Class AA Preview - Part 1

The following is a brief look at the local Class AA wrestling teams:

Avella

Key Losses - Zach Simonelli (182, 22-12)
Key Returns - Nick Kusich (11, 138, 30-15); Shawn Carl (12, 152, 24-17); Derek Allen (11, 195, 23-15); Jake Temple (12, 220, 40-3, 4th in PIAA);
Comment - There is enough talent on this team to keep opposing coaches worried.

Bentworth

Key losses - Vince Vahaly (126, 30-7); Trevor Wood (132, 33-16); Jake Fordyce (220, 31-12); Mason Shumaker (Hvy, 27-11)
Key returns - Hunter Neely (10, 106-29-14); Jake Rothka (12, 113, 41-13, 8th PIAA); Matt Vickless (12, 120, 29-14)
Comment - Bearcats lost 94 wins from Vahaly, Wood and Fordyce. Finding heavyweights will be key.

Beth-Center

Key Losses - Zach Swarrow (113, 22-8)
Key Returns - Anthony Welsh (10, 138, 37-14); Jason Stay (11, 145, 29-15); Matt Riggle (12, 152, 22-14);  Nico Brown (11, 160, 22-11)
Comment - B-C's football backfield the backbone of this team. Numbers still an issue.

Burgettstown

Key Losses: Matt Abbott (160, 27-18)
Key Returns: Austin McDermott (11, 106, 37-8); John Dennis (12, 113, 25-15); Stephen Kotouch (12, 132, 30-14);
Comment: Lots of experience returning but still a young team..

 

Charleroi

Key losses - None
Key returns - Nick Gavazzi (12, 138, 38-4, 5th PIAA)
Comment - Going to be another long season for the Cougars.

Chartiers-Houston

Key losses - Tanner Sutton (145, 43-8); David Kincaid (170, 25-13); Garrett Vulcano (195, 45-3, 2nd PIAA); Josh Kraushaar (220, 28-17);
Key returns - Ben Hritsko (10, 106, 26-20); Richie McGinnis (12, 120, 34-16); Derek Hull (12, 160, 31-19)
Comment - Graduation took six heavyweights. New coach Jeff Havelka will have work cut out for him.

Fort Cherry

Key losses - None
Key returns - Trevor McIntyre (10, 220, 15-15)
Comment - Good news is nine returning starters. Bad news is only McIntyre was not under .500.


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 next one will be published Sunday.