Consolation and Championship finals photos posted

We apologize for the delay in getting these last sets of photos posted...

Photos from the consolation finals (3rd, 5th, and 7th place) as well as championship finals (including podium photos) are now online. Galleries are online from both AA and AAA action. You can visit the galleries by clicking here.

Photos up through semis posted

Photos up through the AA and AAA semifinals were posted during the day on Saturday. Photos from both AA and AAA consolation (3rd, 5th, and 7th) finals as well as the championship finals and podiums will be posted sometime on Sunday...check back for plenty of more photos!

Cory Houser, Champion of 125 lb weight class

"My coaches and I were sitting and talking about the layout of the tournament and the kids in front of us talking about taking it one match at a time. We would joke and snicker about how exciting it would be to make it to the finals. Noon is a joke in the state tournament. You can't take anyone for granted. I was pumped after the first match. The second win, I was guarenteed top six, I was really happy. The Semifinals was an avenge to my only loss of the season and in the finals, I was the underdog in everyone's mind. I felt I could do it. I wasn't nervous when I went out. It was my senior year, my last match so I figured I would go out and give it everything. Let it all out on the mat." I asked Cory about the length of absence he had during the season. He said that he had an injury with his rotor cuff for about three weeks. That bummed him out which in return left his academics get behind in the process. While he was injured, he was still in the room helping out pushing his teammates, putting alot of stress on his coaches. Cory stated that he wanted to go right out of high school into the police academy and right into a task force. Since he won the District title, a few college offers came in and now that he made states, alot more offers came in. So he's undecided what he wants to do. Since he won the state championship I'm sure alot more offers will come in. A very well-spoken guy, it was my priviledge to talk to Cory in regards to him winning his first PIAA state championship.

First time champion Kegan Handlovick

Kegan claims to have come in with alot of confidence. Hard work with Jordan Oliver every day gave me alot of confidence. His dad and uncle had him in the matroom at the age of four, both state champs, and former coaches of Wilson High. They had him in the room rolling around with guys before he was even of age to wrestle. Kegan plans on wrestling alot with Jordan during the off season to prepare himself to compete here again next year. He gave alot of thanks to Jordan Oliver in getting him to the level of success he's at today. "I couldn't ask for a better drill partner ," Kegan stated.

Mitchell Port takes fifth as a freshman

Mitchell Port, a freshman at Bellefonte High School, entered the state championships at The Giant Center as a part of the super freshman list of this year's freshman. Entering the season with a record of 37-4, Mitchell improved his record to a season ending record of 40-6, earning a fifth place medal. When talking to Mitchell, he thought he wrestled pretty good all tournament until the semifinals. "I was too nervous. I didn't go out and wrestle my best. I think I got the freshman jitters." While he started wrestling at the age of four, Mitchell thinks he owes a big thanks to all his coaches that he's had throughout his years of wrestling from four years of age 'till today. He thanked his dad for a lot of his success.

AAA Parade of Champions has begun

Andrew Alton-Central Mountain takes third place as a freshman

In his first trip to The Giant Center, Andrew Alton is what many classify one of many of the class they call the super freshman class. By far the most talented group of freshman state qualifiers in a long time, Andrew capped his freshman year with a record of 41-7 and added a bronze medal to his accomplishments. A contender people should remember for the next three years as Andrew will, I'm sure, be back next year to defend or possibly better his third place performance from this year. Andrew and his twin brother, Dillon, who was also an 8th place medal winner in his freshman year at 1, will be a force to reckon with for the next three years at whatever weight they wrestle. Good luck to both and a great season as well.

Matthew Bonson-Lewistown takes fifth place

Matt Bonson ends his senior year at Lewistown High with a record of 42-7. A two-time returning medalist, Matthew beat Zach Oberlander of Dallastown in the fifth place medal round 1-0. A 7th place finisher at 103 in 2005, and a 4th place finisher last year at 119, he can now add a fifth place medal to that collection in 2007 at 125. A career that will be remembered by alot for a long time to come. Matt will be considered by many as one of the best wrestlers to ever come out of Lewistown High School. A great career for Matthew, I would like to wish Matt the best of luck in whatever he decides to do after graduation at Lewistown High School.

Kellon Harris repeats as state champion

Kellon Harris of Sharon High ended his high school wrestling career with a perfect season record of 44-0 and is your 2007 PIAA State Champion at the 215 lb. weight class. A two-time state champion, last year Kellon won the state championship at 189. Kellon not only excels at the sport of wrestling, but Kellon is a superb football player as well. Speaking to Kellon in regards to his wrestling career with being a two-time state champion, Kellon made me aware that he has signed a letter of intent along with receiving a full scholarship to play football for Marshall University after graduation from Sharon High. A class act wrestler with excellent athletic abilities, Kellon will be remembered as one of the best high school wrestlers to ever hit the mats in Hershey. I wish Kellon the best of luck with his football career and at whatever else he decides to try to accomplish at the next higher level.

Josh Smith from Octorara takes eighth place

I talked to Josh, a sophomore, about his performances of medaling as a sophmore at such a heavy class. I asked him who he owed his success to this point in this point in his career. "When I was younger my dad would always help me. Then I came to high school and Coach Doran and all my other coaches started showing me alot of stuff helping me with the little things. Mike Letts last year really helped me in the matroom. He really helped me alot. I don't think I would have made it this far if it wouldn't have been for Mike. I feel I have to work harder for next year. I need to get a little better on my feet and get a little stronger. I feel I could have bettered my performance in this year's state tournament if those two factors would have been avaliable to me. If I get a little better on my feet and a little stronger, I feel I could possibly be on top of the podium next year. That's my goal and that's what I'm going to work for for next year, to be a state champion. I'm only a sophmore so I have two more years left."

Cory Beaver 171 state champion

For the first time in school history, Littlestown has finally gotten a state champion. Coach Dave Bowersox has coached alot of state medalists but he has never coached a state champion. That has now taken a turn as Cory Beaver has finally ended that drought. 171 lb. state champion, Cory talked about his win. Down one and on the bottom what are you thinking? "You have to dig down and get out. You have to use your heart when you're on the bottom. I thought I can take him down. I mean that's my bread and butter. He took me down early but that's where I excel. I figured if I was going to either win or loose this match on my feet." You're tied in your match after your second takedown, 4-4 and you cut him. He stated, "Like I said I was going to either win or lose that match on my feet. I'm too aggressive. I cut 'em. Thirty seconds is plenty of time. So I cut 'em. Took him down and I'm a state champion." On his feelings of being the first team's state champion: "It's a dream come true. It's the greatest feeling in the world." I asked Cory about his loss to Dallas Brown in the District final. He said, "You know I'm glad that happened. I would rather get that out of my system then. I feel I would not be here right now if I wouldn't have lost that match. Those two losses won me the state championship. I went into districts and told my mom and coach. I'm not going to try to lose or anything but I feel it would be good too. I feel that loss made me a stronger wrestler and here I am today a state champion." Congratulations to Cory, his parents, Keith Wareheim (the biggest Littlestown fan ever) and especially Coach Bowersox for your first ever state champion. It's going to be an exciting night in Littlestown, Pennsylvania.

Jordan Sheilds, 130 lb 2007 PIAA State Champion

This has to be a dream come true Jordan? "Oh yeah, I have been working all year round ever since last year's states. I've been working in the room busting my tail every day. Shane Welsh has been an amazing workout partner. Without him this couldn't have happened. Shields Chiropractic has kept my back in alignment - my uncle, Doc Sheilds. I'm only a junior so I'll be back next year, hopefully to repeat. It's an amazing dream come true to me. My goal next year is to achive the gold medal again. It's going to take alot of work but I'm willing to put it in to achieve all my goals. " I asked Jordan who he owed all his success to up to this point in his career. In a very happy, emotional way, "We might not get along all the time, but my brothers have been there for me; they have pushed me; I love them to death. We don't get along but I love them, without them I couldn't have done this. My friends have just been there making sure that I'm doing the extra steps, never cutting me any breaks. I just love them to death and they know I will be there for them anytime they need me. I just love my brothers and friends to death. " Congratulations Jordan. Very classy kid with a class act father. Enjoy your gold.

