Competing for his Keystone Brawlers Wrestling Club, Council Rock South senior 140-pounder Josh Dziewa (pictured, right) posted a 4-1 record recently at the National High School Coaches Association's (NHSCA) 10th annual East Coast Wrestling Duals, falling in the final team bout to SEPA's Shane Springer on a disqualification. A former state qualifier for Pennsbury High School who transferred to South last year, Dziewa was not permitted to wrestle for the Golden Hawks last season.
Pennsylvania's Renegade Force took the High School Division title, with Shore Thing White of New Jersey taking the Middle School Division title and Central Pennsylvania the Elementary Division crown in the East Coast Duals May 22-25 at the Wicomico Youth Civic Center in Salisbury.
"The level of competition at this year's National Wrestling Duals was the best yet," NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro Jr. said. "The bracket round was outstanding. Every match had everybody on the edge of their seat. The matches were outstanding in all three divisions."
In his two seasons at Pennsbury, Josh complied over 90 vrasity wins going 47-4 as a 125-pound freshman and 44-2 as a 130-pound sophomore, making it to states in each of those campaigns. Now a grapplers for the Hawks, Dziewa is looking forward to capping off his career at CR South.
***
Compiled by Sports Editor Steve Sherman

Labels: CR South, Wrestling

There was a pair of Council Rock wrestlers in St. Louis March 19-20 for the NCAA Division I championships. Both were named Rappo.

Rick Rappo, a University of Pennsylvania senior, competed at 141 pounds. Mike Rappo, a University of North Carolina sophomore, was in the 133-pound bracket.

Both brothers won state wrestling titles during their time at Council Rock South. Rick was the first ever state champion at the school - in any sport - when he won the PIAA Class AAA title at 103 pounds in 2004.

The second time Rick has qualified for the NCAA Championships, Rick drew fifth-seeded Marcus Hoehn of Missouri.

Rick entered the tournament with an 18-7 record and a third-place finish at the EIWA Championships. Anyone questioning his standing in the field could look at Rick's win via fall over the No. 1 seed in the tournament, Michigan’s Kellen Russell.

Hoehn entered the match with a 29-8 record and a Big 12 championship belt to his credit. The two grapplers had three common opponents this season. Rick was unbeaten against those wrestlers while Hoehn was 3-1.

But Hoehn got past Rick in the opening round and Rappo's wrestling career at Penn unfortunately came to an end in his next match with a 7-0 loss to Boise State’s Cory Fish.

Rappo had a tough time with Fish, giving up a takedown in the first period and then being turned in the second. Fish added a reversal in the final frame for the final score.

Mike, meanwhile, won two state title belts for the Golden Hawks, first capturing the 119-pound state championship in 2005 and then taking the 130-pound crown in '06.

Making his NCAA debut March 19, Mike dropped a 5-4 decision to Filip Novachkov, who posted a 22-7 record during the season for Cal Poly. Later in the day, Mike lost in a 9-3 decision to Missouri sophomore Todd Schavrien.

During the regular season at UNC, Mike went 24-8, including nine major decisions, two technical falls and one pin. He also finished second at the ACC Championships, fourth at the Reno Tournament of Champions and fifth at the Southern Scuffle.

Carolina sent seven wrestlers to nationals for the first time since 2003. It marked the most NCAA qualifiers for the Tar Heels under sixth-year head coach C.D. Mock, a former Council Rock wrestling coach originally from Newtown.

A 1978 graduate of CRHS, Mock won a state title himself during his senior campaign for the Indians.
***

Compiled by Sports Editor Steve Sherman.

Labels: Council Rock South, Wrestling

Photos by Sue Donohue

By Phil Nelson V,
Steve Sherman

HERSHEY — It was a great showing for Council Rock North 189-pounder Jamie Callender at this year’s PIAA Class AAA State Wrestling Championships.

It was only the finish that hurt.

Taking on Tony Dallago of Central Dauphin in the finals, Callender was pinned in a time of 1:33. Dallago scored on a takedown 28 seconds into the match and then pinned Callender with a double arm bar when the Rock North wrestler attempted a sit out.

The next best finish for a Lower Bucks wrestler behind Callender’s second place showing came when Rock North’s Haynes took third at 119 pounds.

Haynes dropped a 5-2 decision in the semifinals, but came back and eventually beat Mitchell Port of Bellefonte, 3-2, in the consolation final.

Taking fourth place was CR South 160-pounder Ed Shupe, who was pinned in the semifinals by Hempfield’s Jake Kemerer (40-2) and was then decisioned by Jimmy Sheptock of Northampton in the battle for third place.

In between, Eddie pinned CB East senior Devon Passman.

Council Rock South sophomore Matt Martoccio (130) and senior Jimmy Vollrath (152) both finished with eighth place medals.

Labels: Council Rock North, Council Rock South, Neshaminy, Truman, Truman Wrestling, Wrestling

Labels: CR South, Wrestling

By Phil Nelson V
For BucksLocalSports
Steve Sherman

HERSHEY — Let’s just say things did not go as planned for the Harry S Truman High School’s outstanding 103-pounder James Bak at the PIAA Class AAA State Wresting Championships.
The only senior in the bracket with a record of 39-2 coming in after winning a region title on Saturday, Feb. 28, Bak lost two straight matches on opening day of the tourney March 5, his season ending to a much-too-sudden finish.
After a scoreless 45 seconds in his opening bout with Mike Fake of Parkland, Bak was headlocked to his back in a move that cost the Tigers wrestler five points. Bak never did recover, suffering an 11-3 loss to the Parkland opponent.
It apparently was a devastating loss because Bak then dropped in a 7-2 decision to Jordan Conaway of Oxford in the first round of wrestle-backs.
The good news for Lower Bucks County is Council Rock South had four opening-round winners and Rock North had two.
Advancing from Rock South were sophomores Matt Rappo (125), and Matt Martoccio (130), along with seniors Jim Vollrath (152) and Eddie Shupe (160).
The Hawks 160-pounder posted an 11-7 decision over Jeffrey Griffith of Easton, but not before surviving a scare when he was headlocked for backpoints in the third period.
A transfer student from Pennsbury, Shupe (36-3) surpassed 100 varsity wins working the mats for South this season. Eddie was cruising along with an 11-2 lead on the Easton grappler when he tried to secure a position on top. What happened next nearly cost Shupe the match as he suddenly found himself in a war with Griffith. But Shupe managed to keep at least one shoulder off the mat in advancing to a quarterfinal bout against Cumberland Valley’s Tristan Warner (35-5).
Vollrath (34-3) needed an extra period to do it but he got past Matt Laird, of Conneaut Lake with a 3-1 decision. Rappo (37-8) pinned Dan Neff Solanco just a minute-and-a-half into the first period.
And while it was close, Martoccio (22-3) decisioned South Western’s Drew Rebling, 2-1.
Winning his wrestle-back match late Thursday night after losing in the first round was Rock South’s Bob Lavelle (171). Lavelle (33-11) dropped a tough decision in the opener in losing 4-3 to Cedar Cliff’s Clint Morrison but bounced back with a 5-2 decision over Bellefonte’s Christian Oberle.
Rock North’s opening-round winners were senior Zac Haynes (119), and junior Jamie Callender (189). Haynes (36-9) scored a 13-3 major decision over Clearfield’s Andrew Spicer. Callender (41-6) did the same in outpacing Todd Miller, of Ringgold, 15-2.
Meanwhile CR South senior Helfrich found himself in a war with Jamal Lyons of Erie Cathedral Prep. The Erie grappler outpaced Mark, 8-3, in the 145-pound division. Then in his wrestle-back, Helfrich dropped a 6-2 decision to Parkland’s Ian Heist.
In other developments, CB East seniors Devon Passman (36-7) and Bubba McGinley advanced for the Patriots. Passman scored a major decision over Erie Cathedral Prep's Jermaine Easter in winning 14-5. And McGinley edged Meadville’s Shelton Mack, 1-0.
Jon Brodzik (39-4), a 135-pounder for the Patriots, lost a major decision to Josh Kindig, of Blue Mountain but wrestled back well in pinning Tyler Parsons of Erie Cathedral Prep. Brodzik’s pin put him in a consolation bout with Austin Sommer of Northampton.
CB South 103-pounder Mike Mathis (30-4) decisioned Anthony Cabrera, of Bethlehem Liberty, 5-3 in overtime.
LaSalle heavyweight Kyle DiGiacobbe, of Southampton, lost twice via falls to Clearfield’s Sean Owen (9 seconds) and Nick Page of Kennard Dale (3:28) and was hence eliminated.
District One wrestlers posted a 25-23 record in first round matches (0-4 in the 140-pound weight class). Meanwhile, District 12 (City Public/Catholic League) wrestlers went 0-8 in their openers.
***

