Wrestling News & Views – Tom Elling
Just about all of our readers watched the Big Ten Finals. Penn State once again dominated but not without some tense moments. The Nittany Lions scored 181.5 points to outdistance Nebraska (137), Iowa (112), and Minnesota (108.5). The Outstanding Wrestler (OW) was Gable Steveson—perhaps the greatest heavyweight ever. That is saying something, considering Carlton Haselrig, Jim Nance, and others are in that conversation.
Luke Lilledahl (125), Tyler Kasak (157), Mitchell Mesenbrink (165), Levi Haines (174), and Carter Starocci (184) all captured that magnificent belt. Greg Kerkvliet (285) took 2nd. He was the defending NCAA champ last season.
Braeden Davis (133), last year’s 125-lb champ, took 4th. Beau Bartlett (141) and Shayne Van Ness (149) placed 3rd, while Josh Barr (197) finished 6th.
Did you notice two PA guys at the Big Tens? Herb Jordan was on the tables, and Bud Hennebaul (now a big factor in Georgia wrestling and a former Lake-Lehman wrestler) was part of the administration. Bud is also the Resilite representative in Georgia.
Of special note, Iowa did not have a single champion. Not sure how long ago that happened, but I’m willing to bet it was a long time ago.
Shame on those who demeaned Penn State for dropping a couple of hard-fought bouts. Wrestling is tough, and all should be reminded of the quote: “There was never a horse that couldn’t be rode and never a cowboy that couldn’t be throwed.” My late coach, Les Turner, often reminded our Mo Valley team of that.
Time will tell, but last year the seeding seemed a bit off. Hopefully, that will not be the case next week.
ACC Championships
In the Atlantic Coast Conference Championships, Pitt 285-pounder Dayton Pitzer was selected as the Outstanding Wrestler. I have become good friends with the family over the past several years. Watch for him in the NCAAs.
DuBois’s Ed Scott was a runner-up at 157. Mac Stout (Pittsburgh) was first at 197. His father wrestled for Bob Bubb at Clarion. His brother, Luke Stout, won the 2025 Ivy League Tournament Championship at 197. Hmm… could a collision course be impending?
The top three team finishers were:
Virginia Tech – 91.5
Pittsburgh – 63.5
N.C. State – 62.5
EIWA Championships
The 121st EIWA tournament had a bit of local flavor, as Caden Rogers took 2nd at 184. His father, Mike, was an All-American for LHU and is currently the head coach at F&M. His mother is the former Danielle Vilello of Lock Haven. Granddad Dan Vilello wrestled for Lock Haven High.
The top three teams were:
Lehigh – 143.5
Drexel – 122.5
Army West Point – 116.5
MAC Championships
Great job by LHU men and women. The men captured the MAC title, with champions Anthony Noto (133), Wyatt Henson (141), and Gavin Hoffman (285). Tucker Hogan (197) was a runner-up. Caden Dobbins (165) and Avery Bassett (174) finished third, while Colin Fegley (184) was 4th.
Top three teams:
Lock Haven – 121.5
Central Michigan – 113
Edinboro – 97.5
For the Lady Eagles, Azaria Moore took 6th (180 lbs) at the Nationals in Iowa, leading the way to a 20th place finish. Senior Lily Sherer capped her career as a four-time national qualifier, All-American (2022), and the program’s all-time wins leader.
PIAA State Results
Congratulations to local wrestlers in our specific coverage area for placing at the PIAA State Championships in Hershey.
Dalton Perry (145) – Central Mountain
Grabbed his 4th PIAA medal
PSU-bound Wildcat was 1st-3rd-2nd-2nd in his career
His impact on the team was immeasurable
Kendall Wagner (170) – Central Mountain
Placed 3rd in Hershey
Last year, the all-around athlete was 8th
Remarkably plays basketball for the Lady Bucks DURING wrestling season
One more year to go
Asher Cunningham (172) – State College
Eased his way to his second PIAA gold
Other notable finishers:
James Whitbred (6th @ 152) – State College
Ezra Swisher (8th @ 152) – Bellefonte
Altoona: Luke Sipes (2nd @ 160), Braiden Weaver (3rd @ 121), Gavin Ciampoli (7th @ 139)
Mifflin County: Peyton Kearns (5th @ 285)
Bald Eagle Area: Tanner Guenot (8th @ 121), Caden Judice (4th @ 133), Caleb Close (2nd @ 189)
Tyrone: Kyle Scott (4th place)
Several other wrestlers from Districts 4, 5, and 9 also placed. You can find those results on my Facebook page.
Additional Notes
Jael Miller (Punxsutawney) stormed her way to her second PIAA title
I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Jael and her father at the past two PA Chapter Banquets.
The PA Chapter Banquet is scheduled for April 27th at the Hershey Lodge & Convention Center.
District 4 Luncheon:
Scheduled for April 15th at Hoss’s in Williamsport.
Dan Wright is spearheading this gathering.
Central PA Wrestling Breakfast:
Set for May 7th at 9:15 AM.
The very first was held in October 2011.
Historical Notes
Faith Christian set a new PIAA points record with 232.5, surpassing Franklin Regional (with Spencer Lee, Mike Kemmerer, et al.).
They had four champions and 10 placers.
Not far behind was Bishop McCort (218.5 points), with four champions and 9 placers.
Northampton (1990) still holds the record for 11 place winners.
Broadcasters & Media
Jeff Byers is the best mat-side streaming announcer in the game.
Calls each bout with passion and excitement.
Serves on the PA Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Board.
Has been the Master of Ceremonies at the Central PA Wrestling Breakfast.
TV Broadcasters:
Jim Gibbons and Shane Nebl Sparks set the bar high.
Joe Walker (Record-Online staff)
Covered all Central Mountain results despite being in the Carolinas during PIAAs.
Greg Goldthorp (PIAA announcer’s perch)
Reached out to me, mentioning that they thought of me at PIAAs.
I missed my second straight PIAAs due to minor eye surgery.
Greg’s late father, Chuck Goldthorp, was a longtime coach at Philipsburg-Osceola.
