Simcox runner-up at super regionals; will be PIAA medalist

ALTOONA, PA – Central Mountain freshman Luke Simcox showed he can roll around with the state’s best wrestlers Saturday when he finished as the runner-up in a loaded 126 pound weight class at the PIAA Super Regional tournament at the Altoona Field House.

On the strength of his second place finish, Simcox assured himself of placing between first and eighth place at the state tourney in Hershey on Saturday, March 13. The ‘Cat ninth grader knocked off a defending state champ and the current Southcentral  champ to reach the final.

There he met former PIAA champ  Carter Dilbert (32-0) from Franklin Regional. Dilbert picked up an early takedown, Simcox reversed and Dibert escaped for a 3-2 lead after one. Simcox was on the bottom in period two and just missed a reversal at the buzzer. He released Dibert at the start of the third period and almost had a tying takedown at the buzzer; final score, 4-2 Dibert.

Afterwards Simcox said he feels good about his accomplishments, “definitely proud” of his showing and noted, “There’s still next week,” when the eight qualifiers start from scratch. As for the two borderline calls, Simcox said he has to control those situations, not the referee.

Simcox was just one of two District 6 wrestlers to qualify for states in the morning session, the other Jude Swisher of Bellefonte, third at 132 pounds. Cael Nasdeo of Williamsport, District 4, finished fourth at 106 and advances to Hershey also.

Simcox results:

QuarterfinalS:

Decisioned Ethan Berginc, Hempfield Area, 11-6;

Semifinals:

Decisioned Matt Repos, Central Dauphin, 5-3;

Finals:

Decisioned by Carter Dibert, Franklin Regional, 4-2. Th FCC

*The Record Will Be Posting Photos from Today later tonight.