Day two saw a trio of Rock wrestlers advance including two from North. First, Haynes pinned Governor Mifflin’s Kyle Demain. Then, Callender posted a major on Elizabethtown’s Shane Rosenberry.
Jamie prepares for his semifinal bout against Central Mountain’s Jake Bachman. With Springfield Delco’s Andre Petroski seeded up against Central Dauphin’s Tony Dallago in the other semi, there’s still a chance to see another classic war between Petroski and Callender. While the Springfield wrestler outdueled Jamie in the district finale, Callender took the regional title from Petroski in the next round.
Haynes finds himself in a bracket that includes a bunch of grapplers from the western half of the state. Zac prepares for his semifinal bout with Blue Mountain’s Tyler Rauenzahn.
Shupe advanced to the semis with a 3-2 decision he posted over Tristan Warner, of Cumberland Valley. Vollrath and Rappo were not as fortunate as both fell in their quarterfinal bouts. First, Vollrath dropped a very close decision in falling, 3-2, to Dan Karpency, of Albert Gallatin. And Rappo got himself pinned less than 30 seconds into the third period of his quarterfinal bout with Easton’s Joseph Rizzolino.
With his chance for third place still alive, Vollrath got ready to battle Boyertown’s Tim Feroe. Also still alive was Rappo, who prepared for his consolation bout with Cardinal O’Hara’s Chris Alexander.
Lavelle meanwhile, got ready to war with Ty Wilps, of Chartiers Valley in consolations.
For the Patriots, after getting pinned by West Mifflin’s James Fleming in the quarters, Passman dropped to a consolation bout with Altoona wrestler Nik Zimmerman. McGinley also lost in the quarters via technical fall to Liberty’s Anthony Marino and had to face Monsignor Bonner’s Nick Bongard in consolations.
For the Titans, Mike Mathis lost a major decision to Central Dauphin’s Shyheim Brown and got ready to battle West Chester Rustin’s Corey McQuiston in consolations.

Labels: CR South, Truman, Wrestling

Labels: CR South, Wrestling

Labels: CR North, Wrestling

Labels: CR North, CR South, Truman, Wrestling

Labels: CR North, CR South, Truman, Wrestling

By Steve Sherman
Sports Editor

To no one’s surprise, lower Bucks high schools dominated last weekend’s Southeastern Regional Class AA tournament.
In all, 10 area wrestlers will be heading to states, starting with Harry S Truman senior James Bak, who captured the 103-pound regional title.
At 39-2 on the season, the Tigers lightweight went 4-0, starting with a pin of Garnet Valley’s Kyle Loeb. In his opening bout, Bak pinned the GV freshman in 51 seconds.
Bak posted three consecutive decision wins starting with a 4-1 win over Upper Perkiomen sophomore Daniel Rodenberger. A 6-1 triumph over West Chester Rustin freshman Corey McQuiston followed by a 6-2 win over CB South sophomore Mike Mathis which earned Bak a second trip to states in as many seasons. James medaled in the tournament a year ago at Hershey’s Giant Center.
Council Rock South was the team champion with 132 points. The Golden Hawks crowned three regional champs including sophomore 125-pounder Matt Rappo (37-8), along with senior 152-pounder Jim Vollrath (39-1) and 160-pounder Ed Shupe (36-3). All three were also district champions.
Rappo captured his regional trophy with a 5-2 win over Quakertown junior Colin Bynum. Vollrath took his with a 2-1 win over Owen J. Roberts senior Nick Fuschino and Shupe took his after pinning North Catholic senior Kevin Mallon in the semis followed by an 11-3 decision over Plymouth Whitemarsh sophomore John Staudenmayer.
In addition, senior 145-pounder Marc Helfrich (33-8) and junior 171-pounder Bobby Lavelle (33-11), also district champions in their respective weight classes, fell to the runner-up position at regionals.
In their regional title bouts, Helfrich lost a major decision to Pennridge senior Colin McConnell and Lavelle got tech-falled by Penncrest senior Jim Resnick, The 171-pounder for Penncrest was later named Outstanding Wrestler at the tournament after winning his weight class.
Meanwhile, CR South sophomore Matt Martoccio (22-3) placed third at 130 pounds. After winning his first two bouts, Martoccio dropped a close decision to Boyertown junior Alex Pellicciotti, who went on to take the regional title.
Matt wrestled his way back however, taking a 5-0 decision from Oxford Area junior Kyle Moran and a 1-0 win from Pennridge sophomore Rich Jasinski.
All six wrestlers for the Hawks have qualified for the PIAA championships, which start Thursday, March 5 at the Giant Center in Hershey and continue through to March 7.
CR North senior Zac Haynes, the Indians’ only district champion, captured the regional prize at 119 pounds, only this time was joined by North junior Jamie Callender, who captured regional gold at 189.
Callender turned the tables on Springfield DelCo junior Andre Petroski, who won an 8-6 decision over the North grappler in the district finale. In the regional championship, however, Callender edged Petroski, 3-2.
Callender made his way to the regional championship with a 10-3 decision over Northeast Catholic's AJ Vizcorrando, a 15-0 tech-fall win over Joe Stolfi, of Souderton and a 7-0 victory Oxford Area junior Nick Ruggear.
Haynes decisioned Boyertown junior Matt Malfaro, 9-4, to earn his title belt.
Pennsbury junior Josh Mitchell, the Falcons only regional qualifier at 285 pounds, wound up in sixth place after going 3-3 on the day. Mitchell’s wins included a 3-0 decision over Garnet Valley's Brendan Walsh, a second period pin over Norristown junior Marcus Robbins and an overtime victory over William Tennent senior Rich Dracup. Josh defeated the Panthers wrestler 3-1 in a battle for third place at districts. He used a rideout to get past the Tennent heavyweight at regionals.
Josh’s day ended after he dropped a close decision to Alex Myers, Hatboro Horsham and a 6-3 loss to Frankford junior Elvis Diaz.
Mitchell finished his season at 32-12.
The day also finished disappointedly for Truman sophomore Sean Edmonson (34-6). Coming in as the district runnerup, Sean had hoped to reach states. But after pinning Conwell-Egan’s Pat Hecker (24-10), Sean got himself pinned by Boyertown sophomore Jeremy Minich.
After bouncing back with a 2-0 win over Upper Moreland junior Jacob Ellis, Edmondson’s day ended with a 1-0 loss to CR North sophomore Shane Longstreth (28-18) who finished in sixth place.
CR North sophomore Adam Slezak also finished in 6th-place after going 3-3 on the day. The 103-pounder for the Indians and the district runnerup finished his season at 18-9.
North senior John Kaschak finished his final season on the mat at 28-18. Another D-I South runnerup, John went 3-3 at regionals, finishing sixth.

Labels: CR North, CR South, Truman, Wrestling

Five Rock grapplers
earn SE Regional gold

By Steve Sherman
Sports Editor

To no one’s surprise, lower Bucks high schools dominated last weekend’s Southeastern Regional Class AA tournament.

In all, 10 area wrestlers will be heading to states, starting with Harry S Truman senior James Bak, who captured the 103-pound regional title.

At 39-2 on the season, the Tigers lightweight went 4-0, starting with a pin of Garnet Valley’s Kyle Loeb.
In his opening bout, Bak pinned the GV freshman in 51 seconds.

Bak posted three consecutive decision wins starting with a 4-1 win over Upper Perkiomen sophomore Daniel Rodenberger. A 6-1 triumph over West Chester Rustin freshman Corey McQuiston followed by a 6-2 win over CB South sophomore Mike Mathis which earned Bak a second trip to states in as many seasons. James medaled in the tournament a year ago at Hershey’s Giant Center.

Council Rock South was the team champion with 132 points. The Golden Hawks crowned three regional champs including sophomore 125-pounder Matt Rappo (37-8), along with senior 152-pounder Jim Vollrath (39-1) and 160-pounder Ed Shupe (36-3). All three were also district champions.

Rappo captured his regional trophy with a 5-2 win over Quakertown junior Colin Bynum. Vollrath took his with a 2-1 win over Owen J. Roberts senior Nick Fuschino and Shupe took his after pinning North Catholic senior Kevin Mallon in the semis followed by an 11-3 decision over Plymouth Whitemarsh sophomore John Staudenmayer.

In addition, senior 145-pounder Marc Helfrich (33-8) and junior 171-pounder Bobby Lavelle (33-11), also district champions in their respective weight classes, fell to the runner-up position at regionals.

In their regional title bouts, Helfrich lost a major decision to Pennridge senior Colin McConnell and Lavelle got tech-falled by Penncrest senior Jim Resnick, The 171-pounder for Penncrest was later named Outstanding Wrestler at the tournament after winning his weight class.