Anthony Communale of Pius X finishes fourth

What many don't know about Tony is that he wrestled in the quarterfinals with a broken nose. Finishing fourth was a really big heartbreaker for him. He wanted to better his performance from last year's 3rd place performance, but just fell a bit short. He was nagged with a back injury from Regionals in his match with Colin Shober of Schuylkill Valley, then with the broken nose he suffered in the Quarterfinals here in Hershey. It really put a damper on his best performances. "The mask really hurt me. I couldn't see anything at all. I pleaded with the trainer to let me not wear it, but unfortuantely I was mandated to wear it. This isn't the end of my wrestling career. I have four more years of this to have fun with. I plan on attending Princeton for the next four years, wrestling for Coach Ares. I'm really looking forward to that. "

John Prezzia on his 4th place finish this year

I'm sure you're disappointed with your injury that cut your performance short this year in obtaining gold again? What happened with your injury? John stated, "It was a lingering knee problem that I decided to have taken care of when I got back from Fargo." I asked him if he felt he competed the best his talents would allow him to. John stated, "I wrestled as hard as I could, I just made alot of mental errors in the quarterfinals and that really cost me." I'll definitely be back 100 % next year to try to obtain gold." His plans for off-season are to attend and wrestle the national freestyle championships at Fargo.

Frank Mortellotti-Shady Side Academy vs AJ Schoop-Tyrone Area

A repeat of last weekend's Regional Final. These two are by far no surprise to one another as they've faced off against each other before this season. Mortellotti snuck in really quick to get a takedown and a lead of 2-0. Second period, Schoop escapes to cut the lead 2-1. Mortellotti secures another takedown to take a 4-1 lead and is riding tough with a 4-1 lead. :30 to go in the second period. Schoop escapes to cut the lead to 4-2. The pair are neutral with :10 to go in the second period. Second period ends with a score of 4-2. Mortellotti takes down to start the third. Schoop riding tough in the third period but can't seem to turn Mortellotti for any nearfall points. The score remains 4-2 with :20 to go in the match. A stall call for one point brings the match to 4-3 with :08 left in the match. Frank Mortellotti is your 2007 PIAA 103 AA State Champion with a 4-3 victory over AJ Schoop of Tyrone Area.

Parade of Champions has begun

It is that time for the entertainment to start. What these wrestlers have wrestled for all season. The quest for the state championship. I would like to wish every wrestler in the state finals the very best of luck. Go out, go hard and give it your all. Let the best wrestler win.

What a four years for Lawrence Beckman of Reynolds

Lawrence Beckman, a four-year starter on the Reynolds wrestling team is no stranger to The Giant Center here in Hershey, PA. Lawrence stood on the medal stand each of his previous three trips here, improving his medal each year. Starting with his first trip, Lawrence earned a sixth place medal. In 2005 Lawrence improved one spot better to 5th. 2006 would be one step better as he would stand proud on the podium stand earning a fourth place medal. This year Lawrence had one goal in mind and that was obtaining a gold medal. On his quest for gold, Lawrence experienced problems with then unbeaten Nate Johnson of Central Columbia, suffering a 2-0 loss in the Quarterfinals. Remembering his previous three years here at Hershey, Lawrence had to start his way through the Consolation bracket. This year Lawrence would sweep through the Consolation Rounds winning close decisions by two or three points the whole way to the Consolation Finals. Looking to better his performance from last year he needed to win his Consolation Final for the Bronze Medal. There was something that was starting to worry Lawrence a little bit - his opponent in the Consolation Final round. His opponent? The same wrestler that beat Lawrence to put him in the loser's bracket - Nate Johnson of Central Columbia. This time Lawrence would not be denied as he pulled out a hard-fought 2-1 overtime rideout decision to claim the Bronze Medal and better, his finish from last year of fourth. In the four years of competition that Lawrence competed here in Hershey, he secured a 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th place medal. Ending his tremendous career at Reynolds High, Lawrence ended his senior year with a record of 47-6.

Mike Maurer of Towanda takes fifth place

Coach Sexton of Towanda expected big things this year from Mike Maurer. Ranked in the top three pretty much all year, Mike was thought by alot to be one of the favorites entering into this year's State Championships. Mike started his quest for the gold medal with an easy 8-2 preliminary round win over Eric Weaver of Greenville. Mike then cruised to victory with a 6-5 win over TJ Polacek of Westmont-Hilltop. The surprise of the tournament for Mike came when he suffered a 7-5 heartbreaking loss to Scott Davis of Lake Lehman in the Semifinals, ending his dream of a gold medal in the state championships. The loss to Davis sent Mike to the Consolation rounds where he again lost a really close match to super freshman Dirk Cowbun of Coudersport High 5-3, putting him in the fifth, sixth place medal round. Mike would then go on to secure the fifth place medal with a very close 2-0 win over Devon Maloney of Burrell.

Scott Clymer of Northwestern Lehigh

I would like to congratulate Scott Clymer of Northwestern Lehigh on his win in the Consolation Finals to secure third place at this year's PIAA AA State Championship. The 4-0 decision Scott gained over Tyler Perry of Berwick was his 151st win of his career. Very nice job Scott. Scott ends his season with a record of 46-4.

Robbie Miller ends season with a 5th place medal

Robbie Miller of Reynolds, all I can say is wow. What a year he's had. Earlier this year he pinned two-time returning state champion Troy Dolan of Derry Area. Miller entered the state championships as Northwestern's first place qualifier. Miller started his state championship quest for gold with a 4-0 decision and a pin in the quarterfinals to advance him to the semifinals last evening against Andrew Arnold of Northern Lehigh. Arnold, the returning sixth place medalist from last year, had different ideas for Miller though, as he caught him not once but twice in his patent gater roll ,putting Miller on his back for a fall. That sent Miller to the Consolation wrestlebacks where he fought his way back through only to fall short again, losing to Marty Borrowsky of Harriton. The loss put Robbie into the fifth and sixth place medal round where he made short work of Cody Feathers of Claysburg-Kimmel winning by fall in :36. Miller, a senior, ends his senior year with a record of 50-7. Great season Robbie.

Bryce Marshall ends year with win over Nick Yocco

Bryce Marshall ended his year with a decision win over Nick Yocco in the 7th and 8th place medal bout. Nick who previously beat Bryce the past two weeks at the District and Regional Tournaments fell a bit short when it meant the most. In today's 7th place medal round, Bryce came up with a decision to finally beat the jinx he's had with Nick the past two weeks. Marshall is now a three-time medalist being a four-time state qualifier. Bryce ends his season with a mark of 45-7.

Yocco decisons Brothers

Zane Yocco, the little brother of the twins at 112 and 119 from Brandywine Heights: A fine ending to his freshman year campaign as a varsity wrestler. Zane won his 7th place medal round by a slim 1-0 decision over Derek Brothers, another talented freshman from Curwensville. Yocco ends his freshman year with a record of 49-6 and the privledge of saying he is the 7th best wrestler in the state of Pennsylvania in the AA 103 lb. weight class. Great season, Zane. Could Zane be the first in Pennsylvania history to acheive 200 career wins?

3rd, 5th, and 7th place bouts to start at 12:30

The 2007 PIAA AA State Championships are about to start winding down in a matter of 50 minutes. 12:30 PM is the start time of the 3rd, 5th, and 7th place bouts. I plan on having interviews (if possible), quotes and live play-by-play action of the most entertaining bouts of the session. I hope you all enjoy the best wrestling this great country we live in has to offer. Pennsylvania wrestlers, I'm proud of you all, and proud to live in a state filled with such fine wrestling. Thank you all.

Congratulations to Ryan Dill of Red Land

I'd like to give a congrats to Ryan Dill of Red Land for capturing his 100th win in his Consolation Quarterfinal win over Zach Lundgren of Dubois. A 3-1 decision in overtime. Congratulations Ryan. Good luck in your Consolation Semifinal bout.

