken

The WPIAL Board of Control reviewed an incident during the Chartiers-Houston Wrestling Tournament at its January meeting Tuesday and took no further action.

Chartiers-Houston police said a physical altercation occurred 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.
Chartiers-Houston police said no charges were filed.
Tim O’Malley, executive director of the WPIAL, said the organization asked for, and received, reports from both schools about the altercation. After reviewing the matter, O’Malley said the board was satisfied with the "collective resolution" between the two schools in settling the matter.
Because it was considered a personnel matter, no details were made available.

Team Tournament pairings

Wrestling

WPIAL Team Tournament

Class AAA
Pigtail Round
Monday, Jan. 28
at Chartiers Valley
Central Catholic vs. Ringgold, 6 p.m., Hopewell vs. Hempfield, 6 p.m., West Allegheny vs. Mt. Lebanon, 7:30 p.m.; Waynesburg vs. North Hills, 7:30 p.m.
First Round/Quarterfinals
Wednesday, Jan. 30
at Canon-McMillan
Central Catholic-Ringgold winner vs. Canon-McMillan, 6 p.m.; Peters Township vs. Hampton, 6 p.m.
Quarterfinals
Central Catholic-Ringgold-Canon-McMillan winner vs. Peters Township-Hampton winner, 7:30 p.m.
at Connellsville
Kiski vs. McGuffey, 6 p.m.; Hopewell-Hempfield winner vs. Connellsville, 6 p.m.
Quarterfinals
Kiski-McGuffey winner vs. Hopewell-Hempfield-Connellsville winner, 7:30 p.m.
at North Allegheny
North Allegheny vs. West Allegheny-Mt. Lebanon winner, 6 p.m.; Butler vs. Greensburg Salem
Quarterfinals
North Allegheny-West Allegheny-Mt. Lebanon winner vs. Butler-Greensburg Salem winner, 7:30 p.m.
at Franklin Regional
Latrobe vs. Belle Vernon, 6 p.m.; Waynesburg-North Hills winner vs. Franklin Regional, 6 p.m.
Quarterfinals
Latrobe-Belle Vernon winner vs. Waynesburg-North Hills-Franklin Regional winner, 7:30 p.m.
Semifinals
Friday, Feb. 1
at Chartiers Valley
Teams to be determined, 7:30 p.m.
Finals
Saturday, Feb. 2
Friday, Feb. 1
at Chartiers Valley
Teams to be determined, 6:30 p.m.

Class AA

First Round/Quarterfinals
Wednesday, Jan. 30
at Burrell
Burrell bye; Ellwood City vs. Mt. Pleasant, 6 p.m.
Quarterfinals
Burrell vs. Ellwood City-Mt. Pleasant winner, 7:30 p.m.
at Chartiers-Houston
Bentworth vs. Avonworth, 6 p.m.; Yough vs. Chartiers-Houston, 6 p.m.
Quarterfinals
Bentworth-Avonworth winner vs. Yough-Chartiers-Houston winner, 7:30 p.m.
at Jefferson-Morgan
Jefferson-Morgan vs. Avella, 6 p.m.; West Greene vs. Kittanning, 6 p.m.
Quarterfinals
Jefferson-Morgan-Avella winner vs. West Greene-Kittanning winner, 7:30 p.m.
at South Fayette
Burgettstown vs. Valley, 6 p.m.; South Alllegheny vs. South Fayette, 6 p.m.
Quarterfinals
Burgettstown-Valley winner vs. South Allegheny-South Fayette winner, 7:30 p.m.
Semifinals
Friday, Feb. 1
at Chartiers Valley
Teams to be determined, 6 p.m.
Finals
Saturday, Feb. 2
at Chartiers Valley
Teams to be determined, 2 p.m.

Individual Rankings

Class AAA

106–1. Luke Pletcher (Latrobe), 2. Gage Curry (North Hills), 3. Brendon Price (Canon-McMillan), 4. Mike Heinl (Shaler), 5. Doug Gudenburr (Ringgold)

113–1. A. C. Headlee (Waynesburg), 2. Ricky Cavallo (Hempfield), 3. James Harrison (West Mifflin), 4. Phil Mary (Peters Township), 5. Kevin Kinyua (Mt. Lebanon)

120–1. Sam Krivus (Hempfield), 2. Dalton Macri (Canon-McMillan), 3. Dom Forys (North Allegheny), 4. Vincenzo Joseph (Pgh. Central Catholic), 5. Brendan Hassan (Belle Vernon)

126–1. Connor Schram (Canon-McMillan), 2. Michael Kemerer (Franklin Regional), 3. Tyler Walker (North Hills), 4. Nate Russo (Belle Vernon), 5. Tyler Buckiso (Peters Township)

132–1. Tyler Smith (Franklin Regional), 2. Drew Walker (North Hills), 3. Italo Merante (Peters Township), 4. Corey Wilding (Upper St. Clair), 5. Cody Houston (Butler)