Meanwhile, CR South sophomore Matt Martoccio (22-3) placed third at 130 pounds. After winning his first two bouts, Martoccio dropped a close decision to Boyertown junior Alex Pellicciotti, who went on to take the regional title.

Matt wrestled his way back however, taking a 5-0 decision from Oxford Area junior Kyle Moran and a 1-0 win from Pennridge sophomore Rich Jasinski.

All six wrestlers for the Hawks have qualified for the PIAA championships, which start Thursday, March 5 at the Giant Center in Hershey and continue through to March 7.

CR North senior Zac Haynes, the Indians’ only district champion, captured the regional prize at 119 pounds, only this time was joined by North junior Jamie Callender, who captured regional gold at 189.

Callender turned the tables on Springfield DelCo junior Andre Petroski, who won an 8-6 decision over the North grappler in the district finale. In the regional championship, however, Callender edged Petroski, 3-2.

Callender made his way to the regional championship with a 10-3 decision over Northeast Catholic's AJ Vizcorrando, a 15-0 tech-fall win over Joe Stolfi, of Souderton and a 7-0 victory Oxford Area junior Nick Ruggear.

Haynes decisioned Boyertown junior Matt Malfaro, 9-4, to earn his title belt.

Pennsbury junior Josh Mitchell, the Falcons only regional qualifier at 285 pounds, wound up in sixth place after going 3-3 on the day. Mitchell’s wins included a 3-0 decision over Garnet Valley's Brendan Walsh, a second period pin over Norristown junior Marcus Robbins and an overtime victory over William Tennent senior Rich Dracup.

Josh defeated the Panthers wrestler 3-1 in a battle for third place at districts. He used a rideout to get past the Tennent heavyweight at regionals. Josh’s day ended after he dropped a close decision to Alex Myers, Hatboro Horsham and a 6-3 loss to Frankford junior Elvis Diaz.
Mitchell finished his season at 32-12.

The day also finished disappointedly for Truman sophomore Sean Edmonson (34-6). Coming in as the district runnerup, Sean had hoped to reach states. But after pinning Conwell-Egan’s Pat Hecker (24-10), Sean got himself pinned by Boyertown sophomore Jeremy Minich.

After bouncing back with a 2-0 win over Upper Moreland junior Jacob Ellis, Edmondson’s day ended with a 1-0 loss to CR North sophomore Shane Longstreth (28-18) who finished in sixth place.

CR North sophomore Adam Slezak also finished in 6th-place after going 3-3 on the day. The 103-pounder for the Indians and the district runnerup finished his season at 18-9.

North senior John Kaschak finished his final season on the mat at 28-18. Another D-I South runnerup, John went 3-3 at regionals, finishing sixth.

Labels: CR North, CR South, Pennsbury, Truman, Wrestling

Labels: Bristol, Wrestling

Labels: CR South, Wrestling

Labels: CR South, Wrestling

Labels: Neshaminy, Wrestling

Labels: CR North, Truman, Wrestling

Labels: CR North, Wrestling

Labels: CR South, Truman, Wrestling

By Steve Sherman
Sports Editor

At sectionals held March 14 at Abington, Council Rock North eeked out a half-point victory over CR South to take the Section One-AAA team title.
The Golden Hawks turned the tables on North on Saturday Feb. 21 however, winning the District One team title. Additionally, South had six grapplers win district trophies. North had a lone D-I champ in senior Zach Haynes, who took the 119-pound championship.
“The postseason is the entire reason we do what we do - from training to scheduling, it's the only thing that matters,” stated CR South skipper Brad Silimperi.
The Hawks are led by CR South senior Mark Helfrich, who captured the 145-pound district championship.
South’s other D-I champions were Matt Rappo (125), Matt Martoccio (130), Jim Vollrath (152), Ed Shupe (160) and Bobby Lavelle (171).
“This was simply vindication for them because they truly believe that they are the best team in District 1,” commented Silimperi.
The six grapplers for the Hawks will compete in the Class AAA Southeast Regional, Feb. 27-28 at Oxford Area High School, near the Pennsy-Maryland border. The top four finishers in each weight class advance to states, slated for next month in Hershey.
According to Silimperi, Rappo is wrestling in one of the deepest weight classes in the tournament. Still the CR South coach believes his 125-pounder will be ready.
“I think he is wrestling the best he’s ever wrestled at this point and peaking when it counts.
“I’m confident he will continue to wrestle well as he usually rises to the level of his competition.”
With just one loss on the season, senior 152-pounder Jim Vollrath (35-1) has perhaps the best chance to take home the Keystone Gold.
“Jimmy has been simply dominating up to this point. His strength, speed, conditioning has been unmatched so far this year. He can simply go, go, go and he's just so darn physical. His opponents better be ready and better be in good shape, otherwise six minutes can seem like an eternity.”
Senior Ed Shupe should also go far at 160 pounds. The recent transfer from Pennsbury compiled a record of 31-3 and won his first district trophy Feb. 21 at North.
“Eddie is lightning quick and really good on top. His unorthodox style makes him tough to beat.”
After taking a runnerup trophy after dropping a 3-0 decision to Abington 145-pounder Cody Carrigan, senior Mark Helfrich turned the tables and posted a 2-0 decision on the Ghost grappler in the D-I finale.
“Mark is really coming on strong. His performance at districts was a major reason for us winning the team title.”
After wrestling up all season long, junior Bobby Lavellle is back where he belong at 171 pounds.
“Now that he's at his fighting weight, he looks great. He’s very quick on his feet and good on bottom. He's learned to be more greedy when fighting for points and this will become a huge factor as we get deeper into the postseason.”
South sophomore Matt Martoccio (18-2) has recovered in time from a hand injury to make a run at states in the 130-pound division.
“Now that his hand is healed and he's been through the long months of January and February, he's back to where he should be in terms of conditioning and strength.”
CR North, meanwhile is sending seven of its mat men on to regionals including junior Jamie Callender, who lost a close decision to Springfield’s Andre Petroski. An 8-6 winner over Callender in the 189-pound final, Petroski was named the tourney's most Outstanding Wrestler.
The Indians are led by Zach Haynes, the 119-pound champion, after a dominating 15-3 decision over Upper Moreland’s Tim Santry.
North 215-pounder John Kaschak also made his way to the finals, where he was pinned by Springfield DelCo’s Kaje Sponheimer.
Taking third place trophies for North were Shane Longstreth and Greg Lanctot. Longstreth posted a 6-4 decision over Upper Moreland's Jake Ellis. Lanctot posted a 14-3 major decision win over Radnor's Chadd Baribault. Fourth-place finisher Sean Doerr is also headed to regionals, despite dropping a 5-0 decision to Springfield Delco's John McCoach.
Harry S Truman is sending three wrestlers on to regionals, including 103-pound D-I champion James Bak, who pinned all three of his opponents including CR North lightweight Adam Slezak. HST sophomore Sean Edmondson also advanced to regionals after falling in a close decision to Springfield Delco's Dan Dortone in a battle for the 112-pound belt. HST senior Matt Marks, a D-I runnerup after getting tech-falled by CR South's Matt Rappo in the 125 pound finale, will also represent the Tigers.
Neshaminy will send three wrestlers to regionals, led by John Lindquist, the 140-pound district runnerup after getting pinned by Ridley's Sean Renish.
Redskins 119-pounder Nick Russell will also head to regionals after edging Luke Bilyeu, of Haverford High, 5-3, in a D-I quarterfinal and downing Dan Stover, of Sun Valley, 5-4 in a consolation semifinal. Bilyeu got his revenge in the third place bout, however, pinning Russell in the second period.
Neshaminy 103-pounder Colby Lederer also advanced after decisioning Calvin Harrison, of Glen Mills, 5-2, in the D-I quarters and pinning Eric Lee, of Haverford, in the consolation semis. Harrison also exacted revenge, posting a 7-5 decision over Lederer in the third place bout.
Pennsbury’s only regional qualifier is Josh Mitchell, the third-place finisher at 285 pounds. After falling in the quarters to Upper Darby heavyweight Phil Kitain, Mitchell won a 3-0 decision over Paris Covington, of Sun Valley and a 2-1 victory over David Dewan, of Springfield Delco. Finally in a battle for third place, Josh downed William Tennent heavyweight Rick Dracup, 3-1.
Starting today at 3:30, all 20 grapplers will take to the mat trying to punch their ticket to states set to take place March 5-7 at Hershey’s Giant Center.
***


SE Regional
Class AAA Tournament
Feb. 27 and 28 at
Oxford Area High School

Regional AAA Qualifiers

COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH
Mark Helfrich (145) *
Matt Rappo (125) *
Matt Martoccio (130) *
Jim Vollrath (152) *
Ed Shupe (160) *
Bobby Lavelle (171) *

COUNCIL ROCK NORTH
Adam Slezak (103)
Zach Haynes (119) *
Jamie Callender (189)
John Kaschak (215)
Shane Longstreth (112)
Greg Lanctot (140)
Sean Doerr (135)
***
NESHAMINY
Colby Lederer (103)
Nick Russell (119)
John Lindquist (140)

TRUMAN
James Bak (103) *
Sean Edmonson (112)
Matt Marks (125)

PENNSBURY
Josh Mitchell (285)

* District Champion

Labels: Wrestling

“At this point in the season, you’re getting down to some pretty good wrestlers all the way across. These are the top eight of 21 schools - it’s a pretty narrow filter that you have to get past.”