Jonathon Crawford-Lower Dauphin vs Matthew Bonson-Lewistown

A battle of the first takedown the entire first period. Crawford slid under Bonson and slickly took him down with about :15 left in the first period to take a 2-0 lead. Second period Bonson chooses down. Bonson escapes to make the score 2-1 only to be taken down again with Crawford going up 4-1. Late in the second period Bonson escapes; the score is now 4-2. Second period ends with a score of 4-2. Crawford starts the third period down. The two exchange switches with no points being scored. Crawford smoothly breaks free and escapes to lead 5-2. Crawford secures another takedown to go ahead 7-2. Third period ends with a final score of 7-2. Crawford advances to the Consolation Finals as Bonson advances to the 5th/6th place bout. Great performances from both wrestlers this entire PIAA State Championships. Good luck to each in their medal round.

Crowell-Nazareth defeats Carter-Council Rock South

A guy that alot in the state of Pennsylvania would say is the most improved wrestler in District 11, possibly the state of Pennsylvania, David Crowell just proved why alot would say that. He just defeated two time returning medalist and state champion in the 160 lb. weight class in 2005 Austin Carter of Council Rock South by a decision of 7-4. Crowell, coached by his father one of the most respected coaches in the state of Pennsylvania at Nazareth High, will face off against Nate Eachus, a Junior at Hazleton High with a record of 39-6 in tonight's 189 lb. state championship final. Good luck to both wrestlers.

AJ Brentzel-Penn Trafford vs Jesse DeWan-Boyertown

Both wrestlers wrestling in the Semi Finals with inspiring stories behind the two. Brentzel wrestling in the memory of his grandfather with the angel wings tatoo on his shoulder in memory of his pap, as well as DeWan with the word SACRIFICE tatooed down the middle of his back in dedication to his brother (that couldn't be here this weekend) due to spinabifida. Going a scoreless first period, Brentzel escaped in the late stages of the second period to take a 1-0 lead. Second period ends with a score of still 1-o. DeWan takes bottom to start the third period. :15 into the third period DeWan escapes to tie the match 1-1. Flurries and alot of motion, they are both trying to find the shot that is going to land them a takedown. DeWan shoots in deep for a double leg with Brentzel countering, sliding around and bringing DeWan down to the mat for a takedown. Brentzel leads 3-1 in the third. Third period ends with a score of 3-2.

Coach Sweigard of Central Dauphin

Coach Sweigard has to be the happiest camper in the world right now. In what some would call kind of a controversially officiated match, Tony Dallago became the third State Finalist for Central Dauphin for tonight's State Championships here at The Giant Center. Tony needed overtime to secure a 7-5 decision of Andrew Ritchie of Nazareth. Dallago will now face returning state champion Zack Kemmerer of Upper Perk in tonight's PIAA State Championship. That makes three finalists for Central Dauphin to this point who holds a slim lead in the team points race. With three in the finals, Central Dauphin has to be a favorite to control and win the team point championship. Congrats to Coach Sweigard for a job very well done.

Another set of brothers both in the State Finals

Marshall and Walter Peppleman, both of Central Dauphin, have obtained part of their goals for this year and that was to make it to the state finals. Not the only set of brothers in the state finals as in AA, Tte Fausey brothers of Line Mountain, of Jon at 160 and Shawn at 171 have both obtained half their goal for the year, as well in making the state finals. I'm kind of wondering to myself if this isn't a little bit of history being made. A set of brothers in the finals in both AA and AAA in the same year?

Marshall Peppleman defeats Brandon Bucher of Northern York

Tied 1-1 late into the third period. Marshall Peppleman slid in on a takedown to secure a 3-1 lead with less then :30 to go. Holding on for dear life, Marshall held on to win a slim decision 3-1 to make the state finals his first trip ever to The Giant Center. If Marshall could secure the state championship with what anyone would have to call an upset win over Tyler Nauman of Middletown, could he be the next four-time state champion in the state of Pennsylvania? Marshall's older brother and returning medal winner, Walter will wrestle next. Can they both obtain victory and make it to the state finals?

Matt Bonson advances to the Consolation Semifinals

Matt Bonson advances to the Consolation Semifinals with his win by fall over fellow D6 competitor Dylon Alton of Central Mountain. An he is very familiar with, as they have wrestled at least three or four times previously throughout the year before the state championship. Bonson, a returning medalist, will try to keep his streak of winning ways going as he wrestles in the Consolation Semifinals later this evening. With his win in the Consolation Quarterfinals, Matthew is guaranteed no worse than a sixth place medal in this year's 2007 PIAA State Championships.

Nic Bedleyon wins in Overtime

What a match it was. A shrug to put Chris Kochinsky on his back for nearfall points secured the win in Overtime. Bedleyon will wrestle later this evening against Jordan Oliver for the PIAA State Championship.

Jordan Oliver-Easton vs Chris Sheetz-Upper Perk

Dancing in the neutral position, Oliver ducks under and slides down the legs dragging his toes in bounds for two. Oliver leading 2-0. Sheetz hits a switch and breaks free for an escape to cut the lead to 2-1. First period ends with a score of 2-1. Second period Sheetz takes down. Oliver immediatly lets him up for an escape to tie the score at 2. Flurries and alot of motion, neither can seem to figure out how to get in deep enough to execute the shot. Oliver secures another takedown to lead 4-1. Sheetz escapes to make the score 4-2. Twenty seconds left in the second period they're still neutral. Second period ends with a score of 4-2. Oliver takes down to start the third period. Oliver immediately escapes to make the score 5-2. Still in neutral, Oliver gives up a stalling point to close the gap to 5-3. Sheetz can't seem to figure out how to take Oliver down. Match ends with a final score of 5-3.

Mark Rappo-Council Rock South vs Desmond Moore-Easton

Rappo in on a single leg for a takedown. Rappo working tough on top. Rappo throws a nearside cradle on and takes Moore to his back. Rappo wins by pinfall. Very nice performance by Mark Rappo of Council Rock South.

AAA Semi Finals

Good morning from The Giant Center here in Hershey, PA. Another jammed packed day of wrestling is in store for all you AAA wrestling fans that unfortuantly couldn't be here in attendance with us today. I'll try to do my best to keep you covered on what's happening with the AAA Semi Finals, doing interviews, play by play action of today's matches, as well as the entire rundown of the finalists who will compete for the State Championships here later this evening. Some key matchups to keep an eye on throughout the morning in the Semi Final bouts. 103 Mark Rappo-Council Rock South-11th-49-0 vs Desmond Moore-Easton-12th-39-2, 119 Jordan Oliver-Easton-11th-41-1 vs Chris Sheetz-Upper Perkiomen-12th-49-3, 125 Jonathan Crawford-Lower Dauphin-12th-36-2 vs Corey Houser-Governer Mifflin-12th-19-1, 130 Brandon Bucher-Northern York-12th-41-5 vs Marshall Peppleman-Central Dauphin-9th-40-4, 130 Tyler Nauman-Middletown-12th-31-1 vs Grant Lowther-Trinity-12th-15-2, 140 Zach Kemmerer-Upper Perkiomen-12th-49-5 (going for win #198) vs undefeated Jarred Kane-Lower Dauphin-12th-35-0, 145 Grant Paswell-Bald Eagle Area-12th-33-3 vs Nick Nelson-Shaler-12th-30-2, 160 Eddie Ruth-Susquehanna Township-10th--25-1 vs Quentin Wright-Bald Eagle Area-12th-37-0, 171 Jesse DeWan-Boyertown-12th-42-4 vs AJ Brentzel-Penn Trafford-12th-44-0, 189 David Crowell-Nazareth-12th-37-8 vs Austin Carter-Council Rock South-12th-46-4, 215 Kevin Struble-Bald Eagle Area-12th-34-6 vs Jordan Enck-Manheim Central-11th-26-2, 285 Marcus Zimmerman-Manheim Central-12th-31-3 vs Justin Haines-Connellsville-11th-33-5.

Cory Beaver wins by fall

Wow is all I can say in regards to the Semi Finals matchup of Cory Beaver of Littlestown vs Nate Johnson of Central Columbia. Down the entire match, Cory Beaver pulls a spectacular move and puts Johnson on his back to secure a fall in 5:18 for his first ever birth to the PIAA State Championship. Undefeated the entire season up 'till the District finals two weeks ago, Cory suffered his first loss in the Finals to Dallas Brown of Delone Catholic. Turning it up a few notches, Cory gained mental focus and pulled everything together in today's Semi Finals. Cory will face District 4 foe Shawn Fausey of Line Mountain in tomorrow's Championship Finals.

