Wrestling News & Views – Tom Elling

By Tom Elling

So much to cover… so little time and space.

It has been a whirlwind, and as the poet Robert Frost notes in The Road Not Taken, “way leads on to way,” and no one can be in two places at once.

Last Thursday was the Rider vs. LHU meet. Friday, Michigan took on Penn State. Saturday, I attended good friend Rick Mahonski’s surprise birthday soiree, and Sunday, I was at Rec Hall for Penn State vs. Maryland. So, Monday was write-my-column day. For better or worse, here goes…

Remembering Wrestling Greats
First of all, it has been a rough time with the loss of four good friends. Al Madden, Fran Johnson, Doug McDonald, and Gene Dixon all passed this last week. Each was associated with wrestling, and all were good men. May they rest in eternal peace.

In talking with Rider head coach John Hangey, I learned that LHU alum and former Rider coach Barry Weldon was recently honored at a dual meet at Rider. Barry wrestled for Bedford before attending LHSC. His brother Fred taught at Lock Haven High for several years. Fred later became friends with Frank Mosier, a Trinity great and a standout at Moorhead State in Minnesota. Frank and Johnny Johnston now reside in Gettysburg and are dedicated members of our wrestling breakfast club.

While talking to Coach Hangey, I also recognized his assistant coach, JR Wert, who was a tough wrestler at Bellefonte.

Wrestling Officials & Supporters
Top official Jim Rivello was on the mat last week when Scott Moore’s troops hosted Rider. If you watch Big Ten and NCAA wrestling, you’ll recognize Jim. He lives in the Juniata Valley area and is one of the top officials in the sport.

Centre County Commissioner Steve Dershem was also at the Rider meet. Steve follows both LHU and Penn State and, much like Galen Drebelbis, is a staunch supporter. Steve’s guest was a young Kasak wrestler, the younger brother of Tyler Kasak. Steve tells me that the younger Kasak is already a standout in the State College program.

If you haven’t seen the movie Unstoppable about Anthony Robles, I highly recommend it. Shane Nebl Sparks has a small role—surprise—a wrestling commentator. Well done, Shane! You can find the movie on Amazon Prime.

High School & College Wrestling Highlights
Former two-time PIAA champ and NCAA HWT champ for Wisconsin, Jeff Walter, told me he listened to The Record-Online stream of the Shikellamy vs. Central Mountain PIAA quarterfinal. He wasn’t thrilled with the result but said he enjoyed the broadcast and even got a few chuckles. Special thanks to Steve “Dr. Death” Williams for sharing our link with the great Shik fans.

Central Mountain edged Shikellamy 29-28 to advance to the final eight at Altoona High, but they fell short at the Altoona site, losing to Boyertown and then to Franklin Regional. CM finished with an excellent 14-2 dual meet record.

As I reflect, I wonder if the PIAA TEAM championships should continue. Finding an ideal site is becoming nearly impossible. Credit to Altoona for stepping up and hosting the event.

Unless you’re living in a vacuum, you know that two highly ranked PA wrestlers from Bishop McCort have made their college choices.

Bo Bassett chose Iowa
Jax Forrest picked Oklahoma State
I wish them both well. Both should have fine collegiate careers, although Bassett, a junior, reportedly won’t be eligible to compete in PIAA next season. Could Wyoming Seminary be in his future? Just my speculation. Time will tell.

Moore Brothers Honored & LHU Updates
The Moore brothers—Scott and Josh—will be honored tonight at their alma mater, Franklin High School, as they are inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame.

Josh, head coach at Cleveland State, brings his team to wrestle Scott’s LHU Bald Eagles at Franklin HS. What a great idea and event!

The Bald Eagles warmed up for this match-up by trouncing Clarion last Saturday, 43-4.

On the women’s side, LHU closed their dual meet season with two dominant wins over York (36-8) and Delaware Valley (31-15).

Coach Matt Lackey will now prepare the Lady Eagles for the Region II Championships on February 23 at East Stroudsburg.

Lily Sherer (124) and Alyssa Favara (180) hold the best W-L records at 25-6 and 24-1, respectively. Keep an eye on Avry Ryhal (160), both on the mat and in an upcoming documentary. More on this soon!

Postseason is Here!
Central Mountain will join six other teams at Altoona High on Saturday for the District 6 Individual Championships. Action begins at 9 AM. The Wildcats are defending champions. Seeds were announced after this column went to press.

Bellefonte will also compete for individual titles.

In AA, 26 teams will begin competition Friday morning at 10 AM in Hughesville.

BEA, Penns Valley, and Moshannon Valley will compete.
In District 4, Sugar Valley will wrestle in the Central Section on Saturday, while Jersey Shore will compete in the D4 AAA on February 22 at Williamsport.

The Lady Wildcats are preparing for their postseason. Coach Caprio’s team will join 32 other teams from Districts 5, 6, and 9 on February 21 at Johnstown’s 1st Summit Arena.