Labels: Pennsbury, Pennsbury Wrestling, Wrestling

Pennsbury’s seven mat men push into districts

By Steve Sherman
Sports Editor

This grappling campaign has been a season of misfortune for Pennsbury.
If it wasn’t for bad luck, the Falcons wouldn’t have had any at all.
In addition to losing two wrestlers who captured regional championships last year when senior Eddie Shupe and junior Josh Dziewa transferred to Council Rock South, Pennsbury has lost to injury combatants in numerous weight classes.
At 103 pounds, with Joe Russo still out with injuries he sustained in an auto accident over a year ago, Kyle Martinowicz then suffered a concussion in a December bout that kept him out for the remainder of the season.
At 119, Jason Ongradi reinjured his back in the preseason and never even made it onto the mat. Same thing happened at 145 where Dave DeMaria suffered a shoulder injury in a scrimmage that kept him out the rest of the season. At 160, Mike Mills had to have shoulder surgery so that meant he was gone for the year. Finally at 171 pounds, Richie Applegate was lost when doctors decided he needed wrist surgery after the end of the football season.
With so many walking wounded, it’s no wonder the Falcons finished in eighth place--out of nine teams--Feb. 14 at sectionals.
“It’s very unusual for so many young wrestlers to sustain injuries that take them out of one season and carry over and take them out of the next,” stated PHS wrestling coach Joe Kiefer.
Adding insult to all those injuries was a late-season ailment that struck junior 140-pounder Mark Nicholson. After tallying 19 victories in 22 tries during the regular season, Nicholson came down with a cold that kept him out of school the week before sectionals.
The junior tried to recover in time for the postseason but was quickly eliminated at the section tourney.
Even so, Pennsbury had seven wrestlers who qualified for this weekend’s District One Class AAA tournament set to take place this Saturday at Council Rock North. That’s the same number as Council Rock South, which entered the season as defending district champion.
“For us to have as many wrestlers make it to districts as a program like Council Rock South I think it says a lot about the testament of our boys and those who have persevered throughout the season,” Kiefer stated.
Of all the grapplers wearing the orange and black this year, senior Matt Johnson has perhaps the best chance to make it to regionals and beyond.
After spending a year at Valley Forge Military Academy, Johnson posted a record of 28-1 this season, surpassing more than 100 wins wrestling as a 171-pounder for the Falcons.
Johnson bumped up to 189 late in the season and that is where he’ll remain throughout the rest of the postseason. At sectionals, Matt won two of his three matches, falling in the finale to CR North junior Jamie Callender, the only person to outpace the Pennsbury co-captain this year.
Johnson did not qualify for regionals two years ago as a sophomore and was not a member of a PIAA program last year. Still he is expected to make it to regionals and perhaps, beyond.
“Matt is our top wrestler--no doubt about it,” Kiefer commented.
Johnson decided to move up to 189 just before the end of the season.
“He thought that he could do a better job there--he would be less focused on maintaining his weight and more focused on his wrestling if he moved up,” Kiefer explained.
Regardless of weight class, Kiefer expects Johnson to fare well at districts.
“He’s a 189-pounder now and that’s where he’s focusing his energy,” the coach said. “We think he has a good chance to qualify for states.”
Senior Matt Funk is also looking to take his first trip to regionals. This is Funk’s third trip to the district tournament. Matt was looking for a third place showing at sectionals this year and would have had it were it not for a late maneuver by a Bensalem opponent in the consolation semifinals.
“Hopefully, he can turn things around at the districts,” said Kiefer. “We’d like to see him qualify for regionals and move on.”
Funk has his work cut out for him this weekend. His first bout in districts is against Upper Darby 125-pounder Joe Carney.
“He’ll really challenge Matt,” said Kiefer, of Carney. “[Matt] will have to have one of his best matches ever in order to beat [Carney].”
At 22-12, senior Brian Kahil is having a fine season working the mat at 130 pounds. Brian placed fifth at sectionals and will have to get past some tough competition including CR South sophomore Matt Martoccio (15-2), who captured a sectional crown at Abington.
“Toward the end of the season and continuing at sectionals he’s done some of his best wrestling of the season.
“It’ll be tough but he has an opportunity to finish top four and move on to regionals.
Of all the grapplers, sophomore Conlan Cornman (22-12) is having perhaps the most surprising season. Not only did the 10th-grader make the jump from JV to varsity this year, he also surrendered weight in just about every bout, wrestling up at 160 pounds.
Cornman went 2-2 at sectionals and made it as far as the Section One semis and consolation finals before falling to a 6th-place finish.
“Making it that far was a feather in his cap,” stated Kiefer. “He’ll have a tough go at districts but he’s capable of surprising us again.”
Sophomore Jeff Leib has also pleased the Pennsbury faithful.
“Jeff is right up there with Conlan when you start talking about who was a pleasant surprise for the coaches,” Kiefer commented.
“He did a good job as a JV wrestler last year--as Conlan did. This year, he stepped into the varsity lineup and has progressively improved.
“For them to make the jump to varsity and do as well as they have done is quite a feather in their cap.”
In addition to winning three of his four sectional matches, junior Josh Mitchell won the consolation final battling against Truman sophomore Tom Bremme. Mitchell pinned Bremme the first time out but the last two bouts have been close. Tied at 1-all at sectionals, Josh got a takedown at the edge of the mat just before the final buzzer to outpace the Tiger wrestler, 3-1, and capture a fifth-place trophy.
Junior Kevin Bree also won three out of four matches at sectionals, defeating Dan Clemenson of William Tennent 8-2 in the consolation finale.
“He got a lead and was able to finish the match strong,” Keifer explained.
“If he wrestles the way that he did in that final bout at sectionals, he’ll have a good chance to qualify for regionals.”
***
The District One-Class AAA tournament is slated to go tomorrow morning (Feb. 21) at Council Rock North. Regionals are scheduled for the weekend of Feb. 27-28 at Oxford High School.
As the next few weeks pass, mat fans will get a chance to see who is the best of the best in the Keystone State so stay tuned.
“At this point in the season, you’re getting down to some pretty good wrestlers all the way across,” stated Kiefer. “These are the top eight of 21 schools--it’s a pretty narrow filter that you have to get past.”
***
Pennsbury's D-I Qualifiers
WT/GR NAME REC. SECT. PLC

112/So. - Jeff Lieb, (15-10) 6th
125/Sr. - Matt Funk, (24-10) 6th
130/Sr. - Brian Kahil, (22-12) 5th
160/So. - Conlan Cornman, (22-12) 6th
189/Sr. - Matt Johnson, (30-2) 2nd
215/Jr. - Kevin Bree, (18-12) 5th
285/Jr. - Joshua Mitchell, (26-8) 5th

