The Herald, Sharon, PA Published Friday, March 6, 1998

WRESTLING
PIAA WRESTLING TOURNAMENT
11 locals on track for gold
* * *
Raiders lead way with a 6-for-6 effort
* * *
REYNOLDS STANDS IN FIRST PLACE IN TEAM COMPETITION


PIAA mat results HERSHEY, Pa. -- Thursday's results in the PIAA wrestling tournament:

CLASS AA
Team Scoring Leaders
  • Reynolds 14
  • Northern Lehigh 12 1/2
  • Brookville 9
  • Wyalusing 8 1/2
  • Bedford 8
  • Chestnut Ridge 8
  • Mount Carmel 8
  • Central 7
  • Oley Valley 7
  • Saucon Valley 7
  • Sharon 7
Preliminaries

103 -- Rocky Habel, Reynolds, dec. Justin Hartrum, Wilson, 9-8; Ulysses Davis, Beth Center, major dec. Mark Piermattei, Line Mountain, 8-0; Evan Sola, Conrad Weiser, dec. Thad Walstrom, Moshannon Valley, 7-1; Adam Renner, Seneca, dec. Nick Raczkowski, Lake Lehman, 6-4; Chris Fleeger, Loyalsock, dec. Brock Link, Cambria Heights, 12-5; Shain Leggett, Biglerville, dec. Justin Daubert, Pine Grove, 4-2; Bruno Iorfido, Ridgway, major dec. Jon Shilling, South Williamsport, 8-0; Nate Niman, Newport, dec. Tony Beal, Southmoreland, 9-2.

112 -- Dan Butera, Carlynton, pinned Nick Rockwell, Canton, 2:57; Joel Hunsicker, Panther Valley, dec. Jesse Moyer, Brandywine Heights, 4-3 (OT); Steve Popovitch, Reynolds, pinned Mike Konetski, Hanover, 2:46; Chris Musselman, Claysburg Kimmel, dec. Len Bartone, Daniel Boone, 7-2; Aaron Maldet, Westmont Hilltop, dec. Matt Langdon, Wyomissing, 1-0; Justin Long, Line Mountain, dec. Matt Boozer, Redbank Valley, 9-5; Justin Owens, West Branch, major dec. John Hohmann, Central Columbia, 11-3; Dave Predko, Ridgway, dec. Joe O'Brien, Garnet Valley, 6-3.

119 -- P.J. Sargent, Southern Columbia, dec. Doug McGraw, Cameron County, 3-1; Cam Plocus, Marion Center, dec. Dave Bollinger, Lampeter-Strasburg, 9-5; T.J. Mickel, Central, major dec. Ian Beitler, Brandywine Heights, 15-4; Steve Hluschak, Northern Lehigh, dec. Frank Noviello, South Williamsport, 8-2; B.J. Wise, Benton, dec. Kurtis Holzshu, Greenville, 9-4; Phil Olinger, Oley Valley, pinned Erick Glass, Chartiers Houston, 3:57; Dave Stauffer, Saucon Valley, dec. Mike Snyder, Milton, 6-2; Brad Yoder, Southmoreland, dec. Anthony Adams, Redbank Valley, 8-5.

125 -- Derek Sola, Conrad Weiser, major dec. D.J. Clark, West Branch, 8-0; Mike Romberger, Pine Grove, dec. Dustin Manotti, Mifflinburg, 3-1 (OT); Tom Waldron, Loyalsock, major dec. Todd Platts, West York, 15-7; Shawn Whyte, West Greene, dec. Justin Fischer, Sharon, 6-5; Jason Nestor, Reynolds, dec. Mark Farrell, Southmoreland, 3-1; David Patrick, Wyalusing, tech. fall over Todd Hawn, Donegal, 17-2, 5:20; Eric Frick, Central, dec. Mike Germano, Sharpsville, 3-1; Josh Herzog, Northern Lehigh, pinned Justin Zechman, West Snyder, 3:50.

