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.