Labels: Pennsbury, Pennsbury Wrestling, Wrestling

By Steve Sherman
Sports Editor

Last year, James Bak, Sean Edmondson and Tom Kaufmann Jr. held the Harry S Truman (HST) wrestling fort down. Edmondson made it as far as the PIAA SE state regional tourney. Bak was both a regional and state qualifier.
The 119-pound champion and Most Outstanding Wrestler last year at sectionals, Edmondson took fourth at districts and was a regional qualifier while Bak placed seventh at states, medaling at 103 pounds in last year’s PIAA tournament.
And Kaufman (145) won 17 matches in just his second varsity season.
This year, the Truman wrestling program was so much more than that.
HST senior Matt Marks (125) won 26 matches during the regular season while adding two more wins at the Section One tourney. At sectionals, held Feb. 14 at Abington, Marks made it all the way to the championship bout before falling to CR South 125-pounder Matt Rappo, a sophomore who has compiled 30 wins on the season.
The Tigers had two sectional champions including Bak, who captured the top prize in the 103-pound division by pinning Council Rock North sophomore Adam Slezak in under two minutes (1:23).
Edmondson latched onto his medal by outdueling CR North sophomore Shane Longstreth in the 112-pound bout. The Indian grappler entered the tourney with a 20-13 mark and seeded third in sectionals.
Wait; there’s more.
Truman had a total of six grapplers who qualified for districts this year including Marks, who claimed a runnerup trophy at 125 pounds.
No surprise there; but, the Tigers also had three wrestlers who captured sixth-place medals including freshman Brandon Ryan at 130 pounds, sophomore Shane Marchesani at 160 and junior Tom Bremme at heavyweight.
Marchesani would have placed higher if not for a 6-5 decision he lost to Neshaminy 160-pounder Stephen Stemme in the consolation finals.
Bremme also would have placed higher had he not lost a close decision to Pennsbury heavyweight Josh Mitchell.
HST freshman Brandon Ryan also made it into that round but lost a major decision to Pennsbury senior Brian Kahil.
“There’s no mystery. We just had a good group of wrestlers who were willing to work hard,” stated Truman assistant coach Tom Kaufmann Sr.
Still, there are others who added to the high level of the competition within the Tigers’ program this year.
An HST junior, Justin Evens is 23-12 wrestling at 135 to 140 pounds. Brother Steve, a sophomore wrestling varsity at 103 pounds, is 20-4. Senior Anthony Monichelli is 19-10, wrestling at 125. Sophomore Shane Marchesani is 19-15 working the mat at 152 pounds. Senior Jordan Carstarphen is 16-13 wrestling at 152 pounds.
Among the highlights this year were a comeback win over William Tennent and a grudge win over Pennsbury that settled the score from an early season loss to the Falcons.
Storming back from a 25-point deficit, Truman posted a thrilling 37-36 win over Tennent Dec. 10 at home. Evening its record at 3-3, Truman swept the last five weights on its home mat.
It all started with a forfeit at 103 pounds to Steve Evans. The Tigers followed with pins from Bak (112), Edmondson (119) and Monichelli (125).
The Panthers were penalized a team point at 140 pounds and Marks won the match with a 9-2 decision at 130 pounds to give Truman the win by the slimmest of margins.
It was the second straight year the Tigers beat Tennent by one point after posting a wild 39-38 victory last season.
***
Revenge So Sweet

Truman avenged a 34-28 early season loss to Pennsbury with a 39-23 win over the Falcons Jan. 30 in enemy territory.
Among the Tiger winners were Bak, Edmondson, Steve Evens and Justin Evens (140). Ryan (135) and Marchesani (160) posted decision wins in a pair of close bouts. Quinton Bryant won by technical fall at 215 pounds. HST junior Larry Abramson was awarded a win at 189 when opponent Kevin Bree was disqualified.
After going 4-1 at the Kennett Duals held Jan. 17 at Kennett High, the Tigers finished up a successful dual-match season at 18-14 with a respectable showing against Council Rock South Feb. 4 at home.
Among the winners for Truman were Bak (31-2), Edmondson (29-3); Bremme (12-18) and Kaufmann Jr. (18-13).
“It was a collective effort by the coaches and the kids,” added Kauffman Sr. “Everybody worked hard and it showed.”
The District One-Class AAA tournament is slated to go tomorrow morning (Feb. 21) at Council Rock North. Regionals are scheduled for the weekend of Feb. 27-28 at Oxford High School.
The Tigers are hoping to take at least four grapplers--maybe more--with them to the 2-day tourney held near the Pennsy-Maryland border.
***

Below are the individual records of each Truman wrestler who earned a spot in districts:
WT/GR NAME RECORD, Sect. Place
103/Sr. James Bak (31-2) 1st
112/So. Sean Edmondson (29-3) 1st
119/Sr. Matt Marks (28-5) 2nd
130/Fr. Brandon Ryan (14-17) 6th
152/So. Shane Marchesani (19-15) 6th
189/Jr. Tom Bremme (12-18) 6th
***

Section One Class AAA Tournament
(Jan. 14 at Abington HS)

Championship finals
103: James Bak, HST, pinned Adam Slezak, CRN, 1:23
112: Sean Edmondson, HST, dec. Shane Longstreth, CRN, 4-3
119: Zac Haynes, CRN, dec. Tim Santry, UM, 8-7 (ultimate tiebreaker)
125: Matt Rappo, CRS, maj. dec. Matthew Marks, HST, 16-6
130: Matt Martoccio, CRS, dec. Will Dill, UM, 10-5
135: Zac Bush, WT, tech. fall Tim Riley, CRS, 4:00
140: John Lindquist, NSH, dec. Greg Lanctot, CRN, 4-2
145: Cody Carrigan, AB, dec. Marc Helfrich, CRS, 3-0
152: Jimmy Vollrath, CRS, dec. Max Barsky, AB, 10-4
160: Ed Shupe, CRS, pinned John Bolich, UM, 4:47
171: Bobby Lavelle, CRS, dec. Andrew Scholer, WT, 6-4
189: Jamie Callender, CRN, maj. dec. Matthew Johnson, PN, 17-5
215: John Kaschak, CRN, dec. Tyler Stabillito, NSH, 6-0
285: David Osei, AB, pinned Ricky Dracup, WT, 1:35
***
Consolation finals
103: Colby Lederer, NSH, pinned Patrick Tully, BN, 1:51
112: Jake Ellis, UM, pinned Jeffrey Lieb, PN, 0:35
119: John Lee, AB, dec. Nick Russell, NSH, 10-5
125: Frank Lippincott, BN, dec. Matthew Funk, PN, 6-4
130: Brian Kahil, PN, maj. dec. Brandon Ryan, HST, 8-0
135: Sean Doerr, CRN, dec. Brandon Brickner, BN, 3-0
140: Max Agasar, UM, dec. Matt Lancaster, AB, 5-2
145: David Giannaula, CRN, dec. Mark Poderis, UM, 9-5
152: Thomas Burke, NSH, pinned Conlan Cornman, PN, 3:32
160: Stephen Stemme, NSH, dec. Shane Marchesani, HST, 6-5
171: Ryan Rozniakowski, AB dec. Tom Clark, CRN, 7-5
189: James Nicholson, UM, maj. dec. Garrett Simpson, NSH, 20-8
215: Kevin Bree, PN, dec. Dan Clemenson, WT, 8-2
285: Joshua Mitchell, PN, dec. Tom Bremme, HST, 3-1
***
Outstanding Wrestler: David Osei, AB
***
Team scores:
1. Council Rock North 155 1/2
2. Council Rock South 150
3. Neshaminy 106
4. Harry S Truman 97 1/2
4. (tie) Abington 97 1/2
6. Upper Moreland 95 1/2
7. William Tennent 81
8. Pennsbury 79
9. Bensalem 30
***

Council Rock South 43
Truman (18-14) 27
(Feb. 4 at HST)

103: Bill Rappo (CRS) d. Steve Evens, 4-2 OT
112: Bak (T) wbf
119: Edmondson (T) p. Eckman, 1:04
125: Matt Rappo (CRS) wbf
130: Martoccio (CRS) d. Marks, 7-3
135: Moore (CRS) d. Ryan, 13-0
140: Riley (CRS) d. Justin Evens, 17-4
145: Kauffman (T) d. Wiltrout, 5-3
152: Gilmore (CRS) p. Levine, 2:44
160; Vollrath (CRS) t-fall Marchesani, 4:00
171: Lavelle (CRS) p. Wolfe, 1:31
189: Dingui (CRS) p. Bonsig, 4:53
215: Carstarphen (T) p. Pellberg, 4:45
Hvy: Bremme (T) p. Kupperstein, 1:22

Labels: Truman, Truman Wrestling, Wrestling

Warriors wrestler first ever to reach century mark

By Steve Sherman Sports Editor

Bristol senior Pat Sabatini became the first wrestler at the school ever to reach 100 career wins last Saturday, Feb. 14 in the Bicentennial Athletic League (BAL) Championships.

The 140-pounder did it in dramatic fashion, pinning New Hope-Solebury’s Beau Schwantes to take first place in the BAL wrestling tournament at Phil-Mont Christian Academy.

Along with winning first place in the tourney, Sabatini was also named the BAL's Most Outstanding Wrestler.

A world-ranked wrestler in Tai Kwon Do and Brazilian Jujitsu, Pat uses his knowledge of the eastern fighter’s game to his advantage on the mat, says Warriors head coach Enrique Velez.

“He knows a lot about body position--where to be--in his sport and that helps him in this sport,” said Velez. “He’s always in shape; he’s a coach’s dream.”

In addition to capping the century mark, Sabatini has even loftier goals set for himself before he completes his final campaign grappling for the red and white.

This year, Sabatini wants to reach regionals on his way to the state competition. Last year in a District One Class AA semifinal bout, Pat was leading 11-0 in a 135-pound matchup when he was called for an illegal maneuver.

