Wildcats in first after day one of NW Regionals; Simcox gets #100
ALTOONA, PA – Central Mountain wrestling coach Biff Walizer could not have asked for a better showing than that turned in by his 10-man delegation in Friday action at the PIAA NW AAA tournament at the Altoona Field House.
The Wildcats stormed through the first two rounds of the state qualifier, dropping but one match in the first round (7-1 with two byes) and just one more in the quarterfinals (8-1). As a result the Wildcats have advanced eight wrestlers into the Saturday semifinal round while two more teammates will be alive in the consolations.
The first day showing pushed CM into the team lead with 78 points, State College second with 61. Other top scorers in the field: Hickory 53.5, Shikellamy and Williamsport 53 each and Mifflin County with 52.5.
Wildcat highlights included the 100th career win for junior Luke Simcox. After a first round bye, the Penn-bound Simcox notched a 13-1 major decision over Isaac McGregor of Shikellamy to hit the century mark. Two Wildcats avenged earlier season losses in the quarterfinal round. At 107 pounds freshman Collin Bauman knocked off District 4-9 champ Collin Nasdeo of Williamsport by a 9-4 score. At 172 pounds sophomore Jake Weaver notched a 2-1 win over top-seeded and District 4-9 champ Tyler Bauder from Jersey Shore.
Another notable Wildcat win came at 160 pounds where Gino Serafini edged District 4-9 champion Lucas Laktash of Bradford by a 2-1 score. That gave CM three wins over District 4-9 champs on opening night.
Other Central Mountain wrestlers advancing to the semifinals are Dalton Perry at 139, Griffin Walizer at 145, Rocco Serafini at 189 and Giovanni Tarantella at 215. Braylen Corter at 152 and Brayden Blackwell at 285 will be participating in the second round of consolations starting Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
