Clearing the Mats…
Wrestling Roundup from the Giant Center on PIAA State Championships
by Tom Elling
The annual three-day pilgrimage to the Giant Center in Hershey always adds to the tradition that is PIAA Wrestling. This year was no exception.
First and foremost, the two four-time champions (Chance Marsteller and Thomas Haines) marked the first time ever that the most-difficult feat was accomplished in the same year. They became number 11 and 12 in that exclusive winners’ club. Marsteller had a fall, two tech-falls and a major to once again dominate, while Haines was solid in his 285-pound class with his closest bout being a 6-1 finals decision over Pat Finn of Pottsgrove.
Garrett Peppelman captured his second title and went into the books as a four-time placer. Fans might remember he lost in the finals last year to Marsteller.
Two freshmen captured title in AAA, with Franklin Regional’s Spencer Lee living up to the hype, making it all look easy. His closest bout was a 15-5 drubbing of NW Regional champ Joe Wheeling of General McLane. Penn Trafford’s Cameron Coy won the 132-pound weight class.
In my opinion, Spencer Lee is among the most impressive wrestlers I’ve seen take center circle in many years of observing the sport. His dominance is similar to that of Marsteller and Cary Kolat. I have not seen such ‘clean’, varied and complete technique since watching a David Taylor or a Gray Simons. The kid is THAT good. He was almost a Central Mountain grappler. That story can be told another time.
While District 6 did not have an impressive showing, they did get two runner-up in AA (Nico Pecora of Richland and Buzzy Maines from West Branch). Pecora is the son of UPJ head coach Pat Pecora. In AAA, Hayden Hidlay (Mifflin County) was 6th; Altoona’s DJ Hollingshead was 4th, our own Chad Reese finished 8th.
Central Mountain’s Demetri Probst, in perhaps the toughest weight class in AAA, won his opening round but hit eventual champ Solomon Chishko of Canon-Mac. The hardnosed Bucktail student showed some very good ability and will return for another year with the realization of what he needs to do to get on that awards stand in 2015. Gavin Caprio went 0 for 2, but also showed that he belonged at this level. He scrapped every second. Perhaps off-season working on another takedown would improve his chances next year. Chad Reese became the first Wildcat to place at states since Brian Brill and Dillon Gavlock placed 2nd and 6th, respectively in 2012. He became Central Mountain’s 25th PIAA placer. The very first was Tim Myers (7th @ 189 in 2002). The Alton Brothers place four times. Dylan – a champ three of those; Andrew picked up two golds. The only other PIAA champion was Brian Brill (145lbs in 2011).
Huntingdon’s John Mykut was selected as AA Coach-of-the-Year. Mykut has also served District 6 as president of its coaches’ asscociation the past two years.
In AAA, the WPIAL (District 7) dominated with 8 individual champions; District 3 was not far behind with 5. District 1’s physical specimn Michael Boykin claimed the only other title. Frankllin Regional dominated the field winning the team title easily.
In AA, District 3 earned four golds; Districts 7, 9, and 11 took three apiece; District 10 took the final one. Bethlehem Catholic wasn’t challenged as they took first place for the fourth consecutive year with three champions and a second.
LHU recruits Tristan Sponseller (Bermudian Springs @195) and Coudersport’s Kyle Bova (160) were among the winners.