As a combatant who takes to the mat in several sports, Pat says not being able to separate the sports - and the rules that pertain to each - got him into trouble with officials all season long in his junior campaign. In the postseason, it cost him dearly.

Brazilian Jujitsu fighting is a lot like wrestling - there’s a point system. But instead of winning by pinfall, a combatant wins by forcing his opponent to submit.

Pat says that last season he always seemed to instinctually resort to what he’s learned Jujitsu fighting.

“Once I get to the ground in wrestling, I go on pure instinct, which is my Jujitsu,” stated Sabatini. “Sometimes, I do submissions instead of wrestling holds. That cost me lots of penalty points, sometimes disqualifications.

“That time, it cost me a defensive pin.”

Whatever the ruling, Sabatini says it won’t happen again this time around.

“I think I’ve matured a lot in the last year,” he says. “With maturity, I’ve learned to separate the sports better.”

Labels: Bristol, Bristol wrestling, Wrestling

By Steve Sherman; Sports Editor

Council Rock North seemed like the king of Rock wrestling this year, outdueling South on two occasions. The Indians outpaced the Golden Hawks, 29-26, the first time the sides battled for the Unity Cup Dec. 10 at CR North then came back in District One AAA Duals and downed their sister rival 31-28 Jan. 31 at CR South.
Of the two wins, the latter victory enabled North to punch its ticket to states and capture third place in the district.
If you recall however, last year, South defeated North in the district title tilt. While both sides earned a trip to states just by making it to that bout, the Indians were left smarting a little from the D-1 title match with the Hawks.
Not this year.
“The last few years, they’ve had our number a little bit,” said Head Coach Tom Vivacqua. “It’s a friendly rivalry until we’re lined up and ready to go.
“Then, it’s a war--and that’s the way it should be.”
At states, North posted a win over Hazelton before falling to Connellsville, thus ending their dual meet season.
Last Saturday morning at Abington High School started a whole new season for all of lower Bucks varsity grapplers as they took to the mat trying to capture individual championships.
After earning 100 wins this year as a junior, 189-pounder Jamie Callender--with his 32-5 record, led Rock North into battle. Seeded No. 2 behind Pennsbury’s Matt Johnson, Callender posted a major decision over the Falcon grappler to not only take the section trophy, but also to put his team in position to win the team championship. (Callender pinned Johnson in the Indians last regular season battle.)
When John Kashak outpaced Neshaminy 215-pounder Tyler Stabilito, 6-0, the Indians had outpaced CR South once more, this time, 155 1/2 to 155 in the Section One--South Class AAA championship.
CR North senior Zac Haynes contributed to North’s team win with an 8-7 come-from-behind win over Upper Moreland’s Tim Santry in the 119-pound final. Haynes went in seeded No. 2 with a record of 26-9 on the season.
While the Indians will send nine grapplers to this weekend’s district tournament at North, including three section runnerups, South captured five section titles.
Matt Rappo and Matt Martoccio started collecting championship trophies for South with their title wins at 125 and 130 pounds, respectively.
And Jim Vollrath (152), Ed Shupe (160) and Bobby Lavelle (171) dominated the middleweight division for the Golden Hawks.
“The entire goal of our year is to peak during the postseason when it counts most,” said CR South Head Coach Brad Silimperi. “To send seven into the finals is a tribute to their hard work and the way they responded to some temporary setbacks during the year.”
The other South wrestlers who qualified for districts include Tim Riley, a runnerup at 135, and Marc Helfrich, who also earned a trip to the section finale, taking second place in the 145 pound division.
CR North junior Greg Lanctot went into the tourney as a top seed at 140 pounds. He came away with a runnerup trophy after being outpaced by Neshaminy’s John Lindquist.
The other Indian grapplers headed to districts include Adam Siezak, a runnerup at 103, Shane Longstreth, second place at 112, Sean Doerr (5th at 135), David Giannaula (5th at 145), and Tom Clarke (6th at 171).
Pennsbury will send seven mat men to districts including Johnson, Jeff Lieb at 112, Matt Funk at 125, Brian Kahil at 130, Conlan Cornman at 152, Kevin Bree at 215 and Josh Mitchell at heavyweight.
Neshaminy also had seven qualify for district including Stabilito (215), Lindquist (140), Colby Lederer at 103, Nick Russell at 119, Tom Burke at 152, Stephen Stemme at 160, and Garret Simpson at 189.
Truman’s Tigers had two sectional champions including HST senior James Bak also captured the top prize in the 103-pound division. And Truman sophomore Sean Edmondson outdueled CR North 112-pounder Shane Longstreth, who entered the tourney with a 20-13 mark and seeded third in sectionals.
The Tigers have a total of six grapplers who have qualified for districts including Matt Marks, who claimed a runnerup trophy at 125 pounds. No surprise there; he along with Edmonson and Bak have been anchoring the Truman team all season long.
The Tigers also had three wrestlers who captured sixth place trophies including Brandon Ryan at 130 pounds, Shane Marchesani at 160 and Tom Bremme at heavyweight.
***
SECTION ONE CHAMPIONSHIPS
(Feb. 14 at Abington HS)

Championship Finals
103: James Bak, HST, pinned Adam Slezak, CRN, 1:23
112: Sean Edmondson, HST, dec. Shane Longstreth, CRN, 4-3
119: Zac Haynes, CRN, dec. Tim Santry, UM, 8-7 (ultimate tiebreaker)
125: Matt Rappo, CRS, maj. dec. Matthew Marks, HST, 16-6
130: Matt Martoccio, CRS, dec. Will Dill, UM, 10-5
135: Zac Bush, WT, tech. fall Tim Riley, CRS, 4:00
140: John Lindquist, NSH, dec. Greg Lanctot, CRN, 4-2
145: Cody Carrigan, AB, dec. Marc Helfrich, CRS, 3-0
152: Jimmy Vollrath, CRS, dec. Max Barsky, AB, 10-4
160: Ed Shupe, CRS, pinned John Bolich, UM, 4:47
171: Bobby Lavelle, CRS, dec. Andrew Scholer, WT, 6-4
189: Jamie Callender, CRN, maj. dec. Matthew Johnson, PN, 17-5
215: John Kaschak, CRN, dec. Tyler Stabillito, NSH, 6-0
285: David Osei, AB, pinned Ricky Dracup, WT, 1:35
***
Consolation Finals
103: Colby Lederer, NSH, pinned Patrick Tully, BN, 1:51
112: Jake Ellis, UM, pinned Jeffrey Lieb, PN, 0:35
119: John Lee, AB, dec. Nick Russell, NSH, 10-5
125: Frank Lippincott, BN, dec. Matthew Funk, PN, 6-4
130: Brian Kahil, PN, maj. dec. Brandon Ryan, HST, 8-0
135: Sean Doerr, CRN, dec. Brandon Brickner, BN, 3-0
140: Max Agasar, UM, dec. Matt Lancaster, AB, 5-2
145: David Giannaula, CRN, dec. Mark Poderis, UM, 9-5
152: Thomas Burke, NSH, pinned Conlan Cornman, PN, 3:32
160: Stephen Stemme, NSH, dec. Shane Marchesani, HST, 6-5
171: Ryan Rozniakowski, AB dec. Tom Clark, CRN, 7-5
189: James Nicholson, UM, maj. dec. Garrett Simpson, NSH, 20-8
215: Kevin Bree, PN, dec. Dan Clemenson, WT, 8-2
285: Joshua Mitchell, PN, dec. Tom Bremme, HST, 3-1
***
Outstanding Wrestler: David Osei, AB
***
Team scores:
1. Council Rock North 155 1/2
2. Council Rock South 150
3. Neshaminy 106
4. Harry S Truman 97 1/2
4. (tie) Abington 97 1/2
6. Upper Moreland 95 1/2
7. William Tennent 81
8. Pennsbury 79
9. Bensalem 30

Labels: Council Rock North, Council Rock South, Wrestling

By Steve Sherman; Sports Editor

Bristol senior Pat Sabatini became the first wrestler ever to reach 100 career wins yesterday (Feb. 14) in the Bicentennial Athletic League (BAL) Championships.

The 140-pounder did it in dramatic fashion, pinning New Hope-Solebury’s Beau Schwantes to take first place in the BAL wrestling tournament at Phil-Mont Christian Academy.

Along with winning first place in the tourney, Sabatini was also named the BAL's Most Outstanding Wrestler.

Three other Warriors earned BAL crowns including Dave Cramp, who took a first place trophy at 103 pounds with a 14-9 decision over DelCo's Isaac Moore.

Bristol also ruled the heavyweight classes, taking top prizes at 215 and 285 pounds. First, Tyler Bliss pinned New Hope 215-pounder Chris Warden in 1:05. Then, Will Meyerle pinned Lower Moreland heavyweight Matt Hladchuk.

