Friday, March 9, 2007
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.
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...
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