130 -- Dustin Ziegler, Bedford, major dec. Ryan Nuhfer, Maplewood, 8-0; Brad Groover, York Suburban, dec. Wayde Kolb, Benton, 9-5; Howard Kressley, Brandywine Heights, dec. Bradley Keister, West Snyder, 5-3; Matt Roncolato, Salisbury, dec. Andrew Courtwright, West Greene, 8-5; Jeremy Benza, Tamaqua, dec. Sam Carroll, Everett, 3-2; Justin Nestor, Reynolds, dec. Brian Roberts, Canton, 7-3; Jared Moss, Sharon, dec. Luke Kaylor, Southmoreland, 7-4; Gabe Nickeson, Wyalusing, dec. Ryan Freese, Schuylkill Valley, 4-2.

135 -- Scott Bohn, Boiling Springs, dec. Matt Lozowski, Seneca, 9-6; Tommy Nagle, Cambria Heights, dec. Tom Wulff, Wyalusing, 4-2; Aaron Wright, Coudersport, dec. Pat McCarty, Canton, 9-2; Corey DeBias, Northern Lehigh, major dec. Matt Lopresti, Washington, 16-8; Josh Weyandt, Chestnut Ridge, dec. Emil Hohmann, Central Columbia, 7-1; Justin Olano, Tri-Valley, dec. James Phipps, Lampeter-Strasburg, 3-2; Eric Maciejczak, Lake Lehman, dec. Stephen Kaylor, Southmoreland, 12-5; Tyler Comp, East Pennsboro, dec. Jeremy Artman, Saegertown, 2-1.

140 -- Joe Charlton, Fort LeBoeuf, dec. Pat Giordano, Bethlehem Catholic, 3-1; John Givler, Tyrone, pinned Malachi Shaffer, Line Mountain, 4:50; Jake Stork, Schuylkill Valley, major dec. Jeremy Rafferty, Jefferson Morgan, 9-1; Jason Gilligan, Brookville, major dec. Jeremy Betz, Warrior Run, 9-0; Justin Johnson, Wyalusing, dec. Travis Horne, Bedford, 5-4; Dana Kessler, Wilson, major dec. Dan Hallman, Brandywine Heights, 12-2; Tom McMath, Sharpsville, dec. Corey Aucker, Middleburg, 4-3; Patrick Tierney, Wyomissing, dec. Shawn Depta, Southmoreland, 10-6.

145 -- Craig Pequignot, Liberty, pinned Josh Boger, Annville-Cleona, 5:35; Bob Tumpak, Reynolds, dec. John Burda, United, 8-3; Sean Thomas, Washington, dec. Jeff Shaffer, Brookville, 10-10 (OT), rideout; Gabe Webster, Sayre, major dec. Jason Wood, Octorara, 13-3; Max Shingara, Line Mountain, tech. fall over Andy Hull, Bald Eagle-Nittany, 18-3, 5:58; Wes Sindlinger, Commodore Perry, dec. Adam Shepler, Hanover, 9-4; Keith Blose, Northern Lehigh, tech. fall over Brian Keister, West Snyder, 15-0, 4:44; Randy Mort, Beth Center, tech. fall over Tom Gallagher, Brandywine Heights, 17-2, 4:45.

152 -- Jesse Martinez, Hanover Area, dec. Jess Lemaster, Burgettstown, 3-1; Tim Williams, Fort LeBoeuf, dec. Matt Kavanagh, Wilson, 9-6; Nevada Walker, Commodore Perry, tech. fall over Shawn Smith, Hughesville, 19-3, 3:30; ScottBelcastro, Washington, tech. fall over Ryan Bupp, Columbia, 17-1, 6:00; Kurt Zitsch, Hershey, dec. Chad Bickford, Glendale, 5-2; Jeremy Reitz, Brookville, major dec. Brian Knorr, Columbia Montour Vo-Tech, 10-1; Nick Frick, Central, dec. Shawn Raber, Donegal, 7-0; Brad Peters, Montoursville, pinned Paul Skodacek, Panther Valley, 3:31.