Winning third place bouts for Bristol were Colin McGovern (171), who won a close decision over Lower Moreland's Manny Collazo and Steven Pepe, who pinned LM 189-pounder Alex Reimold in 25 seconds.
***

Bicentennial Athletic League Tournament
Team scores

1. New Hope-Solebury 207; 2. Lower Moreland 196.5; 3. Delco Christian Academy 147, 4. Bristol 140; 5. Phil-Mont Christian Academy 101, 6. Girard College 22.

***
Championships

103 pounds: David Cramp (Bristol) dec. Isaac Moore (Delco Christian), 14-9
112: Frank Gould (Lower Moreland) dec. Dylan Clark (Bristol), 4-0
119: Tim Yu (Lower Moreland) dec. Ethan Bravo (New Hope), 5-1
125: Andrew Mermelstein (Lower Moreland) pinned Anthony LaRocca (Delco Christian), 2:53
130: Dan Gelman (Lower Moreland) pinned Mike Pohlman (Delco Christian), 2:49
135: Devon Voorhees (New Hope) pinned Dom Scirrotto (Lower Moreland), 1:58
140: Pat Sabatini (Bristol) pinned Beau Schwantes (New Hope), 2:37
145: Wes O’Brien (Delco Christian) pinned Tom Kelley (Bristol), 1:38
152: Logan Cawley (New Hope) dec. Jared Epstein (Lower Moreland), 9-4
160: Tom Villareale (New Hope) pinned John Founds (Lower Moreland), 5:44
171: David DeFelice (Phil-Mont) dec. Eric Barnhart (New Hope), 14-5
189: Tyler Hendricks (New Hope) dec. Alex Avellino (Phil-Mont), 5-2
215: Tyler Bliss (Bristol) pinned Chris Warden (New Hope), 1:05
285: Will Meyerle (Bristol) pinned Matt Hladchuk (Lower Moreland), 0:35

***
Third-place bouts

112: Frank Gould (Lower Moreland) dec. Dylan Clark (Bristol), 4-0
130: Tom Hische (New Hope) pinned George Bernhard (Phil-Mont), 2:17
135: Nick Connelly (Delco Christian) dec. Nahir Francis (Phil-Mont), 13-2
140: Rashan Chanyothi (Lower Moreland) tech. fall Mark McLaughlin (Delco Christian), 12-0
145: Tom Cutner (Lower Moreland) pinned Ryan Moss (New Hope), 3:02
152: John Lozowski (Phil-Mont) pinned Sean Ellsworth (Delco Christian), 2:51
160: Stephen Langford (Delco Christian) pinned Shawn Perez (Girard), 2:48
171: Colin McGovern (Bristol) dec. Manny Collazo (Lower Moreland), 3-2
189: Steven Pepe (Bristol) pinned Alex Reimold (Lower Moreland), 0:25

Labels: Bristol, Bristol wrestling, Wrestling

By Steve Sherman; Sports Editor

Council Rock North seemed like the king of Rock wrestling this year, outdueling South on two occasions. The Indians outpaced the Golden Hawks, 29-26, the first time the sides battled for the Unity Cup Dec. 10 at CR North then came back in District One AAA Duals and downed their sister rival 31-28 Jan. 31 at CR South.

Of the two wins, the latter victory enabled North to punch its ticket to states and capture third place in the district.

If you recall however, last year, South defeated North in the district title tilt. While both sides earned a trip to states just by making it to that bout, the Indians were left smarting a little from the D-1 title match with the Hawks.

Not this year.

“The last few years, they’ve had our number a little bit,” said CR North Head Coach Tom Vivacqua. “It’s a friendly rivalry until we’re lined up and ready to go.

“Then, it’s a war--and that’s the way it should be.”

At states, North posted a win over Hazelton before falling to Connellsville, thus ending their dual meet season.

Tomorrow morning at Abington High School starts a whole new season for the grapplers as they take the mat trying to earn individual championships.

After earning 100 wins this year as a junior, 189-pounder Jamie Callender--with his 32-5 record--will lead Rock North into battle. He’s seeded No. 2 behind Pennsbury’s Matt Johnson who he pinned in the Indians last regular season battle.

CR North junior Greg Lanctot goes into the tourney as a top seed at 140 pounds.
At 26-9 on the season so far, 119-pounder Zac Haynes is seeded at No. 2. Sophomore Shane Longstreth, with a 20-13 mark, is seeded third at 112.

Below are the individual records of each wrestler competing at both CR north and sister school South.

Council Rock North
119/Jr. - Allan Slezak (10-20)
125/Sr. - Zac Haynes (26-9)
130/Sr. - Brian Murray (14-22)
135
140/Sr. - Sean Doerr (15-17)
145/Jr. - Greg Lanctot (26-8)
152/Sr. - David Giannaula (10-12)
160/Sr. - Bruce Froshour (9-23)
171/Sr. - Tom Clark (22-14)
189/Jr. - Jamie Callender (32-5)
215/Sr. - John Kaschak (20-12)
285/Fr. - Stephen Kaschak (11-12)
103/So. - Adam Slezak (11-4)
112/So. - Shane Longstreth (20-13)
***

Council Rock South
119/Sr. - Wes Moran (11-16)
125/So. - Matt Rappo (27-8)
130/So. - Connor Moore (19-8)
135/So. - Matt Martoccio (12-2)
140/So. - Dalton Wiltrout (3-3)
145/Sr. - Marc Helfrich (26-6)
152/Sr. - Jim Vollrath (29-1)
160/So. - Shane Gilmor (8-3
171/Sr. - Ed Shupe (25-3)
189/Jr. - Bobby Lavelle (24-10)
215/So. - Tom Dingui (5-15)
285/Jr. - Joshua Kupperstein (2-5)
103/Fr. - Billy Rappo (15-14)
112/Jr. Ian Krouse (1-18)

Labels: Council Rock North, Council Rock South, Wrestling

Led by top seed Matt Johnson, Falcons looking to go far

By Steve Sherman; Sports Editor

February 4 was a long night for the Pennsbury High School wrestling team as it saw its dual-match season come to a close with a 42-19 loss to Council Rock North.

What’s more, senior Matt Johnson suffered his first loss of the season when he moved up to 189 pounds and was pinned by Rock North’s Jamie Callender in the second period.

Now it’s a whole new ballgame with sectionals beginning 9:30 a.m. tomorrow morning at Abington High School.

Johnson (28-1) enters the tournament as the No. 1 seed at 189 pounds. If he finishes in the top four, he’ll advance to the District One South Class AAA tourney slated for Feb. 21 at Council Rock North.

Johnson is looking to make it to states set to take place early next month at Hershey’s Giant Center. Matt has a very good chance to see his wish through.

The senior grappler spent last season wrestling and attending classes at Valley Forge Military Academy and finished third working the mat at 215 pounds in the Independent School League Tournament. Johnson finished fifth at sectionals in his sophomore campaign at Pennsbury.
Though he spent last year competing for another school, his teammates thought enough of Johnson to elect him a co-captain.

“He’s well respected by the young men on the team,” stated Head Coach Joe Kiefer. “And he’s obviously had a very successful season with his 28 wins.”

Junior Mark Nicholson (19-3) is another Falcon with a good chance to go far in individual action set to take place over the next four weeks. Last year, Nicholson punched his ticket to regionals after defeating Paul Ebert, of Council Rock South in district consolations.

With a 33-12 record entering regionals at 135 pounds, Nicholson thought he’d go far--at least make it to states.

He did not.

“He’s hoping to make it to regionals and do well this year in that tournament,” stated Kiefer. “He wants to avenge last year in all three levels this year--by doing well in sectionals, districts and regionals.”

Nicholson is seeded second and will go at 140 pounds in individual tourneys.

Senior co-captain Matt Funk--a No. 4 seed at sectionals--is also having a nice campaign in his final season at Pennsbury. After going 28-17 last year, Funk came back with a 22-8 mark this year.

“Winning 22 matches out of 30 opportunities is a good year for any wrestler, “ said Kiefer.
A three-year varsity wrestler and district qualifier the past two seasons, Funk helped the Falcons nip William Tennent in a mid-January matchup in hostile territory. With his team trailing 33-29, Funk came through with a major decision to lock the sides at 33-all. Pennsbury won the match on the first criteria--they’d won more matches than did the Panthers.

“He’s won some matches over the years that were big matches,” stated Kiefer. “We needed a major decision there against Tennent and he came through--helped seal our win that evening.”
Brian Kahil is another senior having a good year, just one win shy of 20 at 19-11. A wrestler who finished second at sectionals last year, Kahil came into the PHS program with no elementary school experience.