138–1. Josh Maruca (Franklin Regional), 2. Ethan Kenney (Connellsville), 3. Jesse Rodgers (North Allegheny), 4. Justin Alexander (Pgh. Central Catholic), 5. Sean LaVella (Hempfield)

145–1. Josh Shields (Franklin Regional), 2. Cole Landowski (Kiski), 3. Kevin Synan (Hampton), 4. Chris Nuss (Pgh. Central Catholic), 5. Nathan Hall (West Allegheny)

152–1. Heath Coles (Norwin), 2. Tyler Reihnart (Greensburg Salem), 3. Devin Austin (Penn Trafford), 4. Kyle Skelly (Kiski), 5. Kyle Coniker (Pgh. Central Catholic)

160–1. Zack Zavatsky (Latrobe), 2. Zach Voytek (Greensburg Salem), 3. Jonathan Avon (North Hills), 4. Austin Bell (Belle Vernon), 5. Dom Nania (Hempfield)

170–1. Cody Wiercioch (Canon-McMillan), 2. Kellan Stout (Mt. Lebanon), 3. Noah Wilps (Chartiers Valley), 4.Brandon Olszewski (Hampton), 5. Ryan Hannon (Butler)

182–1. Adam Nickelson (Belle Vernon), 2. Alex DeCiantis (North Allegheny), 3. Drew Phipps (Norwin), 4. Brent Blacharczyk (McGuffey), 5. Tyler Worthing (Kiski)

195–1. Matt McCutcheon (Kiski), 2. Jacob Hart (Hampton), 3. Alen Turcinhodzic (North Hills), 4. Anthony Cable (Greensburg Salem), 5. Zach Smith (North Allegheny)

220–1. Alex Campbell (Canon-McMillan), 2. Zach Deluca (Pgh. Central Catholic), 3. Cole Macek (Montour), 4. Noah Shulman (Hampton), 5. Dylan Miller (Connellsville)

Hvy–1. Shane Kuhn (Kiski), 2. Damen Sims (Hopewell), 3. Luke FLeck (Franklin Regional), 4. Angelo Broglia (Canon-McMillan), 5. Evan Seaman (Trinity)

Class AA

106–1. Austin Griffiths (Southmoreland), 2. Austin McDermitt (Burgettstown), 3. Brendan Howard (Jefferson-Morgan)

113–1. Seth Carr (South Fayette), 2. George Phillipi (Derry), 3. Zach Swarrow (Beth-Center)

120–1. Nathan Reckner (SS Beaver), 2. Mike Carr (South Fayette), 3. Rich McGinnis (Chartiers-Houston)

126–1. Patrick Dewitt (Valley), 2. John Demaske (Jefferson-Morgan), 3. Vince Vahaly (Bentworth)

132–1. Jason Nolf (KIttanning), 2. Nick Zanetta (Keystone Oaks), 3. Shane Gentry (SS Beaver)

138–1. Nick Gavazzi (Charleroi), 2. Steven Edwards (Burrell), 3. Stephen Kotouch (Burgettstown)

145–1. Tanner Sutton (Chartiers-Houston), 2. Matt Johnston (West Greene), 3. Phil Marra (Burrell)

152–1. Boe Bonzo (Freedom), 2. Grant Fetchet (South Fayette), 3. Corey Falleroni (Burrell)

160–1. J.J. Walker (South Fayette), 2. Bill Bowlen (Jefferson-Morgan), 3. Mike Anderson (Yough)

170–1. Mike Fetchet (South Fayette), 2. Dalton Rosta (Laurel), 3. Connor Payne (SS Beaver)

182–1. Dakota Deslauriers (Burrell), 2. Dustin Conti (Jefferson-Morgan), 3. Terrell Fields (Valley)

195–1. Garrett Vulcano (Chartiers-Houston), 2. Christian Williams (Yough), 3. Cody Jacobs (West Greene)

220–1. Jake Temple (Avella), 2. Thomas Sever (Yough), 3. Tyler Cousins (Freedom)

Hvy–1. Jake Beistel (Southmoreland), 2. Allen Beattie (BUrrell), 3. Trevin Bedillion (West Greene)

Section Team Tournament time

I have always approached this week in wrestling as a "So What?" week because this is the start of the wrestling postseason. What kicks it off  - the Section Team Tournament - is not much of an elimination but more of a seeding process.
In each Class AAA and AA section, teams wrestle for seeding for the WPIAL Team Tournament, which begins the following week. Only one team from each section - the loser of the dual meet between the two third-place finishers - is eliminated in the section team events that are set for Wednesday. The good thing from the WPIAL perspective is that money is generated from it. The good part for wrestling teams is that they have more flexibility in scheduling.
I have mixed feelings about this. Yes, the Section Team Tournament is a money producer for the WPIAL and it seems a waste of time and effort if only 7 of the 42 teams wrestling are eliminated.
But because of the sub-section format, teams don't have to wrestle seven section matches, maybe four or five at most, depending on the number of teams in the sub-section.
Scheduling points can be used for more dual meets, a dual meet tournament or for another tournament. The goal should be stronger competition. For now, I am willing to slog through this week and consider it the price you pay for having more freedom in the previous six.