160 -- Todd McCoy, United, dec. Andy Watkins, Sayre, 4-2; Denny Mitchell, Smethport, dec. Chuck Yoder, Schuylkill Valley, 5-1; Rick Hogue, Cochranton, major dec. Adam Cummins, Avella, 15-5; Andrew Popielarski, Springfield, dec. Greg Knouse, Middleburg, 8-3; Josh Hewes, Pine Grove, major dec. Eric Steffen, Southern Columbia, 10-1; Cory Shaw, Chartiers Houston, dec. Josh Walker, Lampeter-Strasburg, 12-6; Mike Greenberg, Canton, dec. Justin Wilkins, West York, 9-2; Barry Rhodes, Chestnut Ridge, dec. Randy Stout, Brookville, 7-2.

171 -- Steve Sinkovich, Mount Carmel, pinned Norm Skakalski, Greenville, 5:07; Jared Shippey, Chestnut Ridge, pinned Andy Hanzlik, Notre Dame, 4:45; Matt Hogue, Cochranton, dec. Jason Lavelle, Wilkes-Barre GAR, 6-3; Steve Spicer, Delone Catholic, pinned Tom Kerin, West Branch, 2:44; Matt Maggs, Bald Eagle-Nittany, dec. Jarred Dressler, Juniata, 5-0; Jason Schlingman, Wilkes-Barre Meyers, dec. Josh McCullough, Sharon, 6-4; Mike Beckowski, Saucon Valley, dec. Ryan Wetzel, Lewisburg, 8-7; John Paxton, Berlin Brothersvalley, dec. Lance Oellig, Annville-Cleona, 9-2.

189 -- Brock White, Burrell, dec. Dan Knouse, Middleburg, 9-4; Mark Thatcher, Wilson, dec. Travis Shirley, Kennedy Christian, 10-4; Jeff Eure, Upper Dauphin, pinned Ken Varoli, South Fayette, 1:05; Mike Sinkovich, Mount Carmel, pinned Kevin Henry, Union City, 0:40; Eric Mausser, Sharon, major dec. John Henry, Wyalusing, 12-0; Derek Tipton, Claysburg Kimmel, pinned Tim Weible, Biglerville, 5:42; Brian Guzek, South Park, dec. Nick McDevitt, Williamson, 15-8; Keith Wickline, Bermudian Springs, dec. Justin Sellers, Pottstown, 3-1.

275 -- Josh Snyder, Hershey, pinned Tyler Woolever, Loyalsock, 0:37; Tim Bennett, Fort Cherry, dec. Greg Dinsmore, Conneaut Lake, 7-5 (OT); Jason Fluck, Saucon Valley, major dec. Jeremiah McClenahan, Penns Valley, 24-10; Dan Svirbly, Reynolds, dec. Ben James, South Williamsport, 6-1; Luke Fragale, Cameron County, dec. Kyle Whittaker, Mifflinburg, 7-5 (OT); Beau Tritt, East Juniata, pinned Derek Merrifield, Burrell, 2:19; John Hooper, Wilkes-Barre GAR, dec. Tremaine Hartranft, Oley Valley, 6-4 (OT); Josh Baker, Bedford, injury default over Peter Morgan, Newhope-Solebury, 3:41.

First-round consolations (Locals)

103 -- Mark Piermattei, Line Mountain, dec. Justin Hartrum, Wilson, 2-0; Nick Raczkowski, Lake Lehman, dec. Thad Walstrom, Moshannon Valley, 9-1; Justin Daubert, Pine Grove, dec. Brock Link, Cambria Heights, 2-1; Tony Beal, Southmoreland, major dec. Jon Shilling, South Williamsport, 14-2.

112 -- Nick Rockwell, Canton, dec. Jesse Moyer, Brandywine Heights, 6-3; Len Bartone, Daniel Boone, dec. Mike Konetski, Hanover Area, 7-2; Matt Langdon, Wyomissing, dec. Matt Boozer, Redbank Valley, 3-2; John Hohmann, Central Columbia, dec. Joe O'Brien, Garnet Valley, 2-1 (OT).