What a change a year can make

Just ask Joey Anceravage who just beat the defending State Champion and number one ranked kid in the state in Nikko Leitzel of Ridgeway. Talking with Joey, he stated he came into the tournament last year nervous. This year he said he came in letting it all hang out. Starting with Regionals and on out there on. He feels he owes his brother alot of thanks for getting him to this point in his career. "It's all mental," he states. It's not a matter of muscles or your body. It's a matter of mind. If you can beat your mind you can beat your opponent. Joey is very confident going into the finals. He wants to keep his momentum going. Push to beat yourself. Beat your opponent mentally, you can beat your opponent physically. Good luck to Joe as he pursues his dream of the PIAA State Championship.

Troy Dolan goes for three-peat

It's a matter of this last match here. It's a whole new tournament now. This is where it's all at. Troy's game-plan on going into the finals. "I've worked so hard to make it to this point. It's time to tell myself how hard I worked, how much I know my opponent. Go out, work as hard as I can and go after it." Troy feels he owes it all to all his coaches. He thanked his coaches to trainers, to weight trainers, to Cary Kolat, basically the entire county of West Moreland. Very nice kid, I'm wishing you the best of luck in your quest of a three-peat final state championship.

Marty Borrowsky advances to the Consolation Semifinals

Marty's thoughts on the match . . . he basically had a game plan going into it. The last time they wrestled he got a reversal. His game plan was to go into the match and get a couple takedowns and cut 'em. He wanted to keep him on his feet. When he saw he got him down on the mat, he got some back points. He decided to keep him down and that's basically how the match went. On Borrowsky's loss in the Quarterfinals earlier today. "It really all came down to a takedown. He was riding tough and I couldn't escape but he couldn't turn me. He decided to cut me. He got in deep on a leg. I tried to defend; I made a stupid mistake trying to go for a Peterson and he took me down which tied it. In overtime it just came to the point where he out-conditioned me."

Chad Thorpe on his win in the Consolation Quarterfinal bout

What's the mind-set down there, Chad. "Just stay focused and want it bad. I've trained hard for this. You just got to want it bad. This is my last year I've trained hard for this. Sitting there before a match what's your mental attitude entering the match." Chad said, "I'm thinking about what I'm gonna do in the match. What I want to do if I'm in the lead. How I want to work my kid." I asked about the team race points title. He said, "I was trying to get bonus points. That's all I can do is go out and do my best."

Joe Spisak rolls into Consolation Semi Finals

Taking a full 6:00 of regulation and just into the first 20 seconds of overtime is what Joe Spisak needed to win his Consolation Quarterfinal over Zane Yocco of Brandywine Heights 3-1 SV. These two opponents are very familiar with each other as they have met in both the District and Regional Finals. Joe has gotten the win in three of the four meetings. Joe will now advance to the Consolation Semi Finals where he can finish no worse than sixth place. Zane Yocco will now go down where he will wrestle for seventh or eighth place.

AAA Quarterfinals photos

Photos from the quarterfinals of AAA are now posted.

AA consolation second round photos

Photos from the second round of consolations in AA are now posted. Photos from AAA will be posted either late tonight or early Saturday morning.

Upsets at the PIAA State Championships

The wrestling here at The Giant Center has just been super all weekend so far. Upset after upset, they just keep coming. Predictable matches are usually so easy to find but when you have the deep fields that you have today you just can't count anyone out. Jordan Sheilds of Burrell as well as Brad Kummerer of Hamburg and Tyler Erdman of Line Mountain all three quoted me this morning. When you get to states you just have to take it one match at a time because here at states everyone is equal. Some may agree, some may disagree, but when it comes down to it that phrase has super meaning behind it as you see the upsets that have happened so far this weekend. Undefeated wrestlers losing to a wrestler with 13 losses, a wrestler with one loss losing to another with 4 losses. The wrestling is as intense as I've ever seen it and am just glad I can be a part of the super wrestling that's going on this weekend here at The Giant Center at the 2007 PIAA State Championships.

Cortese-Hempfield Dec Kindig-Blue Mountain

Nico Cortese just barely snuck by Josh Kindig, one of the super freshman class of 2007, 2-1 OTRO. Cortese was able to sneak out a decision in a overtime rideout. Cortese keeps his medal hope alive with the decision as Kindig falls one match short of wrestling in the medal rounds. Great performance by the young freshman.

Jesse DeWan decisions Getz of Warwick

Jesse DeWan came out on top of Corey Getz of Warwick with a 6-5 decision. Leading 5-2 late in the third period, Jesse gave up a takedown to close the gap to 5-4. Getz immediately cut DeWan to open the gap to 6-4. Really late in the third period DeWan gave up a stalling point to close the gap 6-5. With just a few ticks left in the third period, Getz shot in deep but time ran short securing a hard earned 6-5 decision for Jesse DeWan of Boyertown. DeWan will now face unbeaten Southwestern first place qualifier AJ Brentzel of Penn Trafford in the Semi Finals.

Eddie Ruth of Susquehanna Township upsets Thad Frick of Nazareth

Thad Frick, considered one of the top two wrestlers to make the finals at the 160 lb. weight class, suffered a loss today at the hands of Eddie Ruth, a super talented sophmore from Susquehanna Township. Ruth came out behind in the third period and showed super heart to and really put the pressure on to Frick gaining a couple takedowns to come out on top on the scoreboard. In a flurry near the end of the third period, Ruth gained another takedown to take the lead for good in what many will call the upset of the Quarterfinal round. Ruth, entering the state championships with a record of 25-1, will face off against another very high ranked wrestler from Bald Eagle Area, Quentin Wright. This match will be a barnburner. I,myself, can't wait for this match to take place. It could be one of the most exciting matches of the Semi Final round.

Tim Darling-Nazareth wins by fall

Tim Darling of Nazareth kept his winning tradition going with his pin over Matt Gregg of Lewistown in today's quarterfinal round. There are rumors going around that Darling has verbally committed to Penn State University to continue his wrestling career after graduation at Nazareth High School. Darling is favored to win this year's 2007 PIAA State Championship in the 152 lb. weight class.

Kemmerer brothers from Upper Perk side by side

In my years of coming to the PIAA State Wrestling Championships, I don't ever remember of seeing a set of brothers wrestle side by side in the same round of competition . Today in the quarterfinals Ryan and Zack Kemmerer of Upper Perkiomen wrestled on mats 1 and 3. Zack won by a hefty 14-7 decision over Erie Cathedral Prep's Jamal Lyons. Unfortuantly for Ryan, he came out on the short end of the stick suffering a heartbreaking 3-1 decision in overtime to Josh Roosa of Crestwood. What proud parents the Kemmerers must be.

Marshall Peppleman victorious in his Quarter Final bout

In what most people call the most talented incomming freshman class of the decade. Marshall Peppleman is one of those wrestlers. Coming into the state championships with a record of 40-4, Peppleman a SouthCentral second place qualifier, would battle off with second ranked in the nation Tyler Nauman of Middletown in his region two different times in route to his qualification to enter the state tournament. Facing Dexter lederer of Neshaminy a returning state qualifier last year at 119 and a state 6th place medalist in 2005, Peppleman scored a close 3-1 decision to advance to the Semi Final round in this years 2007 PIAA State Championships. Peppleman will face Bobby Ward of Nazareth in the Semi Finals match.

Nic Bedleyon of Indian Valley defeats

Nico Cortese of Hempfield. In a match of two highly ranked competitors, Nic Bedleyon, a two time returning state medalist, won a close 2-1 decision of another two time returning medalist in Nico Cortese of Hempfield. In a match of basically the battle of defense, Bedleyon used a takedown to his advantage to take a slim 2-1 lead. A basic first period of motion and hardly no shots at all, the first period ended in a 0-0 tie. Cortese rode Bedleyon the entire second period to end the period again at a 0-0 tie. Cortese escaped in the third to be taken down by Bedleyon where the match ended 2-1 in favor of Bedleyon.

