Thursday, March 8, 2007
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.
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.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.
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