119 -- Doug McGraw, Cameron County, dec. Dave Bollinger, Lampeter-Strasburg, 5-1; Frank Noviello, South Williamsport, pinned Ian Beitler, Brandywine Heights, 1:35; Erick Glass, Chartiers Houston, dec. Kurtis Holzshu, Greenville, 6-3; Anthony Adams, Redbank Valley, pinned Mike Snyder, Milton, 0:57.

125 -- Dustin Manotti, Mifflinburg, dec. D.J. Clark, West Branch, 4-0; Justin Fischer, Sharon, dec. Todd Platts, West York, 3-2; Mark Farrell, Southmoreland, dec. Todd Hawn, Donegal, 2-1; Mike Germano, Sharpsville, forfeit over Justin Zechman, West Snyder.

130 -- Ryan Nuhfer, Maplewood, major dec. Wayde Kolb, Benton, 10-0; Bradley Keister, West Snyder, pinned Andrew Courtwright, West Greene, 1:27; Sam Carroll, Everett, dec. Brian Roberts, Canton, 5-3; Luke Kaylor, Southmoreland, dec. Ryan Freese, Schuylkill Valley, 6-0.

135 -- Tom Wulff, Wyalusing, dec. Matt Lozowski, Seneca, 8-1; Matt Lopresti, Washington, dec. Pat McCarty, Canton, 4-3; James Phipps, Lampeter-Strasburg, dec. Emil Hohmann, Central Columbia, 3-2; Jeremy Artman, dec. Stephen Kaylor, Southmoreland, 1-0.

140 -- Pat Giordano, Bethlehem Catholic, dec. Malachi Shaffer, Line Mountain, 14-11; Jeremy Rafferty, Jefferson Morgan, injury default over Jeremy Betz, Warrior Run, 1:00; Travis Horne, Bedford, dec. Dan Hallman, Brandywine Heights, 4-2; Corey Aucker, Middleburg, dec. Shawn Depta, Southmoreland, 3-2.

145 -- John Burda, United, dec. Josh Boger, Annville-Cleona, 5-4; Jeff Shaffer, Brookville, pinned Jason Wood, Octorara, 1:54; Andy Hull, Bald Eagle-Nittany, dec. Adam Shepler, Hanover, 7-4; Tom Gallagher, Brandywine Heights, dec. Brian Keister, West Snyder, 2-0.

152 -- Jess Lemaster, Burgettstown, dec. Matt Kavanagh, Wilson, 11-10; Shawn Smith, Hughesville, pinned Ryan Bupp, Columbia, 1:47; Brian Knorr, Columbia Montour Vo-Tech, injury default over Chad Bickford, Glendale, 1:00; Shawn Raber, Donegal, dec. Paul Skodacek, Panther Valley, 5-4.

160 -- Chuck Yoder, Schuylkill Valley, dec. Andy Watkins, Sayre, 1-0; Greg Knouse, Middleburg, dec. Adam Cummins, Avella, 3-1; Josh Walker, Lampeter-Strasburg, pinned Eric Steffen, Southern Columbia, 4:51; Justin Wilkins, West York, forfeit over Randy Stout, Brookville.

171 -- Norm Skakalski, Greenville, major dec. Andy Hanzlik, Notre Dame, 10-2; Tom Kerin, West Branch, dec. Jason Lavelle, Wilkes-Barre GAR, 4-1; Josh McCullough, Sharon, dec. Jarred Dressler, Juniata, 11-4; Lance Oellig, Annville-Cleona, major dec. Ryan Wetzel, Lewisburg, 10-0.

189 -- Travis Shirley, Kennedy Christian, major dec. Dan Knouse, Middleburg, 11-3; Kevin Henry, Union City, pinned Ken Varoli, South Fayette, 0:55; John Henry, Wyalusing, dec. Tim Weible, Biglerville, 4-3; Nick McDevitt, Williamson, dec. Justin Sellers, Pottstown, 11-7.