Matt Snyder suffers first loss in Pennsylvania

of the season. Matt Snyder of Lewistown, ranked first in the state the entire year in the 112 lb. weight class, suffered his first loss to a wrestler from the state of Pennsylvania in the quarter final round of the 2007 PIAA State Championship. Snyder entered the state tournament this year with a record of 39-2 with both losses occuring at the Beast of the East Tournament held yearly in Delaware. Snyder suffered his 9-8 loss to the hands of Zach Cecchetti of Kiski Area.

Mitchell Port of Bellefonte having a great

season so far his freshman year. Only a ninth grader, Mitchell Port of Bellefonte wrestled his way to the Semi Finals with his 9-3 decision this afternoon in the Quarterfinals round over Zach Barrick of Lower Dauphin. Mitchell is no stranger to wrestling in front of big crowds or in big matches, as he has visited the Junior Olympic wrestling tournament several times throughout his elementry and Junior High careers. Mitchell is one to watch not only this year but the next three years to follow. Being a Freshman is definitley an advantage to Port. Port will face off against unbeaten and champion of the Southwest Region Shane Young of Penn Trafford.

Rappo-Council Rock South over Rice-Central Dauphin

Mark Rappo dealt Simon Rice his fourth loss of the season today in the quarterfinals of the PIAA Championships. Rappo handled Rice pretty soundly in grounds to a solid decision. Rappo, just a junior, will face Desmond Moore of Easton in the Semi Finals. Check back for results of that match.

AA quarterfinal photos

Photos from the AA quarterfinals matches have been posted. Click here to view and/or purchase photos. Some photos from the second round of consolations will be posted later today.

Derek Schmelyen shows alot of heart

Down 5-0 in his second round consolation bout, Derek Schmelyen showed all heart as he came back to defeat TJ Polacek from Westmont Hilltop. With his win in the second round consolation that entitles him to continue to the next round of consolations, assuring him of at least an eighth place medal. Only so-so, Derek has a chance to come back next year to try to secure gold adding the Schmelyen name to the list of brothers capturing PA State Championships. Derek said of his match, "The first five points I was so worried because he was so big. When it came to top, I was so strong. I got some good offense going and worked on top where I was the best at, at this level the next match is as tough as another. Once you're here anyone can win at any given time." Derek' major goal is to add the Schmelyen name to the list of multiple brothers with state championships.

Zack Bryan-Juniata vs Tyler Erdman-Line Mountain

Erdman shoots with Bryan countering the shot. Erdman in deep on a single leg. Bryan survives and they go out of bounds. First period ends tied 0-0. Bryan takes down to start the second period. Bryan working up from his referee's position. Erdman hangs on for dear life. Bryan escapes to take a 1-0 lead. Bryan working a shot as the buzzer sounds. Second period ends 1-0, Bryan leading. Erdman chooses down to start the third. Quickly reverses Bryan to take a 3-1 lead. Erdman working a tilt and tilts Zach for two nearfall. Leads 5-1 with :28 left. Erdman wins 5-1.

Garth Mahoskey-Canton injured

My best wishes go out to Garth Mahoskey and his entire family for a speedy recovery in any injury he may have sustained today in the second round consolation. I'm hoping everything was just for precaution and he ends up ok. I will keep everyone updated with any update we may receive.

Eli Moores-Brookville

With Eli Moores' 5-0 win over Roman Husam of Lewisburg in this morning's quarterfinal bout, gives Eli his 150th career dual meet win. What an accomplishment and very great job to Eli. Wishing you the best of luck the rest of your way through the state championship bracket.

Richie Smith-Pen Argyl

Everyone welcome Richie Smith of Pen Argyl to the 100th win club. Congratulations, Richie.

Josh Marks of Southern Columbia barely hangs on

Josh Marks of Southern Columbia won a thrilling Quarter Final bout taking overtime to beat Robert Ryhal of West Middlesex. Josh, a very talented football player as well ,has overcome injury this season to compete in the state championships. A member of Southern Columbia's state championship football team last year as well, let's see if Josh can add his name to the list of PIAA Wrestling State Titlists.

Nick Sipes continues in convincing fashion

Nick Sipes of Curwensville continued winning fashion with his 4-2 decision over James Haynes of Mt. Carmel in this mornings Quarter Finals. Sipes a two time returning medalist will face Zac Bennett of Westmont Hilltop in the Semi Final match later this afternoon. The name Sipes is no strange name to The PIAA State Champion as older brother Nate Sipes is as well a former PIAA State Champion. Can the Sipes list there name to the prestigous list of brothers to win state championships?

Nick Sanko update

While talking with the coach from Hamburg, it is official that Nick Sanko has sprained his ankle. "We're gonna see how it feels till Monday and have it rechecked. This happened during his second match, probably around the third period. He went to stand up, the kid lifted and as he planted down the ankle went to the side and buckled down with them both landing on it. Nick tried to tough it out but it just wasn't there. Nick has a virus too. With the combination of that and the ankle sprain, it put a dampers on his performances."

Brad Kummerer advances into the Semi Finals

A task Brad has never been able to accomplish before in his three prior trips to Hershey for the State Championships, Brad finally advanced to the Semi Finals of the Championships. Brad feels good, the kid was pretty tough. "Every time we went out of bounds the kid threw a shot. In the beginning I wasn't feeling real good on my feet because I didn't have Sanko to work out with. I was kinda holding back out there. Just glad to have the quarter out of the way finally. I don't know who I have in the Semi Finals. I'm just ready to roll in the semis." On his Semi Final bout, Brad stated if its Nate Link from Penn Cambria. "I needed overtime to beat him our first meeting this year. He's a tough kid. I just have to go out there and wrestle my match."

Jordan Shields of Burrell makes way to the Semi Finals

Jordan Shields defeats Adam Hluschak of Northern Lehigh. His thoughts on the win: "I knew I had to dictate the style of the match. I knew he wrestled flat on his feet so I had to attack him and go after him. I wouldn't say I wrestled his style. I had to stay away from his cement mixer. If I stayed away from his cement mixer, I knew I would win." Jordan feels anybody can win, it's just a matter of having a good weekend. "Don't have to worry about what's going on. Don't have to worry about your weight, don't have to worry about what your girlfriend is doing in the stands, just go think about your mental attitude and work your matches. I have to keep my style and do the best I can."

Tyler Hain prevails in a upset in the Quarters

As a Freshman on his first trip to Hershey. Tyler Hain just prevailed in his quest to the state championship beating top ranked Marty Borrowsky of Harriton 6-4 in OT. Tylers thoughts on the win. I just kept drilling and I was getting tired I could tell he was getting tired too. I took a fast burst and tried to get a takedown real quick and it worked. His chances of winning a state championships are better as this win guarentees him a trip to the Semi Finals later this afternoon at 6:30. He feels his chances are better I just have to keep wrestling hard. His goal at the beginning of the season was just to make it out of Districts. Now that hes arrived in Hershey his goal is to take it one match at a time doing the best he can. If he should win a state championship thats better yet. Each match from here on out guarentees me a better medal so im going out and giving it my all.

Tyler Erdman comes up a bit short

Tyler Erdman came up a bit short in his quarterfinals match against Andrew Arnold of Northern Lehigh. His thoughts on the match: "I relaxed too much. I got underneath of him and he hit his special Cement Mixer on me." Tyler wished he could have gotten on top because his mat wrestling is his strongest part of wrestling. He stated, "I could have rode 'em and scored more points, but I cut him and that was probably my mistake." On his thoughts of coming through the consolation finals, he doesn't think there is anyone that can stop him. "I have to keep my mental attitude and focus and wrestle like I have up until the time of the match against Arnold that I got caught."

Andrew Arnold wins by fall

Andrew Arnold has had several trips to The Giant Center but could never get the job finished in winning the gold medal. Today he took a step that he has never been able to take here in Hershey and that's winning his quarterfinal bout. His thoughts on the match . . . He got on top (he's real good on top), he beat Victor Konno from NW Lehigh on top. "I got down 2-0 early. I definitely did not want to be down on 'em. I got refocused and got out on 'em. Got to my best move and hit it twice so that worked out. Goin' into this match Andrew never got out of the quarter finals with his trips to Hershey. I felt cursed. Two years in a row I lost in the quarters. I definitely wanted to get through the quarters this trip. Now anything can happen, my goal is to make it to the Finals." Thoughts of losing in the finals last weekend: He stated, "I got caught and got pinned. It happens to the best of 'em. I'm just focusing one match at a time from here on out. I don't know who I'll have in the finals. Miller, Borrowsky, he is real tough. So we'll just have to take it as it comes and see what the outcome is." Good luck to you, Andrew.

