Wrestling

Shaler junior high wrestlers make states, provide glimpse into program’s future

March 14, 2020

Zach Hartung isn’t what you would call an experienced wrestler.

Coaches Joe Bursick, Nick Endres, Chris Hart and Kevin Synan pose with placewinner Tyler Kocak (center) at the PIAA wrestling championships at Giant Center in Hershey.

Kocak, Wright end Hampton wrestling careers in memorable fashion

March 13, 2020

Tyler Kocak and Zach Wright faced their share of adversity in their high school wrestling careers. So it was fitting to see both make a run at the podium at the PIAA Class AAA championships at Hershey’s Giant Center.

Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling state tournament postponed

March 12, 2020

The Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling State Championship, which was to be held at the University of Pittsburgh’s Petersen Events Center this weekend, has been postponed because of coronavirus concerns.

Trib HSSN wrestler of the week: Canon McMillan’s Gerrit Nijenhuis

March 9, 2020

On the way to becoming the WPIALs all-time wins leader this weekend in Hershey and capturing his second straight state title, Canon-McMillan’s Gerrit Nijenhuis was dominant.

Norwin’s Kurtis Phipps is declared the winner against Rocco Welsh of Waynesburg Central in the 126-pound final at the PIAA Class AAA wrestling championships Saturday, March 7, 2020 at the Giant Center in Hershey.

4 WPIAL wrestlers to represent Pennsylvania all-star team at Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic

Kurtis Phipps’ high school wrestling career isn’t over just yet.

Canon-McMillan’s Gerrit Nijenhuis celebrates with coaches after a win against Donovan McMillan of Peters Township in the PIAA Class AAA 182-pound final Saturday, March 7, 2020, at Giant Center in Hershey.

WPIAL dominates PIAA finals in Class AAA

March 7, 2020

HERSHEY — It was another dominating year for the WPIAL at the PIAA Class AAA wrestling championships Saturday.

Burrell’s AJ Corrado removes his headgear after being defeated by Caleb Dowling of St. Joseph’s in the PIAA Class AA 152-pound final Saturday, March 7, 2020, at Giant Center in Hershey.

Burrell’s Corrado, Oswalt come up short in quest for PIAA wrestling gold

HERSHEY — Burrell came home from the PIAA Class AA wrestling championships Saturday with two silver medals.

Latrobe’s Vincent Kilkeary reacts to defeating Tyler Kasak of Beth Catholic in the 106-weight class semifinal in AAA on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at the PIAA individual state wrestling championship at the Giant Center in Hershey.

Latrobe’s Kilkeary wins another stunner at PIAA tournament, advances to finals

HERSHEY — Latrobe freshman Vincent Kilkeary continued his stunning run through the PIAA Class AAA individual wrestling tournament.

South Park’s Joey Fischer wrestles Brookville’s Owen Reinsel in the 113-pound bout semifinal in class AA in the PIAA state wrestling championship on Friday, March 6, 2020 at the Giant Center in Hershey.

Frazier’s Lawrence looking to become 3-time PIAA winner

HERSHEY — Frazier senior Thayne Lawrence’s high school wrestling career will come to an end Saturday at Giant Center.

Latrobe’s Kilkeary making big noise at PIAA Class AAA wrestling championships

March 6, 2020

HERSHEY — The smallest guys in the PIAA Class AAA wrestling championships are making some big noise.

Kiski Area’s Jack Blumer listens to coach instruction while wrestling against Colby Romjue of Susquehannock in the PIAA championships Friday, March 6, 2020, at Giant Center in Hershey.

Kiski Area’s Blumer dominant in PIAA wrestling quarterfinals victory

HERSHEY — Jack Blumer of Kiski Area is making his last wrestling trip to Hershey a memorable one.

Nine Penn-Trafford junior high wrestlers qualified for states. Pictured, from left, are coach Chris Hartman, Dominic Hartman, Adam Hall, Hayden Coy, Brett Hampton, Logan Ventura, Jimmy Oslosky, Joe Enick, Gavin Ellwood, Paul Darragh and coach Mike Enick.

Penn-Trafford junior wrestling has banner year, sends 9 to state tournament

Gavin Ellwood ran to his coaches, Chris Hartman and Mike Enick, beaming with excitement at the Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling Area III tournament.

Kiski Area’s Sammy Starr wrestles Pine Richland’s Cole Spencer in the 152 weight class final on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in WPIAL class AAA wrestling championship at Canon-McMillan High School.

Pine-Richland’s Spencer brothers each win wrestling championships

Pine-Richland’s Cole Spencer snared his first WPIAL wrestling title Feb. 29 at Canon-McMillan High School, earning his status as a champion after edging Kiski Area’s Sammy Starr, 2-1.

Frazier’s Thayne Lawrence wrestles against Gavin Garcia of Southern Columbia in the 160 pound quarterfinal bout in class AA in the PIAA state wrestling championship on Friday, March 6, 2020 at the Giant Center in Hershey.

7 WPIAL wrestlers advance to PIAA Class AA semifinals

HERSHEY — Friday has gone a lot better for WPIAL Class AA wrestlers at the PIAA individual championships at the Giant Center.

Mt. Lebanon’s Mac Stout wrestles J.P McCaskey’s Andrew Vogelbacher in the 170 weight class in the PIAA state wrestling tournament in class AAA on Thursday, March 5, 2020 at the Giant Center in Hershey.

WPIAL Class AAA wrestlers shine, Class AA struggles on Day 1 of PIAA tournament

March 5, 2020

HERSHEY — You couldn’t ask for a crazier day for WPIAL wrestlers than Thursday at the Giant Center.

Kiski Area’s Jack Blumer works against Lower Merion’s James Lledo in the 160-pound weight class during the PIAA Class AAA championships Thursday at Giant Center in Hershey.

Kiski Area’s Blumer stays alive at PIAA wrestling tournament

HERSHEY — Six Alle-Kiski Valley wrestlers entered the PIAA Class 3A wrestling tournament Thursday, and all six still were in the mix for medals at deadline. However, only one still is contending for a gold medal.

Burrell senior Ricky Feroce talks with coach Josh Shields as Kane senior Cameron Whisner gets checked for injury during their bout at 182 pounds at the PIAA tournament Thursday, March 5, 2020, at Giant Center in Hershey.

Trio of Burrell wrestlers advance to PIAA Class AA quarterfinals

HERSHEY — Burrell had a strong start at the PIAA Class AA wrestling championships Thursday afternoon, advancing three wrestlers to Friday’s quarterfinals.