Tom Best, Jr-Top Hat Wrap-up (Video Report)

AdminDecember 7, 2014Last Updated: December 8, 2014

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Central Mountain 2014 Tom Best-Top Hat Champions

WILLIAMSPORT – The Central Mountain Wildcat wrestling team made their 2014-15 debut at the first-ever Tom Best Jr., Memorial Tournament in Williamsport.

This prestigious event was formerly known as the Top Hat Tournament changed it’s designation to honor a former Millionaire wrestler, Tom Best, Jr. who passed away earlier this year.

The Wildcats brought a tough contingent of returning letter winners who are well-known for their efforts and a few other new faces eager to demonstrate their skills and prove their worthiness to be on the roster for CM.

The Central Mountain faithful were not disappointed, with the Wildcats walking away with the team title by more than a 50 point margin over second place finisher, Tri-Valley.

CM had 11 of 14 wrestlers still active in the final round with two placing fifth, one finishing fourth, four placing third, two finishing second and two champions. The efforts earned the Wildcats 229 team points in a very strong field featuring many notable programs from across the region and state.

Seth Andrus, after dropping down into the consys with a loss in the second round, battled back recording a fall over Hollidaysburg’s Nathan Swartz placing fifth at 113 pounds.

Likewise, Colton Weaver (132 pounds) fell into the loser’s bracket after a second round loss, also finished fifth edging out Andy Aguilar of Muncy 2-1.

After a one point loss in the quarter finals, Emery Watson put a string of four wins together in the wrestle backs placing third with a 3-1 decision over Jesse Sterner of Red Lion at 138 pounds.

Demetri Probst had a tough draw at 160 pounds where the seeding was enhanced with five returning state qualifiers in the mix. Probst suffered a 6-2 loss to Hayden Swortwood in the quarter final round, then dominated the lower bracket to a third place finish defeating Hunter Harner of Tri-Valley 5-1 in the finals.

At 195, Loc Long dropped into the consy bracket after a semi-final loss and faced down river rival, Dominic Loffredo of Jersey Shore in the finals. Long prevailed with a 12-3 major decision.

While the 220 pound weight class had the shortest bracket because many of the participating squads did not have entries at that weight, it was still a tough field. Just ask Hunter Weaver, who was giving up thirty or more pounds to participate at that weight, still he had the fortitude and will make it to the semi final round, dropped into the lower bracket and battled back to compete for third place.

Though Weaver was valiant in his effort, he came up a bit short losing by fall to the No. 1 seed, Ben Cerney of Montoursville. With just seconds remaining in the bout, Weaver attempted a go-for-broke effort that allowed his Warrior opponent to take advantage of the opportunity.

Bryce Hanley also dropped into the lower bracket after a very narrow 1-0 loss in the semi final round. Then Hanley faced a very tough opponent in the consolation final.

Garrett Keiffer of Line Mountain seemed to have just enough pressure and skill to keep Hanley on the mat most of the match taking away the Wildcat’s strength who is well-known for his work on top and on his feet. Then, late in the match, Keiffer made a fatal error offering Hanley just what he needed to record a fall at the 4:33 mark.

Geo Barzona lived up to his No. 1 seed status, pinned his way to the championship finals at 106 pounds. Then Barzona put in a very workman like performance doubling up on No. 2 seed Jacob Frock of Red Lion 6-3.

At 120 pounds, Keanan Bottorf had little trouble on his way to the championship finals recording a fall and two major decisions along the way. Bottorf, No. 3 seed was narrowly edged by No. 1 seed, Cameron Newman of Line Mountain 3-2.

Gavin Caprio, No. 1 seed at 170 pounds, recorded three consecutive falls on his way to the championship finals in only 3:38 total time. Then the veteran Wildcat scored a 3-1 decision over formidable Montoursville freshman, Gavin Hoffman, for his first place finish.

Isaac Porter was the No. 3 seed at 182 pounds. Porter made it to the semi-finals with a fall and major decision then edged out No. 2 seed, Colby Geisinger of Schuylkill Valley 3-2 to advance.

In the finals, Porter faced No. 1 seed, Garrett Hoffman of Montoursville who managed to best the Wildcat 4-1.

Next up for Central Mountain is a home dual meet with Mid-West on Tuesday night and the venerable King of the Mountain Tournament Friday and Saturday at Central Mountain High School.