Day # 2 of the PIAA Championships

We're now ready to get underway. The Star Spangled Banner has been sung and the wrestlers are heading to their assigned mats. In what will be great matchups, the quarterfinals will start today off. Great matchups will create exciting wrestling. Please check back for different blogs of today's quarterfinals and second round consolations.

Photos from Thursday's AAA action

Photos from AAA action on Thursday have been posted. Click the links below for the photos...

• AAA Championship First Round
• AAA Consolation First Round

JC Laughlin-SouthWestern

JC Laughlin won his first round consolation match on his way back through the Consolation brackets. One more win in the second round consolation and he secures himself at least an eighth place medal, if not better.

Alex Little-Dover redeems his first round loss

An 11-4 decision over Jack Chidester of Conestoga. Alex lost his first round prelim with a tough 4-3 loss to returning medalist Nic Bedleyon of Indian Valley. Always a tough competitor to wrestle with, Alex now must win one more to be guaranteed a medal this weekend at the PIAA State Championships.

Ryan Maggs-Central Mountain

Congrats to Ryan Maggs of Central Mountain for obtaining his 100th career win with his preliminary win by fall in 3:12 over Mike Platco of Spring-Ford.

Jesse DeWan-Boyertown

Jesse DeWan of Boyertown has agreed to attend the Naval Academy after graduation from Boyertown High School. If he can keep his wrestling abilities going like he has at the state championships to this point, he will make the Naval Academy coach a very happy coach. Jesse is the winningest wrestler in the history of Boyertown High School currently with over 140 wins. Sporting a record of 42-4 coming into the championships, he took one step closer to adding his name to the prestigous list of PIAA State Champions with his pin of Ryan MacNamara of Bald Eagle Area in 1:38. Jesse will face District 3 powerhouse Cory Getz of Warwick who brings in a season record of 37-1 in tomorrows' quarter final match. This match should be as entertaining as any match wrestled in tomorrow's quarterfinals.

Dave Jones suffers a heartbreaking loss.

Dave Jones of Boyertown gave it everything he had in an attempt to win his preliminary bout against Travis Uncapher of Hempfield, 3-1. Trying anything that would work, Jones cut Uncapher loose within the last 45 seconds to try to take Uncapher down to tie the bout 3-3. After a couple flurries and a little bit of motion, Dave could not secure the takedown to tie the match losing a tough decision 3-1. In tonight's wrestlebacks I'm sure you'll see Dave Jones of Boyertown give it his all as it could possibly be his last match he wrestles in the Boyertown singlet. With a win in tonight's first round consolations, Dave would only have to win one more match in the second round consolations to secure at least an eighth place medal in this year's State Championships.

Quentin Wright-Bald Eagle Area Majors Julian Colon-Hempfield

Deep in on a single leg ankle sweep, takedown for two. Wright riding tough, cranking a power half but can't seem to turn him. End of first period 2-0 Wright. Wright chooses down for the second. Wright tries to hit a switch, and does so for a reversal to lead 4-0. Wright riding tough again drives a half nelson for two nearfall to take a 6-0 lead. Nearing the end of the second period, Wright is still riding Colon tough, driving a half nelson. End of the second period score is 6-0. Colon chooses neutral to start the third period. Dancing around, Wright is in deep on a double and dumps him for two. Takes an 8-0 lead. Leg laces in to ride tough again. Riding parallel the referee calls stalemate. Wrestlers align in their referees position, Wright with a tight waist again to a parallel position riding tough trying to turn Colon. Driving a power half, Wright can't seem to turn Colon again for the nearfall points he's looking for. Nearing the end of the third period, Wright still holds a big 8-0 lead. Ten seconds to go, the score is going to end 8-0 for a major decision for Quentin Wright of Bald Eagle Area.

Justin Accordino of Coughlin-win 150

Congratulations to Justin Accordino of Coughlin High for his 150th win in his preliminary round win over Nick Casber of Central Bucks East, 7-0. To win 150 matches in your career with more to follow is just a phenomenal feat . . . 38-0 coming into the state championships, Justin is now 39-0. What an amazing accomplishment it would be to see Justin finish the year at 42-0, winning a state championship gold medal. Best of luck to you Justin!

Colin Dailey-Easton defeats Shuster of Big Spring

Shuster in deep on a single leg. Dailey is trying to counter with a spladle, rolls Shuster over but Shuster fights out of it and secures a takedown to take the lead 2-0. Exchange of reversals makes it 4-2 with 40 seconds to go in the second period. Third period gets exciting as Dailey goes out the back to secure a takedown for two, then rides Shuster out the rest of the period to win 5-4.

Walter Peppleman makes quick work

Walter Peppleman of Central Dauphin secured a fall in :58 to go 41-2 for the season. After a quick takedown, a series of tilts and a stackjob, the referee slammed the mat securing the fall. With a Silver and a Bronze medal to his credit already, could this be the year that Walter becomes a state champion.

Mike Robinson-Lewistown vs JuJu Drummond-Easton

After the first period the score is 3-1. Second period they are neutral with alot of flurrying and dancing going on. Forty seconds left in the second period, Robinson gets hit with a stall call. Thirty seconds to go, still alot of dancing and flurrying in the neutral position. Final score Robinson 3, Drummond 2. Very nice win for Mike Robinson, no stranger to The Giant Center. He visited the Center his Freshman year; after taking a year off in 2005, he visited again in 2006, both years having tough luck bringing home no medals. Alot of hard work in the practice room might pay off as Mike Robinson makes his way through the championship brackets on his quest for the 2007 130 lb. state championship.

Kindig vs Sheetz a barnburner

Chris Sheetz vs Josh Kindig is a nailbiter going back and fourth 2-1 through the first and second period. A battle of the wrestlers dancing on their feet as neither seemed to be able to score a takedown. Chris Sheetz survives with a very lucky win. Courtesy of Josh Kindig's two points for caution violation for jumping the whistle in the neutral position, Sheetz won. With 11 seconds to go, Sheetz was warned for stalling for the second time which would have tied the match had it not been for the caution points. Josh Kindig is a wrestler to watch in the near future as he is only a freshman. Good luck to both wrestlers for the remainder of the state championships.

Nico Cortese barely survives his Preliminary bout

Nico Cortese needed overtime in what some call a controversial match to beat Jack Chidester of Conestoga. A returning state runner up from 2006 and a fifth place medal quarterfinals when he faces off against another returning medal winner from last year in Nic Bedleyon of Indian Valley.

Oliver continues to dominate

Jordan Oliver, take down and nearfall after take down and nearfall. Pretty much at will. Would take his opponent down, tilt him for three, take him down and cradle him up for three. Finally Jordan must have figured that he had enough of practice and cradled his opponent Jason Hirsch from Council Rock South up for the fall. Making short work of his prelim bout im wondering if he even broke a sweat. Jordan Oliver will definatly be a force to reckon with in the 119 lb. weight class.

Matt Snyder-Lewistown vs Vince Knowles-Interboro lIVE

Matt Snyder gets the opening takedown and takes Knowles straight to his back for the pin. The fall occured in :30. Matt Snyder has been ranked first in the state the complete year of 2007. He starts his State Championship run with a very quick pin. Wrestling as tough as he is this weekend, a state championship should not be denied.

Rappo wins his prelim

Mark Rappo, the last name of Rappo is no strange name to the Giant Center, won his prelim with dominating fashion. In what many call the most action-packed group of prelim bouts in the history of the PIAA State Championships, there are going to be upsets with the favorite getting stuck or just plain getting beaten by the better wrestler that day. Rappo won convincingly over Keith Shcarrer of General McClane. Rappo will meet Simon Rice of Central Dauphin, another talented sophmore in the 103 lb. class from Central Dauphin, who also won by fall in his preliminary bout over Jordan Toledo of Pleasant Valley.

AA first round consols photos

Photos from the first round of consolations in AA are now online.