Burgettstown tournament

Team Results

1. Hopewell 186.5; 2. Seneca valley 172.5; 3. Forest Hills 152; 4. Conemaugh Twp. 128.5;

5. Allderdice 125.5;  6. Burgettstown 120.5; 7. Beth-Center 120; 8. Avella 116; 9. Pine-Richland 110.5; 10. Montour 102.5; 11. South Park 97.5; 12. Shaler 73.5; 13. Southmoreland 73; 14. Freedom 72.5; 15. Youngsville 68; 16. Highlands 59.5; 17. Washington 54; 18. Mapletown 37; 19. Central Valley 34; 20. Carlynton 32.5

Individual Finals

106 - Austin Griffiths, Southmoreland dec. Austin McDermitt, Burgettstown, 5-2.

113 - Zach Swarrow, Beth-Center pinned Aaron Rouda, Shaler, 1:10.

120 - Travis Sonson, Hopewell dec. Nick Zoria, Seneca Valley, 5-2.

126 - Greg Bulsak, South Park dec. David Kelly, Pine-Richland, 7-2.

132 - Jake Wentzel, South Park dec. Filippo Crivelli, Hopewell, 7-0.

138 - Nick Gavazzi, Charleroi tech. fall Tony Welsh, Bethel Park, 16-1.

145 - Tanner Cahill, Conemaugh Township pinned Jason Stay, Beth-Center, 2:31.

152 - Brian Estep, Allderdice dec. Boe Bonzo, Freedom, 8-6.

160 - Cody Law, Forest Hills dec. Brendan Burnham, Pine-Richland, 11-5.

170 - Damon Drositis, Hopewell major dec. Zack Pinkas, Forest Hills, 10-2.

182 - Michael Tempalski, Hopewell pinned Zack Simonelli, Avella, 1:20.

195 - Ranier Smith, Allderdice pinned Brandon Hucik, Burgettstown, 3:20.

220 - Jake Temple, Avella dec. Cole Macek, Montour, 4-3.

285 - Jacob Beistel, Southmoreland dec. Damon Sims, Jr., Hopewell, 3-2 2OT.

Team Rankings

Class AAA

1. Canon-McMillan 8-0

2. Kiski 12-0

3. Franklin Regional 9-1

4. Latrobe 5-1

5. Connellsville 15-2

6. North Allegheny 7-2

7. Greensburg Salem 7-2

8. Hempfield 4-2

9. Butler 8-2

10. Hampton 9-2

Class AA
1. Burrell 7-3
2. Yough 13-1
3. South Fayette 4-0
4. Jefferson-Morgan 7-4
5. Burgettstown 7-0

Section team pairings

WPIAL Section Team Tournament
Wednesday, Jan. 23
Section 1-AAA
At Kiski
Kiski Area (5-0) vs. Greensburg Salem (4-1), 6 p.m.
Latrobe (5-0) vs. Franklin Regional (4-1), 6 p.m.
Finals and Third-place matches, 7:30 p.m.
Fifth-Place MatchHempfield (3-2) at Gateway (3-2) , 7 p.m.
 
Section 2-AAA
At Connellsville
Connellsville (5-0) vs. Mt. Lebanon (4-1), 6 p.m.
Peters Township (5-0) vs. Belle Vernon (4-1), 6 p.m.
Finals and Third-place matches, 7:30 p.m.
Fifth-Place MatchBethel Park (3-2) at Ringgold (3-2), 7 p.m.
 
Section 3-AAA
At North Allegheny
North Allegheny (5-0) vs. Central Catholic (4-1), 6 p.m.
Hampton (4-1) vs. Butler (4-1), 6 p.m.
Finals and Third-place matches, 7:30 p.m.
Fifth-Place MatchNorth Hills (3-2) at Seneca Valley (3-2), 7 p.m.
 
Section 4-AAA
At Canon-McMillan
Canon-McMillan (5-0) vs. West Allegheny (4-1), 6 p.m.
Hopewell (5-0) vs. McGuffey (3-2), 6 p.m.
Finals & Third-place matches, 7:30 p.m.
Fifth-Place Match
Montour (3-2) at Waynesburg (3-2), 7 p.m.

 

Section 1-AA
At South Fayette
South Fayette (5-0) vs. Ellwood City (3-2), 6 p.m.
Burgettstown (5-0) vs. Chartiers-Houston (4-1), 6 p.m.
Finals and Third-place matches, 7:30 p.m.
Fifth-Place MatchSouth Side Beaver (2-3) at Avella (2-3), 7 p.m.

