Central Mountain’s Simcox will wrestle at Penn

BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP, PA – With his junior year season about to start, two-time PIAA place-winner Luke Simcox has made his decision as to where he will continue his wrestling career. Simcox recently posted on social media he’ll be attending Penn when his high school days are over.

Simcox told The Record he made his choice after visits to multiple school and by making his decision at this point, “it will take a little stress off during the season.” He said his final selection came down to Penn State and Penn. He acknowledged the great wrestling program at Penn State and said, “They’re both great choices but I had to look out for my future” and opted for Penn and its Wharton School of Business, “offering better guidance for my future.”

His goal this year, Simcox said, is to claim a PIAA title. He finished in fifth place at states in both his freshman and sophomore seasons, going 26-5 his first year and 38-6 a season ago; he also is a two-time district and regional champion. He was hampered by injury for much of last year but said the issue was addressed after the season was over and he is ready for his junior year.

While certified at 127 pounds, Simcox said he’ll likely be competing at 133 or 139 pounds, noting the PIAA has added a pound at each of the first six weights this season.

Central Mountain returns three underclassmen state medalists from a year ago. In addition to Simcox, Dalton Perry took a state title in his freshman year and Griffin Walizer finished eighth in his sophomore year. (Perry committed to Penn State and Walizer to Lock Haven earlier this year). Simcox said a goal for the team this year is to win a state championship, “but you never know what’s going to happen.” The squad returns multiple standouts from a season ago and Simcox said he believes the lineup will be sorted out to fit everyone in.

Simcox is battled tested, wrestling for 14 years, “as long as I can remember.” As for positive influences, he cited his friends, family and coaches and made a point to mention his teammates and “seeing them work hard.”

First competition for the Wildcats will be the Tom Best Memorial Top Hat Tournament at Williamsport on Dec. 2-3.