275 -- Greg Dinsmore, Conneaut Lake, dec. Tyler Woolever, Loyalsock, 4-3; Ben James, South Williamsport, injury default over Jeremiah McClenahan, Penns Valley, 2:33; Kyle Whittaker, Mifflinburg, dec. Derek Merryfield, Burrell, 12-7; Tremaine Hartranft, Oley Valley, forfeit over Peter Morgan, Newhope-Solebury.
By Lynn Saternow
Herald Sports Editor

HERSHEY _ The movie ``Gone with The Wind'' was a blockbuster many years ago and so was the performance of the Reynolds High Raiders in a the opening round of the PIAA Class AA State Wrestling Championships Friday at HersheyPark Arena.

``Tomorrow is another day,'' said Raiders coach Brian Hills, stealing a famous line from Scarlett O'Hara at the classic's finish as she gazed out at her beloved land, Tara.

Hills had just watched his beloved wrestlers put on a classic themselves, a perfect 6-for-6 showing. This allowed the Raiders an early trip to the hotel since there was no one dropping into the consolation round which immediately followed.

``Six-for-six, that's pretty good,'' said Hills with a laugh, greatly understating the showing which ranked with the best in the history of the state tournament. ``I'm very pleased. Confidence-wise, our kids are very confident, and our conditioning is very good. The kids are wrestling hard and they're not backing down.

``But tomorrow's another day,'' said Hills, referring to the quarterfinals which began at 8 a.m. today, and the semifinals, slated for 7:30 p.m. ``That's when the big points will be scored.''

Reynolds jumped out to the lead in the team standings with 14 points. Second is Northern Lehigh (12 1/2), followed by Brookville (9), Wyalusing (8 1/2), Bedford (8), Chestnut Ridge (8), Mount Carmel (8), Central (7), Oley Valley (7), Saucon Valley (7) and Sharon (7).

Winning Raiders were: Rocky Habel (103), Steve Popovitch (112), Jason Nestor (125), Justin Nestor (130), Bob Tumpak (145) and Dan Svirbly (275).

Mercer County's only unbeaten wrestler, Sharon's Eric Mausser, got off to a great start at 189 as he lifted his season mark to 33-0 with a 12-0 romp. Returning state place-winners Nevada Walker of Commodore Perry and Tom McMath of Sharpsville also advanced in the winner's bracket.

Other local first-round victors were: Jared Moss (130), Sharon, and Wes Sindlinger (145), Commodore Perry.

Mercer Countians who lost in the preliminaries but bounced back to win their first-round consolation bouts were: Justin Fischer (125) and Josh McCullough (171), both of Sharon; Mike Germano (125), Sharpsville; Norm Skakalski (171), Greenville, and Travis Shirley (189), Kennedy Christian.

The only local eliminated by two straight defeats Friday was Kurt Holzshu (119) of Greenville.

Following are match details:

First-round winners

  • Raider freshman Habel was in the initial match of the '98 tournament and he opened the wrestling in a thrilling manner as he scored an escape with 14 seconds to go and held off a takedown attempt by Wilson's Justin Hartrum at the final whistle for a 9-8 triumph. The victory over Hartrum, the Southeast regional champ, sent Habel (30-7) against Ulysees Davis of Bethlehem Center (28-4), the Southwest Region champion.

    ``That was big, getting that first win,'' Hills said. ``That was Rocky's main goal, to win that first match. Rocky's pretty good on top, so we told him to go with his bread-and-butter (the tilt) and he scored some crucial backpoints that helped decide the match.''

  • Reynolds junior Popovitch (34-2) got off to a much better start than his first trip to state last season _ two straight losses _ as he built a 7-0 lead before pinning Mike Konetski of Hanover Area in 2:46. The win set up a huge 36WRA2match this morning with Chris Musselman of Claysburg-Kimmel (33-2), the state runner-up at 112 last year.