Section 2-AA
At Jefferson-Morgan
Semis @ 6:00 PM
Jefferson-Morgan (5-0) vs. Mt. Pleasant (4-1), 6 p.m.
Yough (5-0) vs. Bentworth (4-1), 6 p.m.
Finals and Third-place matches, 7:30 p.m.
Fifth-Place Match
Derry (3-2) at West Greene (3-2), 7 p.m.

Section 3-AA
At South Allegheny
Burrell (4-0) vs. Avonworth (3-1), 6 p.m.
South Allegheny (4-0) vs. Kittanning (3-1), 6 p.m.
Finals and Third-place matches, 7:30 p.m.
Fifth-Place Match
Valley (2-2) at Keystone Oaks (2-2), 7 p.m.

Individual Wrestling Rankings

Class AAA

106–1. Luke Pletcher (Latrobe), 2. Gage Curry (North Hills), 3. Brendon Price (Canon-McMillan), 4. Mike Heinl (Shaler), 5. Kevin Miller (Norwin)

113–1. A. C. Headlee (Waynesburg), 2. Ricky Cavallo (Hempfield), 3. James Harrison (West Mifflin), 4. Mitch Hartman (Belle Vernon), 5. Phil Mary (Peters Township)

120–1. Sam Krivus (Hempfield), 2. Dalton Macri (Canon-McMillan), 3. Dom Forys (North Allegheny), 4. Vincenzo Joseph (Pgh. Central Catholic), 5. Brendan Hassan (Belle Vernon)

126–1. Connor Schram (Canon-McMillan), 2. Michael Kemerer (Franklin Regional), 3. Tyler Walker (North Hills), 4. Nate Russo (Belle Vernon), 5. Tyler Buckiso (Peters Township)

132–1. Tyler Smith (Franklin Regional), 2. Drew Walker (North Hills), 3. Italo Merante (Peters Township), 4. Joel Pezze (Norwin), 5. Corey Wilding (Upper St. Clair)

138–1. Josh Maruca (Franklin Regional), 2. Ethan Kenney (Connellsville), 3. Jesse Rodgers (North Allegheny), 4. Justin Alexander (Pgh. Central Catholic), 5. Sean LaVella (Hempfield)

145–1. Josh Shields (Franklin Regional), 2. Cole Landowski (Kiski), 3. Nathan Hall (West Allegheny), 4. Kevin Synan (Hampton), 5. Chris Nuss (Pgh. Central Catholic)

152–1. Heath Coles (Norwin), 2. Tyler Reihnart (Greensburg Salem), 3. Devin Austin (Penn Trafford), 4. Kyle Skelly (Kiski), 5. Kyle Coniker (Pgh. Central Catholic)

160–1. Zack Zavatsky (Latrobe), 2. Zach Voytek (Greensburg Salem), 3. Jonathan Avon (North Hills), 4. Austin Bell (Belle Vernon), 5. Dom Nania (Hempfield)

170–1. Cody Wiercioch (Canon-McMillan), 2. Kellan Stout (Mt. Lebanon), 3. Noah Wilps (Chartiers Valley), 4.Brandon Olszewski (Hampton), 5. Ryan Hannon (Butler)

182–1. Adam Nickelson (Belle Vernon), 2. Alex DeCiantis (North Allegheny), 3. Drew Phipps (Norwin), 4. Brent Blacjarczyk (McGuffey), 5. Tyler Worthing (Kiski)

195–1. Matt McCutcheon (Kiski), 2. Jacob Hart (Hampton), 3. Alen Turcinhodzic (North Hills), 4. Anthony Cable (Greensburg Salem), 5. Zach Smith (North Allegheny)

220–1. Alex Campbell (Canon-McMillan), 2. Zach Deluca (Pgh. Central Catholic), 3. Cole Macek (Montour), 4. Noah Shulman (Hampton), 5. Dylan Miller (Connellsville)

Hvy–1. Shane Kuhn (Kiski), 2. Damen Sims (Hopewell), 3. Luke FLeck (Franklin Regional), 4. Angelo Broglia (Canon-McMillan), 5. Evan Seaman (Trinity)

Class AA

106–1. Austin Griffiths (Southmoreland), 2. Austin McDermitt (Burgettstown), 3. Brendan Howard (Jefferson-Morgan)

113–1. Seth Carr (South Fayette), 2. George Phillipi (Derry), 3. Zach Swarrow (Beth-Center)

120–1. Nathan Reckner (SS Beaver), 2. Mike Carr (South Fayette), 3. Rich McGinnis (Chartiers-Houston)

126–1. Patrick Dewitt (Valley), 2. John Demaske (Jefferson-Morgan), 3. Vince Vahaly (Bentworth)

132–1. Jason Nolf (KIttanning), 2. Nick Zanetta (Keystone Oaks), 3. Shane Gentry (SS Beaver)

