Kiski Area’s Roscosky, Burrell’s Baker claim WCCA titles

By: Paul Schofield
Saturday, January 6, 2024 | 8:17 PM

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When Kiski Area sophomore Cooper Roscosky was in eighth grade, he mentioned his goal was to be a four-time Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association champion.

Unfortunately, Franklin Regional’s Juliano Marion spoiled those plans last year.

But Roscosky used that disappointing moment during his freshman season as motivation.

He won his first county title Saturday at Greensburg Salem with a hard-fought 7-3 victory against Penn-Trafford junior Tasso Whipple. He denied Whipple his second title.

Roscosky had two tough matches during Day 2 of the 71st tournament. He defeated Derry freshman Brady Brown, 5-2, in the semifinals.

“I lied to you two years ago,” Roscosky said. “Now my goal is to become a three-time champion.”

If he does that, he will join his brother, Braydon, who is a three-time champion.

“I beat two tough kids,” Roscosky said. “Brady and I practice a lot and know each other’s styles. Brady had a bad seed here.”

Burrell sophomore Cam Baker claimed his second title with a thrilling 5-4 win against Hempfield junior Nico Kapusta at 107.

“Definitely feel this second title feels better than the first one,” Baker said. “I didn’t feel any pressure this year. I just wanted to come out and have fun.”

Three other Alle-Kiski Valley wrestlers finished second.

Burrell freshman Jake Stewart lost 7-0 to Latrobe senior Jacob Braun at 133, Valley senior Chuck Perkins was outscored 12-8 by Latrobe freshman Hunter Snyder at 172 and Kiski Area sophomore Abrahm Taylor dropped a 9-0 decision to Marion.

Latrobe won its third consecutive team title with 189 points. Franklin Regional was second with 180.5.

Burrell placed third with 156.5. Other Burrell placewinners were: Luca Rosa (third at 121), Julian Bertucci (third at 127), Carter Thomas (fourth at 114), Luke Boylan (fifth at 215), Ayden Kun (fifth at 285), Cadyn Crawford (fifth at 133), Ben Catullo (sixth at 152) and Isaac Lacinski (sixth at 172).

Cooper Hornack and Calio Zanella did not participate because of injuries.

Kiski Area ended up fifth with 140 points. The Cavaliers placewinners were Ryder Ekas (third at 285), Evan Artman (fourth at 172), John Deluca (fourth at 127), Clayton Cramer (fifth at 121) and Riley Shearer (sixth at 160).

Valley finished 11th, and the Vikings’ other placewinners were Ryan Long (fourth at 152) and Xavier Ross (sixth at 121).

The trio of wrestlers looking to become three-time champions — Latrobe junior Luke Willochell, Hempfield senior Eli Carr and Marion — did what was expected: win.

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Burrell, Kiski Area