• Photos from AA Consolation First Round

More photos from AA first round

More photos from the first round of action in AA have now been posted. A total of 113 photos from the first round are now available to view (or purchase). We'll have some photos from the first consolation round up on the site shortly as well.

• Photos from AA Championship First Round

Season comes to an end for Eastern Yorks Shane Cooley

Shane Cooley of Eastern York has had a superb season to most people ending the year at 32-4. To him, I'm assuming in his mind he's really disappointed about the ending of his season as he suffered a 1-0 loss to Alan Averi of Central Cambria. Shane entered the post season with a tremendous record. Most of his losses occured in the post season tournaments on his way to states or while here at states. He suffered a loss to Gabe Murtorff of Boiling Springs in the finals of Districts at the Hersheypark Arena. Shane has nothing to hang his head about as he did what alot of others wanted to do and thats just make the PIAA State Championships. I myself would like to thank Shane for the great matches he's wrestled throughout his career as he's had a tremendous career. If Shane decides to take his wrestling to the next level I would like to wish him the best of luck in whatever he decides to do. Great season Shane keep your head up high and enjoy the rest of the tournament.

First round Consolations coming to an end

The first round Consolations are coming to an end as the 215 and 285 lb. classes are on the mats as we speak. It's been a great round of wrestling here at The Giant Center as there have been a load of upsets. Three wrestlers that stick out in my mind that were ranked in the top five or so in the state that are knocked out of competition are Mike Delaurentis of Springfield, Nick Sanko of Hamburg, and Jason Foor of Southern Huntingdon. Brock Parker being six pounds overweight at weigh-ins. It's been very exciting as the next round tomorrow for the quarterfinals as well as the second and third round of consolations are going to be very exciting. Keep checking back as results and blogs along with pictures will be avaliable throughout the entire PA State Championships. We will also be doing the same thing for AAA as we did for AA.

Blake Sweigert of Donegal wins 1st round Consolation

Blake a kid that many have overlooked this season the entire season has just taken one step further to winning a medal at the state championships. I think his performances along with the great fan following, tribal chanting, cheering section he has with him in the upper deck of The Giant Center Areana helps alot. You can always tell when Blake is wrestling that is for sure. Just look for the Green and White Tribe and you will find Blake on the mat somewhere near. It's really neat to see a fan following like this for a team that brought only one wrestler here to the Giant Center. Donegal by far has the best fan following supporting their wrestler to this point. Coached by a class act coach in Dan Bechtold, it's nice to see a fellow District 3 wrestler making his way back through the losers bracket in quest for a medal here at the 2007 PIAA State Championships.

Zach Bryan wins his first round consy

One more Consy round win to go and Zach Bryan has acheived his goal for this years season (that is after he qualified for the state tournament). First goal of the season was to just make the state championship. He acheived that getting fourth at last weekends Regional Tournament at Wilson High School in West Lawn, PA. Now that hes made it to the state championships he has another goal in mind and that is medaling. One more win and he has done just that. With one more win Zach is guarenteed to go home with at least a eighth place medal or better. How high can he make it? I guess its a matter in how hard he wants to wrestle. If I know Zach, he wont settle for anything less then the broze medal. Im wishing you the best of luck Zach. Good lucky buddy.

Photos from AA first round posted

Some photos from the first round of action in AA are now posted. More photos from the first round as well as the consolation round will be posted later.

• AA Championship First Round Photos

Returning champ Harris cruises to Victory in Prelims

Kellon Harris, a returning state champion put it on cruise control during his first round matchup against Stefan Firmstone of Mt. Pleasant using a couple tilts and basically putting on a takedown clinic taking Stefan down at will to tech fall Stefan 17-2 in 5:21. In moving up a class this year, Kellon stated he was hovering in the middle. Six pounds under 215 so he decided he wanted to eat instead of suck weight. In regards to being hands on favorite he stated hes going out to wrestle and do what he does. Wrestle his best and if its meant to be a state champion again I guess Ill be a state champion. What surprises many people, is that wrestling isnt even Kellons favorite sport. Football is, as hes signed a letter of intent to accept a ful scholarship to be a linebacker at Marshall University. Offered a scholarship to many many schools, Kellon chose to attend Marshall. Best of luck to you Kellon in your quest to a possible college championship.

Jason Kyler upsets Jericho Weitzel of Ridgeway

Jason Kyler just won a very close 2-1 decision over a highly ranked opponent in Jericho Weitzel of Ridgeway in overtime. In asking Jason on his thoughts of the match. I went in there thinking as positive as I could. Its tough to go looking into a match this important positive. I think it was pretty even. Asking about Norvell the Deleware transfer coming into the Huntingdon School District, did it help you any that Eli moved into your school district. Jason stated that he showed me a couple of moves from the Neutral position but as for working out with him thats kind of impossible because hes so much lighter then Eli is. Hes going to keep a mental positive attitude and go into tomorrow doing the best he can. Good luck to you Jason.

An interview with Lawerence Beckman

To Lawerence Beckman, Hershey, Pa is a very familiar state. He has made the trip to Hershey four years in a row and is a three time returning medalist hoping to acheive something he has yet to receive and thats a Pennsyalvania Gold Medal. In regards to Clymer not making it here this year. Its a break Beckman said. Im glad to finally get a break that goes my way but I knew I was going to have to come down here and wrestle. Im gonna have a tough one tomorrow morning against Johnson from Central Columbia the number one kid ranked in the state. Long way to go I like to think I have the weapons to win this. I got beat in overtime last year. Im excited to wrestle. In asking about the loss to Clymer in the state team championships. He said the pressure was off and I got to the point in the year where I kinda put it on cruise control. He said that loss really made me open my eyes and realize hey its time to get going. From there on out I had to start focusing on what my dream is and thats winning the PA state championship.

Jon Fausey upset with his performance

Jon Fausey was not any the bit happiest with his performance of his first round prelim on his first trip ever to the Individual state championship. Jon claimed I didnt wrestle my match. I should have scored more points. I could have tilted him but just didnt get the job done. I was a bit sluggish out there and just barely got by. What do you need to do to mentally prepare for the next round tomorrow in the quarter finals? Just watch my weight tonight. Get something good into me to eat and get dehydrated back up. I gotta warm up m,ore tomorrow Jon claimed. He said its very cold in here. I like to have a good sweat going to get me warmed up. So I gotta adjust for that and get adjusted. In regards to the performance today, Jon stated he didnt know if it was in regards to the amount of temp in the Giant Center or if it was just the fact it was his first trip here to the State Championship. In regards to the hand surgery Jon had during the middle of the season. He claimed it was all healed and not hurting him anyway preventing him from possibly peforming to the best of his ability. Good luck to Jon and the rest of the Line Mountain Eagles tomorrow during the quarter final rounds.

Nick Sanko defeated in Prelims

Nick Sanko lost a tough 3-0 decision to TJ Polacek of Westmont HIlltop.

Foor-Southern Huntingdon loses

Jason Foor of Southern Huntingdon with a record of 36-1 loses his preliminary bout to Mike Hull of Ft. Leboeuf 6-5. Who most would call a favorite at that weight class, he will now have to start his way back through the wrestlebacks in hopes of attaining the highest finish possible of a third place medal. Good luck Jason.

Derek Hambright vs Eli Norvell LIVE

Norvell shrugs for two. Norvell is riding slides Hambright on his back for two near fall. 4-0 Norvell in the first period. tilts hambright for another two nearfall, 6-0. First period ends. Hambright opts for the optional start. Motion in Neutral. Hambright in on a double leg but Novell fights it off. Norvell is scrambliing as Hambright drives them both out of bounds. Hambright gets taken down. Norvell leading 7-0 in the third period. Norvell is riding on top, trying to tilt Derek. Stalemate. Start in the referee position again. Hambright gets tilted for two, Norvell riding tight on top. Match ends with a final score of 9-0

Brock Parker forfeits

I dont know if he did not make weight or what. Brock Parker of Canton forfeited his first round match to Jeremy Broadwater of Berlin Brothers Valley. What a way for Jeremy to get his 100th win lol.