138–1. Nick Gavazzi (Charleroi), 2. Steven Edwards (Burrell), 3. Jason Miller (Jefferson-Morgan)

145–1. Tanner Sutton (Chartiers-Houston), 2. Matt Johnston (West Greene), 3. Phil Marra (Burrell)

152–1. Boe Bonzo (Freedom), 2. Grant Fetchet (South Fayette), 3. Corey Falleroni (Burrell)

160–1. J.J. Walker (South Fayette), 2. Bill Bowlen (Jefferson-Morgan), 3. Derek Hull (Chartiers-Houston),

170–1. Mike Fetchet (South Fayette), 2. Dalton Rosta (Laurel), 3. Connor Payne (SS Beaver)

182–1. Dakota Deslauriers (Burrell), 2. Dustin Conti (Jefferson-Morgan), 3. Terrell Fields (Valley)

195–1. Garrett Vulcano (Chartiers-Houston), 2. Christian Williams (Yough), 3. Cody Jacobs (West Greene)

220–1. Jake Temple (Avella), 2. Thomas Sever (Yough), 3. Josh Lind (Mt. Pleasant)

Hvy–1. Jake Beistel (Southmoreland), 2. Allen Beattie (BUrrell), 3. Trevin Bedillion (West Greene)

 

Tri-County notes

Head coach Joe Throckmorton knew the early part of the wrestling season was going to be tough on his wrestlers at Waynesburg High School. The Raiders participated in the Franklin Regional Duals, Beast of the East and Powerade in a grueling start to the season.
Shane Piper showed how that type of competition can bring out the best in a wrestler. The sophomore won a thrilling 6-4 overtime decision from Tanner Sutton of Chartiers-Houston in the 145-pound finals of the Tri-CADA Wrestling Tournament Saturday at Ringgold.
Piper started the season at 2-10 but has gone 10-2 in his last dozen matches. His last win stopped Sutton from becoming the first four-time champion of this tournament.
Piper was one of three Waynesburg wrestlers to win titles and help the team finish second in the team race. A.C. Headlee (113) and Bo Hampson (152) was the other. Shaun Wilson, only a freshman, made it to the 120-pound finals.
Never understimate the benefits of tough competition.

David Kincaid is a rarity in wrestling. The senior from Chartiers-Houston had wrestled only two weeks in junior high school before quitting to play ice hockey. He came out for his senior season and won the 170-pound weight class at Tri-CADA.
In the 32 years I have been covering this sport, I don't recall a first-year wrestler winning a varsity tournament. Do you?

I've been sent a lot of pending posts ripping Canon-McMillan for not taking its full team to the tournament. I thought I would take care of it with a few thoughts here:
1. I talked with head coach Chris Mary for about 15 minutes before the tournament and he pointed out who was injured and who was sick. I have never known him to lie to me so I believe him.
2. At least Canon-McMillan fielded a team, which is more than I can say about Belle Vernon, which chose instead to participate in the Westmoreland County Tournament, or Connellsville, which dropped out of Tri-CADA last year.
3. If you asked the other coaches in the Tri-CADA tournament how they honestly felt about some of C-M's best wrestlers not participating, they would tell you they were happy. Canon-McMillan was going to win half the weights with a full team, so this gave their wrestlers a chance to finish higher or even win a weight class. Some of these wrestlers are in their final season and not many opportunities are left to be on the awards stand.
4. In a weird coincidence Saturday night, Peters Township sat four starters in its game against Washington because of fatigue.

Tri-County results

Tri-County Wrestling Tournament

At Ringgold High School

Team Results

1. Peters Township 162.5; 2. Waynesburg 157.5; 3. Canon-McMillan 147.5; 4. Chartiers-Houston 147.5; 5. Jefferson-Morgan 134.5; 6. McGuffey 134; 7. Ringgold 124.5; 8. Trinity 118; 9. West Greene 106; 10. Burgettstown 98; 11. Bentworth 92; 12. Avella 71; 13. Beth-Center 60.5; 14. Albert Gallatin 53; 15. Charleroi 29; 16. Washington 24.5; 17. Mapletown 14; 18. Fort Cherry 13; 19. California 4