    ``Steve is wrestling real well,'' said Hills. ``We've got a tough one next with that Musselman kid, but I think we're ready to go.''

  • Jason Nestor found himself in a very pleasing situation _ a first-round winner. The junior, who did win one match as a freshman two years ago, went 0-2 last season, so the pressure was on in Thursday's opener. He scored a takedown with 32 seconds left in the match to beat a very defensive Mark Farrell of Southmoreland, 3-1.

    ``We're real pleased to get the win,'' said Hills. ``Jason did all the wrestling and the referee let that kid stall. But he got the points when he needed them. We'll take a win and move on.''

    This morning, Nestor (34-2) was scheduled to meet Wyalusing sophomore David Patrick (39-3), the Northeast Region runner-up.

  • Freshman Justin Nestor looked like a veteran in his opener against Canton junior Brian Roberts. Leading 4-3 in the third period, Nestor clamped on a cradle and put Roberts to his back for a 7-3 triumph.

    ``He maintained his composure, and locked in that cradle,'' said Hills in praise of his talented youngster. ``That kid was a pretty good horse and if Justin is lacking in one thing, it's physical maturity.''

    Nestor (31-6) was slated to clash with Southeast champ Jeremy Benza of Tamaqua (29-4) today.

  • Sharon junior Moss pulled away from a 4-4 deadlock in the third period to knock off Southwest Regional champ Luke Kaylor of Southmoreland, 7-4. The victory sent the Tiger ace (31-7) against Gabe Nickerson of Wyalusing (26-3) in the quarterfinals.

    ``Jared's in a nice bracket and he's wrestling strong,'' said Sharon coach Dave Ciafre, hoping Moss can advance to the semifinals with a possible meeting with Nestor.

  • Sharpsville's Northwest Region champ McMath had a tough battle from Middleburg's Corey Aucker, but came away a 4-3 victor. McMath, a third-place finisher in the state last season, notched a takedown with 11 seconds remaining then gave up a late escape for the final score.

    ``The kid was strong,'' said Sharpsville coach Ron Haywood. ``It's hard to score when a kid's strong and doesn't do anything. Tom kept pushing him and he finally got that takedown. It's good to get that first win; you're always a little nervous in that one.''

    McMath (23-3) was set to go against Patrick Tierney of Wyomissing (32-5) this morning.

  • NW regional champ Tumpak kept the Raiders rolling as he grabbed an early takedown and handled United's John Burda en route to an 8-3 decision. The senior star (33-1) was slated to meet Liberty's Craig Pequicnot (26-7) next.

    ``Bobby wrestled a little more conservative than we would have liked,'' said Hills. ``But he got the lead and down here, even winning by one point is enough and you're going on.''

  • Commodore Perry senior Sindlinger made his first-ever start at state a good one as he thumped Adam Shepler of Hanover, 9-4, being in control from the opening takedown.

    ``Wes wrestled great,'' said Perry coach Bob Parker. ``He wasn't taken in by all this stuff; he wrestled smart and hard.''

    Sindlinger (33-3) faces a rugged foe today in the quarterfinals as he tangles with Max Shingara of Line Mountain, the Northeast Regional champ (32-3) who knocked off defending state champ Gabe Webster of Sayre last week.

    ``I think it will be a good one,'' Parker predicted.

    36WRA3
  • Sindlinger's CP teammate Walker began his drive for a third trip to the state final match in impressive style, a 19-3 technical fall in 3:30.

    ``Nevada's Nevada,'' said a smiling Parker, who had to wonder about his senior star earlier in the season when he was battling off-the-mat problems. ``He's put all that behind him and he's ready to go. He's got everything together. That's the Nevada you love to watch wrestle _ aggressive.''

    Walker (34-2), who lost in the finals the last two seasons, was slated to take on Scott Belcastro of Washington (35-3) this morning.