Bryce Marshall upset by fall in first round

Talking with Bryce Marshall before the start of his match. Every match is a war when you get to states. Just have to wrestle smart and go out and get it. Whoever wants it the most is going to get it. The addition to the coaching staff with the addition of Gary Mayfield isnt all Bryce feels he owes alot of credit too but Trever Byers he mentioned quite alot while talking with him. Trever is the one who gets him ready for the matches. Bryce unfortuantly had his quest for a state championship shut out again this year as he lost by pinfall to Chad Thorpe of Line Mountain another weight favorite in this years 119 lb weight class.

Josh Malick on his thoughts of his Prelim

Josh Malick is a really hard worker in and out of the matroom. He goes to camp during the summer in South Carolina. He is a returning state medalist last year as a sophmore. This morning he went up against David Fogle from Forrest Hills who was highly ranked all year and has been to Hershey before. They both sport a combined record of almost a hundred wins and only two losses. Josh stated that he had to come out and wrestle his match, try to keep the tempo of the match and see what transpires. He did just that. He went out and wrestled his style and came out with a 5-3 win on Overtime. In last week's match in the finals, Josh suffered his first loss of the year, coming to the hands of Garth Mahoskey of Canton. He quoted, "He got the upper hand on me a time or two. He was up alot of points so I couldn't score." I was trying to just hang on. In what alot would call a controversial call on the coach's part. Josh was told to choose bottom when he had just been tilted twice. Most think Neutral would have been the choice seeing Josh had taken Garth down twice prior in the match. I just need to rebound and come out and wrestle my style here at states. When you get to states everyone is just about equal. Good luck to Josh on his quest for a state championship.

Joe Spisak wins his prelim

Joe Spisak continued his winning ways as he picked up a 13-2 Major Decision over Patrick Meyers of Penn Cambria. In winning his match I asked him the importance of winning the first round match. His goal was to come out and win the first round prelim so he was into the quarter finals. His day is complete and ready to rest up for the quarter finals tomorrow. Joe says it feels good to win the first round. Now he can go get some fluids in him and prepare for tomorrows match. The importance of winning that first round match is that you dont have to goto the consolation rounds and wrestle back because the best you can get is third place. I'm here for a state championship. Good luck to Joe on his quest for a state championship.

Coming to you live from The Giant Center

Wrestling action is about to get underway starting at Nine am. Will be posting some live play by play of the exciting matchups that are going to be happening. Will be doing some interviews and blogging about those as well. If you see anything you would like to see blogged about please feel free to email me at dshank@nhscasportsnetwork.com fan input is greatly appreciated. We're here to better serve those of you that cannot be in attendance this morning into the afternoon.

Giant Center is ready!

The mats are setup and ready for some wrestling at the Giant Center. The AA first round gets underway at 9 AM sharp! Check back throughout the day (and the rest of the tourney) for the latest updates, results, photos, and more!

BOLD PREDICTIONS

For 26 years, I've been a spectator at the PIAA State Championships ... that means I'll probably have a daily post over the next 3 days ... nothing fancy, just a daily wrap-up! The following predictions are spread out across the state ... ENJOY!

"AA" BOLD PREDICTIONS
103lbs
1st Zane Yocco (Brandywine Heights)
2nd Joe Spisak (Boiling Springs)

112lbs
1st Dane Johnson (Shady Side Academy)
2nd Anthony Zanetta (Keystone Oaks)

119lbs
1st Troy Dolan (Derry)
2nd Derek Reber (Lewisburg)

125lbs
1st Robbie Miller (Reynolds)
2nd Marty Borowsky (Harriton)

130lbs
1st Brad Kummerer (Hamburg)
2nd Brock Parker (Canton)

135lbs
1st Scotty Clymer (NW Lehigh)
2nd Ryan Jacoby (Mo Valley)

140lbs
1st Nikko Leitzel (Ridgeway)
2nd Nick Sanko (Hamburg)

145lbs
1st Eli Norvell (Huntingdon)
2nd Aaron Nestor (Reynolds)

152lbs
1st Jason Foor (Southern Huntingdon)
2nd Aaron Sandel (Milton)

160lbs
1st Matt Moore (Blairsville)
2nd Brett Snyder (Mifflinburg)

171lbs
1st Nate Johnson (Central Columbia)
2nd Shaun Fausey (Line Mountain)

189lbs
1st Zac Bennett (Westmost Hilltop)
2nd Kevin Bolinsky (North Schuylkill)

215lbs
1st Kellen Harris (Sharon)
2nd Codie Noga (Avella)

285lbs
1st Myles Caregein (Keystone Oaks)
2nd Eli Morres (Brookville)

First Round Matchups to watch (AA)

There are quite a few very good first round matchups, some of which several different people told me could be a state finals match the first round. The 112 lb weight class is a very deep class this year with several different wrestlers that people consider the favorite to win the state championship. First match of interest to keep your eyes glued too will be when Josh Malick, a junior from Mt. Carmel, coming into the state tournament with a record of 35-1 facing off against David Fogle, a sophomore from Forrest Hills, with a record of 33-1. Combined the two wrestlers sport a record of 68-2. Another bout that some consider to be a very strong toss up bout is when Seth Ecker a junior from Pottstown, ranked in the top five of the statej goes into action in his prelim bout with the returning state champion in the 103 lb class John Prezzia. John has been plagued with a torn ACL injury all season. We will see if this injury dampens his chance to make a bid of becoming a repeat state champion. The bout I'm looking forward to the first round of the state championships comes in the 119 lb weight class. Two wrestlers ranked in the top ten for the entire year, will battle against each other in the first round. Bryce Marshall, a senior and returning medalist from Bermudian Springs, goes against another senior in Chad Thorpe of Line Mountain. Forget the rest of the matches going on at that present time and shift all focus of eyes to this bout. It will be an all out war coming down to the last few seconds of the bout. I will be doing interviews and blogging about our discussions with several of the kids mentioned in this blog at the start or conclusion of their matches. Check back for the quotes or comments made by these wrestlers that are on a mission to become a Pennsylvania State Champion in the sport of High School wrestling.

Change to 171 bracket in AA

A change was announced today by the PIAA to the 171 pound bracket in AA, as Northwestern Lehigh’s Ben Clymer (SE Region champ) was removed from the tournament by school administration. Clymer’s exit moves the rest of the South East region field up a spot and inserts Mahanoy senior Matt Sullivan (32-6) into the SE region’s 5th place spot in the bracket. Our brackets have been updated to reflect this change.

PIAA State Championships

Hello my friends. Two days and counting until the best wrestlers in the state of Pennsylvania square off against each other to see who will be crowned the Pennsylvania State Champion. It's going to be a interesting weekend of jammed packed thrilling wrestling as the top sixteen wrestlers in the state of PA square off against each other with the best eight receiving medals. Throughout the weekend, we're going to be offering blogs of wrestling action, interviews, photos, and predictions of the wrestling action from The Giant Center. I'm hoping you'll enjoy the blog section of the site as fan mail is greatly appreciated. If you would like to respond or debate in regards to any blog I may post, you may email me at dshank@nhscasportsnetwork.com. I look forward to hearing from anyone that wishes to respond. I hope you all enjoy everything we have put together to keep you informed of what's going on with the wrestling action at the Giant Center this weekend for the PIAA Individual State Championships. Enjoy!!!!

448 wrestlers heading to Hershey!

My favorite week of the year ... its actually real close to my worst week of the year, when I knock the dust off my golf clubs and take a few swings ...

This week, 448 wrestlers head to Hershey to attempt to become a member of a very exclusive club, PIAA State Champion. All the participants dreams this week are very similar ... all dream of getting their hand raised in the center of the mat, but only 28 wrestlers will take home a gold medal.

What can you expect this week? Upsets everywhere, 6 mats going wild and everybodies eyes trying to keep up!
Its only Monday at 10:30am and I'm already thinking about the PRELIM round matches ...

BOLD PREDICTIONS coming later this week! Stay tuned

Welcome to our blog!

As part of our coverage of the 2007 PIAA Wrestling Championships, we'll be posting items on this blog throughout the entire tournament. Big upsets, top stories, recaps of notable matches, and more will be posted here.

Our live, real-time updates of both AA and AAA are the centerpiece of our coverage, but this blog as well as photos being posted periodically will give you, the fans, the info you want from the Giant Center.

Be sure to check back often for the latest news from Hershey.