Individual Finals

106-Brendon Pice (Canon-McMillan) dec. Brendan Howard (Jefferson-Morgan) 7-4

113-A.C. Headlee (Waynesburg) tech fall over Zach Swarrow (Beth-Center) 15-0
120-Dalton Macri (Canon-McMillan) tech. fall over Shaun Wilson (Waynesburg) 21-6
126-Ty Buckiso (Peters Township) dec. Vince Vahaly (Bentworth) 1-0
132-Italo Merante (Peters Township) dec. Gage Downer (Ringgold) 5-1
138-Nick Gavazzi (Charleroi) pinned Jason Miller (Jefferson-Morgan) 3:14
145-Shane Piper (Waynesburg) dec. Tanner Sutton (Chartiers-Houston) 6-4 OT
152-Bo Hampson (Waynesburg) dec. Evan Sherrieb (Trinity) 7-4
160-Sam Minor (Canon-McMillan) dec. Devin Fallenstein (Ringgold) 7-5
170-David Kincaid (Chartiers-Houston) dec. Zac Herrle (McGuffey) 2-1
182-Dustin Conti (Jefferson-Morgan) dec. Brent Blacharczyk (McGuffey) 9-7 OT
195-Garrett Vulcano (Chartiers-Houston) dec. Cody Jacobs (West Greene) 3-1
220-Jake Temple (Avella) pinned Josh Kraushaar (Chartiers-Houston) 1:05
Hvy-Evan Seaman (Trinity) pinned Lukas Cervenak (Peters Township) 5:38

OW-Piper

Third Place

106-Gudenburr (R) dec. McDermitt (Burg) 2-0
113-Mary (PT) dec. Harris (McG) 3-2
120-Yocum (T) dec. McGinnis (CH) 4-1
126-Gerard (R) dec. Hritsko (CM) 5-1
132-Blackmon (WG) dec. Wood (B) 4-1
138-Welsh (BC) dec. Heasley (Wbg) 7-2
145-Johnston (WG) pinned Stay (BC) 4:53
152-Caputo (PT) dec. Pritchett (R) 7-3
160-Bowlen (BC) pinned Hull (CH) 4:45
170-Dice (AG) dec. Wildman (WG) 4-3
182-West (T) by default over Saieva (CH)
195-Allen (A) pinned Hucik (Burg) 3:47
220-Stienstraw (McG) pinned Hlatky (AG) 1:22
Hvy-Bass (R) dec. Bedilion (WG) 4-2

Fifth Place

106-Nicolella (McG) dec. Rush (Wbg) 8-0
113-Rothka (B) dec. Minor (CM) 9-1
120-Vickless (B) dec. Valentine (AG) 3-1
126-Victor (Wbg) pinned Kniha (JM) 1:55
132-Kotouch (Burg) pinned Whitfield (McG) 5:03
138-Ivashchenko (PT) dec. Harris (McG) 5-2
145-Miller (T) by def over Zalar (JM) :00
152-Riggle (BC) dec. McKee (Burg) 10-3
160-Abbott (Burg) dec. Macleavy (PT) 13-3
170-Lesko (CM) pinned Oberschelp (PT) 4:39
182-Simonelli (A) pinned Roberts (Burg) 1:50
195-Patterson (JM) by forfeit over Fordyce (B)
220-Phelps (PT) by forfeit over Pendeville (Burg)
Hvy-Johnson (McG) pinned Paulina (CM) :52

Tri-County tournament

Avella's Jake Temple had the fastest pin of the first day of the Tri-CADA Wrestling Tournament, pinning Will Van Norman of West Greene in seven seconds. It was the quickest pin of his varsity career. His fastest career pin came in five seconds in the youth program at Avella.

Temple was eager for a match against Canon-McMillan’s Alex Campbell in the 220-pound weight class, but Campbell was one of six Big Macs to scratch because of injuries, flu or both.

Campbell originally was the top seed and Temple the second. When Campbell pulled out, Temple moved to No. 1 and Rich Heinzelman of Ringgold settled into the No. 2 seed in the redrawn weight class.

Other Canon-McMillan wrestlers not competing were defending state champion Cody Wiercioch, who injured his thumb in Wednesday’s dual meet against Fort Lebeouf; Connor Schram, who is was nursing a sore shoulder; heavyweight Anthony Broglia, who was banged up from the Fort Lebeouf match; and William Pihiou, who was suffering with the flu and nursing injuries. Campbell was one of three 220-pounders who were scratched.

Another notable absence was John Demakse of Jefferson-Morgan, who was injured.
Chartiers-Houston's Tanner Sutton is hoping to become the first four-time champion in the tournament's history, which extends back to 2009.

Peters Township holds the team lead after the first day with 78.5 points. Chartiers-Houston is second with 72, followed by Waynesburg at 68. McGuffey and Trinity are tied for fourth with 63 points.

Wireless access at Ringgold does not permit access to this blog so follow the action on this link.

http://openliveresults.escapesports.com/2013_Tri_County.html

Odds and ends

Waynesburg's 38-28 win over Trinity Wednesday night clears a path for the Raiders to claim second place in Section 4A. But they have to beat McGuffey next Wednesday. If the Raiders lose to the Highlanders, then that will probably mean Trinity, McGuffey and Waynesburg will be tied for second place and each team would have a win over the other.
So the WPIAL tiebreaker system would decide the second- third and fourth-place finisher in the section. You might need to set aside some time to figure it out.
Here is the WPIAL tiebreaking system: (Bold faces are mine to help you out)

a) The team whose opposing wrestlers or team personnel has been penalized the greater number of team points for flagrant or unsportsmanlike conduct shall be declared the winner.

b) The team whose opposing wrestlers or team personnel has been penalized the greater number of team point deductions shall be declared the winner.

c) The team having won the greater number of matches (including forfeits) shall be declared the winner.

d) The team having accumulated the greater total number of falls, defaults, forfeits, and disqualifications shall be declared the winner.

e) The team having the greater number of technical falls shall be declared the winner.

f) The team having the greater number of major decisions shall be declared the winner.

g) The team having the greater number of total match points shall be declared the winner.

h) If none of the above resolves the tie, a flip of a disk will determine the winner.