  • Sharon's Mausser continued where he left off in the regional finals _ dominating somebody named Henry. At regions he pinned Kevin Henry of Union City. In the opener at state, the unbeaten senior manhandled John Henry of Wyalusing for a 12-0 win.

    ``Eric's really focused,'' said Ciafre. ``He was relaxed and pretty confident.''

    In the quarterfinals today, Mausser was slated to meet Derek Tipton of Claysburg-Kimmel (32-2).

  • Raider Svirbly put the finishing touches on a perfect day for Reynolds, but it took some extra time to do it. The regulation match with Ben James of South Williamsport ended 1-1, but Svirbly countered a shot and picked up backpoints for a 6-1 OT triumph.

    ``Danny's in good shape,'' said a happy Hills. ``He had a couple of good shots earlier, but he just couldn't score.''

    First-round losers

  • Greenville's Holzshu had a tough draw in the first round as he went up against '97 state runner-up B.J. Wise of Benton, who came in at 33-0. The Trojan junior put up a determined fight, but dropped a 9-4 decision.

    ``I thought he wrestled a good match,'' said Trojans coach Jim Miller. ``He got caught on his back and that really hurt. He had a couple of really good shots. Wise is a tough kid.''

    In the consolation first-round, Holzshu was eliminated from the tourney with a 6-3 loss to Erick Glass of Chartiers-Houston.

    ``The good thing is, he'll be back,'' said Miller. ``This will leave him with that feeling that's he not completed what he wanted to accomplish. He can use that as motivation.''

  • Sharpsville senior Germano lost a toughie in the first round to unbeaten Eric Frick of Central, 3-1. In the consy's, the Blue Devil won by forfeit. Germano, who missed by one match of placing the last two seasons in Hershey, is trying to bring home a medal.

    ``That was a tough kid,'' said Haywood about Frick. ``But Mike's tough and he'll fight back. He wants to get a medal.''

  • Sharon senior Fischer put up a strong fight but lost a heart-breaking, 6- 5 decision in his opening match against Shawn Whyte of West Greene, a third-place finisher last season at 119. Whyte rode out the entire third period to stave off an upset.

    In the consolations, Fischer bounced back for a 3-2 victory over Todd Platts of West York.

  • Tiger teammate McCullough nearly pulled off an upset, but ended up a 6-4 loser to Jason Schlingman of Meyers (33-1). In the consy's, McCullough went against Jarred Dressler of Juniata and won 11-4.

    ``Justin and Josh both had tough draws,'' said Ciafre. ``But they're hungry. They want to get a place down here.''

  • Greenville's Skakalski, like his teammate Holzshu before him, drew a state runner-up in the first round. The Trojan senior lost by fall to Steve Sinkovich of Mt. Carmel in 5:07. In the consy's, Skakalski came back strong to 36WRA4defeat Andy Hanzlik of Notre Dame, 10-2.

    ``That's a nice match to win,'' said Miller. ``Tomorrow he'll have a loser from up above, while he's coming in off a winning note.''

  • Kennedy Christian junior Shirley gave up a 5-point move early and couldn't climb back in the match, falling 10-4 to Mark Thatcher of Wilson (35-2) in his opener. Shirley then routed Dan Knouse of Middleburg, 11-3.

    ``I think he was a little shell-shocked in the first period of that match with the first kid,'' said Kennedy coach Ed Varner. ``He fell behind 9-1; after that he wrestled tough. That's how you learn down here. Hey, we're back for weigh-in tomorrow.''

    Tomorrow is another day!

    Notes: Mercer County referee Bo Bell of Grove City worked the AAtournament Friday.... Maplewood's Ryan Nuhfer, District 10 and Northwest Regional champ who was ranked No. 1 in the state at 130, was whipped 8-0 in the opening round by Dustin Ziegler of Bedford ... this may be the final state tournament as a coach for Commodore Perry's veteran mentor Parker, who already said he is resigning after this season ... District 10 champion brothers Rick and Matt Hogue of Cochranton both won their preliminary bouts.


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