2012-2013 WPIAL WRESTLING PREVIEW

By: Bruce Markey
Wednesday, December 5, 2012 | 3:58 AM

If you've seen this story before, it's because history is repeating itself in high school wrestling around the WPIAL.

Last year Burrell won the AA Team Championship to extend the all time record for consecutive seasons with WPIAL team championships at six.

Also last year, Canon-McMillan won the AAA Team Championship for the third straight year, tying the all time AAA mark set by North Allegheny from 1986-1988 for winning WPIAL team championships.

Both teams not only look to extend their streaks, but they will do so with strong lineups.
 
Canon-McMillan returns five PIAA medalists from last years team, including Dalton Macri (4th at 113), Conner Schram (2nd at 120), Solomon Chishko (3rd at 138), Cody Wiercioch (1st at 170), and Alex Campbell (5th at 220). But unlike last year, there will be some stiff competition that Canon McMillan will have to be the AAA Team Champions for a 4th straight season.
 
Some teams that could challenge the Big Macs include: Franklin Regional, who returns four returning state medalists, including Michael Kemerer (2nd at 106), Tyler Smith (5th at 120), Josh Maruca (5th at 126), and Josh Shields (6th at 132). Kiski Area, who returns has three returning state qualifiers and two medalists, including Matt McCutcheon (1st at 182), Shan Kuhn (4th at 285), and Cole Landowski (Qualifier at 138). North Allegheny, who returns two state qualifiers and one medalist, including Dom Forys (3rd at 106) and Alex Deciantis (Qualifier at 170). Connellsville, who returns one state medalist (Ethan Kenney, 7th at 132) and seven sophomores who started for the team as freshman.
 
Burrell returns a strong team as well, as they have one returning state medalist and three returning state qualifiers, which includes Dakota DesLauriers (2nd at 182), Steven Edwards (Qualifier at 132), and Philip Marra (Qualifier at 138). Last year Burrell came into the tournament as the number three seed despite going undefeated in the regular season due to the amount of Seniors they lost from their 2010-2011 team. After winning again last year, many teams will not take Burrell so lightly.
 
Some teams looking to knock the Buccaneers off this year include: South Fayette, who returns one state medalist and three state qualifiers, including Mike Fetchet (5th at 160), Seth Carr (Qualifier at 113), and Jared Walker (Qualifier at 152). Kittanning, who returns one state medalist, Jason Nolf (3rd at 113). Jefferson Morgan, who returns one state medalist and two state qualifiers, including Dustin Conti (5th at 170), and Jason Miller (Qualifier at 126). Chartiers Houston, who returns three state qualifiers, including Richie McGinnis (Qualifier at 106), Tanner Sutton (Qualifier at 145), and Garrett Vulcano (Qualifier at 170). Yough also will contend with Burrell thanks to what could be the deepest lineup in the WPIAL in AA.
 
Follow high school wrestling throughout the season by listening in to Inside the WPIAL Wrestling Circle, Monday nights at 7:00 PM only here on the MSA Sports Network.