Wrestling News & Views – Tom Elling
Not much more can be said about the ultra-exciting NCAA Championships this past weekend. They were unpredictable and very entertaining. This edition of the championships was historic in many ways.
Some of my personal thoughts—
What a tremendous effort by Penn State after suffering some narrow, heartbreaking losses. All ten placed, and several came back for 3rd. Do you know how hard that is once your heart has been set on the title?
Carter Starocci… the kid from Erie Cathedral Prep. All he did was win an unprecedented FIFTH NCAA title. He simply willed himself to win. I fondly remember talking to him and watching him at our (now-defunct) NW AAA Regionals. Classy person. Did you know his great-grandfather Tony Starocci was a PIAA runner-up for Erie Tech back in 1948 (154 lbs)?
Gray Simons (7) and Carlton Haselrig (6) were mentioned as others who had won multiple titles. Gray won three NCAA titles and four NAIA. Carlton (3 NCAA Div I and 3 NCAA DII). Most know the latter went on to an all-pro career with the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers.
I take my hat off to the LHU wrestlers and note the roles Anthony Noto and Gavin Hoffman played. Noto did not place this go-round, but his two All-American finishes and his classy farewell speak volumes. Hoffman came from Ohio State back home to serve as an assistant coach at Lock Haven U. But a strange (and fantastic) thing happened on the way to the LHU wrestling room—he had a year of eligibility left, and he (with the Scott Moore staff) decided he’d use it at LHU. What a year he had, sealing several dual meets and coming within one win of becoming an All-American at heavyweight.
As I followed the tournament on my TV, my computer, and the effusive Jeff Byers on goPSUSports, I tried to keep the results flowing on my wrestling page. Glancing at my TV, I noticed several PA diehards. Starting with officials Jim Rivello and Brian Murphy. They were on top of their game and a credit to our great sport. Murphy’s parents are Harry and Sandy (Wisor) Murphy. Harry was an LHSC wrestler and a very successful coach at Cambria Heights. Brian was a PIAA champion at 145 in 1990. Rivello just happens to reside in the neighborhood in Huntingdon near my niece Melissa.
Other PA sightings included Joe Stabilito (of the PA Chapter Board), Roger Crebs (Lycoming head coach), Bud Hennebaul (former Lake-Lehman wrestler—now one of the main wrestling figures in Georgia and a Resilite rep for that state), Thad Turner, Jen Weaver Tate, Juan Garcia, Bob McCully, Norm Palovcsik, and several PSU and LHU faithfuls. Even former LHHS teacher Fred Burtnett was there. Fred’s older brother Barry wrestled at Bedford HS and LHSC before a solid coaching stint at Rider.
Also, I salute the work of Mike Moyer, Executive Director, and Dr. Jackie Paquette, for their work with the NWCA. And, of course, Stephanie Berkheiser for her work in keeping things going.
How about the two Stout brothers squaring off in round II? Mac (Pitt) and Luke (Princeton). That had to be heart-wrenching for the parents. The Mount Lebanon grads placed in the PIAAs. Luke was a 3-timer, winning gold at 195 in 2020; Mac placed twice—finishing 2nd & 3rd. Their father Bryan wrestled for Lock Haven native Bob Bubb at Clarion and was a four-time NCAA All-American. One would think the NCAA pairing committee could have separated the two into opposite brackets. This was the first-ever meeting of brothers in NCAA wrestling annals.
197-lb champ Steven Buchanan of Iowa became the first ever to gain All-American honors at three different colleges (Wyoming, Oklahoma, and Iowa). While that is cool, I do have to wonder about the transfer portal and the NIL. Are they really good for wrestling as a whole? Hats off to this very solid wrestler—he more than earned the accolades.
PA had the most entries of any state (41), followed by Ohio (27) and New Jersey (26). PA ended with six placers—the lowest in recent years.
Sheldon Seymour (Troy’s only PIAA champion—placing three times and winning gold in 2019 and 2020) took 6th for Lehigh at 125.
I mentioned several top photographers above, but I must also mention Larry Slater for his excellent work. I have become good friends with Larry and Sandy Slater over the past few years. I truly value their work and friendship.
One more photographer who wasn’t in Philly—the great E. Marco Billett—who WILL be taking shots at the Pittsburgh Classic this weekend.
United States Steel Corporation (U.S. Steel) presents the 50th Annual Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic, to be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the AHN Arena at Peters Township High School.
The Classic showcases the country’s best high school seniors at a one-day event to raise funds for under-served communities.
The event begins at 3:00 p.m. when the Women’s PA All-Stars challenge All-Stars from Ohio. 2024 marks the first year two all-women’s teams will compete against one another. You rock, Kraig Nellis.
The WPIAL All-Stars will take on the New Jersey All-Stars at 4:00 p.m.
The Pennsylvania vs. USA All-Stars matches begin at 6:00 p.m.
The entire event will be livestreamed on FloWrestling.org.
In solemn remembrance, I mourn the passing of two great wrestling people: Jack Childs & Al Fasnacht. Jack coached at Stevens Trade and Drexel and was a leader with the coaches’ association and the NCAA. Al was one of the best referees ever and was a founding member of the PA Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
That very PA Chapter will honor Joe Baranik, Ralph Cindrich, Jeff Cook, Curtis Herneisen, Rick Mahonski, C.D. Mock, Ken Shirk, Pete Smith, and Ron Spinner into its Hall of Fame on April 27, 2025. Contact Joe Stabilito for tickets – joe.stab@gmail.com
The Central PA breakfast will take place on May 7th at the Flemington First Church of Christ. If you want to be added to our mailing list, contact Lloyd Rhoades at lar2psu@gmail.com.
This will be my last column for the wrestling season. Thanks to those who took time to read my many views. Hope to ‘see’ you next season.