------------------

Approximately 600 people were on had to watch the Waynesburg-Trinity wrestling match in Waynesburg, but the crowd was strangely quiet during a really exciting match. Waynesburg jumped out to an early lead, then Trinity came roaring back. The Raiders held them off, 38-28.
The crowd reaction was more suited to a dance recital than a wrestling match.
It's odd because both fan bases were well represented and these schools normally have rabid fans. They didn't sit on their hands, but they also didn't seem to react to some really good bouts.
Maybe it's just a holiday hangover, but it certainly was surprising.
So next time, go ahead and make some noise.

-----------

In other Class AAA section races, Peters Township can finish undefeated in Section 2B with a victory over Upper St. Clair next Wednesday.

In  Class AA, Burgettstown can win the outright title in Section 1B with a victory over Beaver Wednesday. Chartiers-Houston and South Fayette will meet for the Section 1A title and Jefferson-Morgan will wrap up the Section 2A title with a win over Mapletown.

-------------

The section team tournaments work like this:
1. All matches are held Wednesday, Jan. 23.
2. Each first-place finisher in the A subsection wrestles the second-place finisher in the B subsection.
3. Each first-place finisher in the B subsection wrestles the second-place finisher in the A subsection.
4. The winners meet for the section title.
5. The losers meet for third and fourth place.
6. The third-place teams in the A and B subsections meet for the fifth and final berth in the WPIAL Team Tournament. Winner is in; loser goes home.

Tri-County time schedule

 

Tri-County Athletic Directors

Wrestling Tournament

at Ringgold High School

Friday, Jan. 11

Pigtail Round 4:30 pm

Round of 16

Pigtail Consolations

Quarterfinal Round

Saturday, Jan. 12

2nd Round Consolations 9:00 am

Semifinals, 10:30 p.m.

3rd Round Consolations, 10:30 a.m.
4th Round Consolations, 12:30 p.m.

Consolation, Championship Finals, 2:30 p.m.

Mary gets 200th coaching win

Canon-McMillan chalked up two wins Saturday in the Cumberland Valley duals to hand head coach Chris Mary his 200th career coaching victory.

Mary entered the season needing six victories to reach that milestone and Canon-McMillan made it possible with a 51-9 romp over Southwestern and a 46-15 rout of Cumberland Valley.

“I’ve been blessed with great assistants and great student-athletes to be in this position,” said Mary. “It would have been nice to be at home to get it.”

Mary said one of the matches that stands out from those 200 wins is the 28-25 decision over Central Dauphin in last year’s semifinals of the PIAA Class AAA Team Tournament in Hershey.

“I’ve been blessed to lead a fine program,” he

Individual Rankings

                                                                  Individual Rankings

Class AAA

106–1. Luke Pletcher (Latrobe), 2. Gage Curry (North Hills), 3. Brendon Price (Canon-McMillan), 4. Mike Heinl (Shaler), 5. Chris Eddins (Greensburg Salem)

 

113–1. A. C. Headlee (Waynesburg), 2. Ricky Cavallo (Hempfield), 3. James Harrison (West Mifflin), 4. Sam White (Mt. Lebanon), 5.Mitch Hartman (Belle Vernon)

 

120–1. Sam Krivus (Hempfield), 2. Dalton Macri (Canon-McMillan), 3. Dom Forys (North Allegheny), 4. Vincenzo Joseph (Pgh. Central Catholic), 5. Ryan Hardaway (Kiski)

 

126–1. Connor Schram (Canon-McMillan), 2. Michael Kemerer (Franklin Regional), 3. Tyler Walker (North Hills), 4. Nate Russo (Belle Vernon), 5. Luke Etzel (Eliz Forward)

 

132–1. Tyler Smith (Franklin Regional), 2. Joel Pezze (Norwin), 3. Drew Walker (North Hills), 4. Tyler Buckiso (Peters Township), 5. Corey Wilding (Upper St. Clair)

 

138–1. Josh Maruca (Franklin Regional), 2. Justin Alexander (Pgh. Central Catholic), 3. Ethan Kenney (Connellsville), 4. Italo Merante (Peters Township), 5. Jake Shaffer (Latrobe)

 

145–1. Josh Shields (Franklin Regional), 2. Cole Landowski (Kiski), 3. Nathan Hall (West ALlegheny), 4. Kevin Synan (Hampton), 5. Chris Nuss (Pgh. Central Catholic)

 

152–1. Heath Coles (Norwin), 2. Tyler Reihnart (Greensburg Salem), 3. Kyle Skelly (Kiski), 4. Kyle Coniker (Pgh. Central Catholic), 5. Dale Provance (Connellsville)

 

160–1. Zack Zavatsky (Latrobe), 2. Zach Voytek (Greensburg Salem), 3. Dom Nania (Hempfield), 4. Jonathan Avon (North Hills), 5. Austin Bell (Belle Vernon)

 

170–1. Cody Wiercioch (Canon-McMillan), 2. Kellan Stout (Mt. Lebanon), 3. Brandon Olszewski (Hampton), 4. Noah Wilps (Chartiers Valley), 5. Brandan Burnham (Pine-Richalnd)

 

182–1. Adam Nickelson (Belle Vernon), 2. Zach Smith (North Allegheny), 3. Drew Phipps (Norwin), 4. Ryan Hannan (Butler), 5. Tyler Worthing (Kiski)

 

195–1. Matt McCutcheon (Kiski), 2. Jacob Hart (Hampton), 3. Alen Turcinhodzic (North Hills), 4. Alex DeCiatnis (North Allegheny), 5. Anthony Cable (Greensburg Salem)

 

220–1. Alex Campbell (Canon-McMillan), 2. Cole Macek (Montour), 3. Zach Deluca (Pgh. Central Catholic), 4. Noah Shulman (Hampton), 5. James Keys (West Mifflin)

 

Hvy–1. Shane Kuhn (Kiski), 2. Damen Sims (Hopewell), 3. Luke FLeck (Franklin Regional), 4. Angelo Broglia (Canon-McMillan), 5. Thor Henze (Thomas Jefferson)

Class AA

106–1. Austin Griffiths (Southmoreland), 2. Austin McDermitt (Burgettstown), 3. Brendan Howard (Jefferson-Morgan)

113–1. Cody Charles (Yough), 2. George Phillipi (Derry), 3. Jake Rothka (Bentworth)

120–1. Nathan Reckner (SS Beaver), 2. Seth Carr (South Fayette), 3. Zach Swarrow (Beth-Center)

126–1. Patrick Dewitt (Valley), 2. Vince Vahaly (Bentworth), 3. Rich McGinnis (Chartiers-Houston)

132–1. Jason Nolf (KIttanning), 2. Nick Zanetta (Keystone Oaks), 3. Shane Gentry (SS Beaver)

138–1. Nick Gavazzi (Charleroi), 2. Steven Edwards (BUrrell), 3. Jason Miller (Jefferson-Morgan)

145–1. Tanner Sutton (Chartiers-Houston), 2. Matt Johnston (West Greene), 3. Phil Marra (Burrell)

152–1. Boe Bonzo (Freedom), 2. Grant Fetchet (South Fayette), 3. Corey Falleroni (Burrell)

160–1. J.J. Walker (South Fayette), 2. Derek Hull (Chartiers-Houston), 3. Nico Brown (Beth-Center)

170–1. Mike Fetchet (South Fayette), 2. Dalton Rosta (Laurel), 3. Connor Payne (SS Beaver)

182–1. Dakota Deslauriers (Burrell), 2. Dustin Conti (Jefferson-Morgan), 3. Terrell Fields (Valley)

195–1. Garrett Vulcano (Chartiers-Houston), 2. Christian Williams (Yough), 3. Eli Holt (Mt. Pleasant)

220–1. Jake Temple (Avella), 2. Thomas Sever (Yough), 3. Tyler Cousins (Freedom)

Hvy–1. Jake Beistel (Southmoreland), 2. Allen Beattie (BUrrell), 3. Trevin Bedillion (West Greene)

Kling memorial service set

Dave Kling, former wrestling coach and teacher for many years at Keystone Oaks High School, passed away the end of December. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 19 at 1 p.m. at the Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church, 3319 West Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh. Memorial donations can also be made to St. Jude Hospital.

PT match will help wounded veteran

On January 16, the Peters Township wrestling team will be hosting the "Match for a Marine" event against Upper St. Clair to honor an American hero. All proceeds from the event, including admissions and concession sales, will be donated to a charitable organization that has been set-up by the local VFW to directly benefit Marine Cpl. Doug Vitale.  

Vitale was a wrestler at Kiski, and his wife is a graduate of Peters Township. Doug was seriously injured while on patrol in Afghanistan, losing both legs and suffering multiple strokes. He is currently in Florida going through rehabilitation. Tunnel to Towers Foundation and The Gary Sinese Foundation combined to build a home for the Vitales that will accommodate all of Doug's needs.

The Peters Township Dance Team, Peters Township School District, VFW Post 764 and the Pittsburgh Leather Neck Detachment have all rallied behind this special night. The goal is to have 1,000 people attend the wrestling  match and raise $5000 for the Vitale family.