Over the last three seasons, Kiefer says the 130-pounder has blossomed into a solid mat performer.

“He really came into his own when he entered grades 10 and above,” stated the coach. “We are real happy with the kind of progress that he’s made.

“He’s turned into a very strong wrestler.”

Of all the grapplers, sophomore Conlan Cornman (20-10) is having perhaps the most surprising season. Not only did the 10th-grader make the jump from JV to varsity this year, he also surrendered weight in just about every bout, wrestling up at 160 pounds.

“Josh has to be the most pleasant surprise on the team,” said Kiefer. “Winning 20 matches is an accomplishment that speaks well for his future.”

Sophomore Jeff Leib (13-8) has had a solid season, too, winning 13 matches his first year on the varsity mat. He is seeded fourth at sectionals.

Junior Josh Mitchell had a fine year, coming out ahead in 23 of the 30 bouts that he wrestled. Josh is seeded at No. 2 in tomorrow’s tournament.

Junior Kevin Bree (15-11) will work the mat at 215 pounds at sectionals.

Last year, Bree wrestled at 160 pounds but grew into a 189-pounder in the offseason. At sectionals, he’ll wrestle at 215 pounds seeded fifth in the tourney.

“He’s a strong young man and getting better,” said Kiefer. “We’re hoping he’ll be able to extend his season for a couple more weeks.”

Among the group still on the team, the district qualifiers at Pennsbury last year included Funk, Kahil (fifth at districts) and Nicholson (third at districts).
***
NOTES: Junior Josh Dziewa (119) and senior Ed Shupe (160) also went to regionals last year along with Joe Erb (215) and Joe Valenzano (189). Shupe and Dziewa have since transferred to Council Rock South; the other two graduated from Pennsbury.


WT./Gr. NAME RECORD
103/So. - Robert Daniels, (6-9)
112/So. - Jeff Lieb, (13-8)
119/Sr. - Pat Hyland, (16-12)
125/So. – Anthony Argenti, (12-17)
130/Sr. - Matt Funk, (22-8)
135/Sr. - Brian Kahil, (19-11)
140/Jr. - Mark Nicholson, (19-3)
145/So. - Stephan Healy, (7-19)
152/Jr. - George Peel, (11-19)
160/So. - Conlan Cornman, (20-10)
171/Sr. - Ray Robinson, (0-2)
189/Sr. - Matt Johnson, (28-1) no. 1 seed
215/Jr. - Kevin Bree, (15-11)
285/Jr. - Joshua Mitchell, (23-7)
***
Postseason Mat Schedule
Sat. Feb. 14 District 1 AAA Section 1
at Abington HS 9:30 am
Sat. Feb. 21 District 1 AAA South
at Council Rock North HS 9:30 am
Fri. Feb 27 South East AAA Regional
at Oxford HS 5:00 pm
Sat. Feb. 28 South East AAA Regional
at Oxford HS

Labels: Pennsbury, Pennsbury Wrestling, Wrestling

Conwell-Egan Catholic pushed its record to 9-10 overall with a 50-15 triumph on the mat over Germantown Friends School Jan. 31 in hostile territory. Anthony Spadafora (119), Eric Smith (152), Jim Weinerman (160) and Cameron Perry (189) recorded falls for the Eagles. Bob Albritain posted a major decision at 171 pounds.
- Sports Editor Steve Sherman

Conwell-Egan Catholic (CEC) vs. Germantown Friends

CEC 50, Germantown Friends 15
(Jan. 31 at GFS)

WEIGHT CEC GFS

103 Lost, forfeit Reed
112 Pat Hecker won 9-1 Rabeen
119 Anthony Spadafora won pin Pinover
125 Dylan Hetzer lost 4-0 dec. Furokowa
130 Stratis Moschouris won pin Kurokowa
135 Pat Henry won forfeit
140 Dan Balek won forfeit
145 Raison lost 10-3 dec. Hall
152 Eric Smith won pin Feingold
160 Jim Weinerman won pin Sullivan
171 Bob Albritain won 13-0 maj. dec. Shaffer
189 Cameron Perry won pin Soloman
215 Sean Black lost 3-2 dec. Clark

Labels: Conwell-Egan, Wrestling

CR South 285-pounder Josh Kupperstein pins in the Hawks' quarterfinal win over
CB East in District Dual Class AAA wrestling action Jan. 30-31 at CR South.

Down 28-8 after nine matches, Council Rock North rallied by winning its last five bouts, starting with Jamie Callender's decision win at 189 pounds and ending with Shane Longstreth's pin win at 112. The Indians claimed a 31-28 victory over South and third place for itself in the District One Class AAA wrestling duals Jan. 31 at CR South.

Earlier in the tournament, North claimed wins over Springfield DelCo and Upper Perkiomen before falling to Boyertown. Fourth place South finished with wins over CB East and Springfield Delco before falling at the hands of Quakertown and CR North.

Quakertown captured the top prize in the competition with a convincing 54-16 win over Boyertown.

--Sports Editor Steve Sherman

Council Rock North 37, Upper Perkiomen 30

Jan. 31 at CR South

District 1-AAA Duals (Consolation Semifinals)

112 - Dillon Longenbach pinned Joseph Hinz, 3:55 (6-0)

119 - Marty McStravick dec. Allan Slezak, 5-2 (6-3)

125 - Zac Haynes dec. Garrett Fellman, 6-4 SV (9-3)

130 - Brian Murray dec. Devyn Kerr, 8-1 (12-3)

135 - Sean Doerr pinned Dalton Fleming, 0:31 (18-3)

140 - Mike McStravick pinned Neil Patel, 3:03 (18-9)

145 - Cody Ambrose pinned David Giannaula, 3:57 (18-15)

152 - Greg Lanctot maj. dec. Nate Pompei, 11-3 (22-15)

160 - Britt Kerr dec. Bruce Froshour, 6-2 (22-18)

171 - Nick Edmonson pinned Prudhvi Moparthi, 3:45 (22-24)

189 - Jamie Callender pinned Nick Hale, 0:59 (28-24)

215 - John Kaschak pinned Dan Wolfram, 2:26 (34-24)

285 - Jared Bennett pinned Stephen Kaschak, 3:50 (34-30)

103 - Adam Slezak dec. Daniel Rodenberger, 2-0 (37-30)

Council Rock North wrestlers in bold.

***

Council Rock South 35, Springfield Delco 30

District 1-AAA Duals (Consolation Semifinals)

112 - Dan Dortone won by forfeit (0-6)

119 - Wes Moran won by tech. fall over Joe Methlie, 3:49, 15-0 (5-6)

125 - Brian Heckman pinned Mike Barbieri, 1:14 (11-6)

130 - Matt Rappo dec. Bob Gildea, 10-4 (14-6)

135 - Matt Martoccio pinned Ryan Thomas, 3:00 (20-6)

140 - Dalton Wiltrout dec. John McCoach, 4-2 (23-6)

145 - Brandon Loro dec. Marc Helfrich, 2-1 (23-9)

152 - Jim Vollrath pinned A.J. Kinter, 1:30 (29-9)

160 - Ed Shupe dec. Pat Leahan, 4-2 (32-9)

171 - Bobby Lavelle dec. Austin MacDowell, 7-0 (35-9)

189 - Andre Petroski pinned Marc Pelberg, 1:14 (35-15)

215 - Kaje Sponheimer pinned Tom Dingui, 2:59 (35-21)

285 - David Dewan won by forfeit (35-27)

103 - Vince Barbieri dec. Billy Rappo, 1-0 TB2 (35-30)

Council Rock South wrestlers in bold.

***

District 1-AAA Duals (Third Place)

Council Rock North 31, Council Rock South 28

Jan. 31 at CR South

119 - Allan Slezak dec. Wes Moran, 3-2 (3-0)

125 - Matt Rappo dec. Zac Haynes, 6-4 (3-3)

130 - Connor Moore maj. dec. Brian Murray, 8-0 (3-7)

135 - Matt Martoccio won by forfeit (3-13)

140 - Sean Doerr dec. Dalton Wiltrout, 2-1 (6-13)

145 - Marc Helfrich dec. Greg Lanctot, 1-0 (6-16)

152 - Jim Vollrath pinned David Giannaula, 1:39 (6-22)

160 - Bruce Froshour dec. Shane Gilmore, 2-1 (9-22)

171 - Ed Shupe pinned Tom Clark, 2:40 (9-28)

189 - Jamie Callender dec. Bobby Lavelle, 4-2 (12-28)

215 - John Kaschak pinned Tom Dingui, 4:30 (18-28)

285 - Stephen Kaschak dec. Joshua Kupperstein, 3-0 (21-28)

103 - Adam Slezak maj. dec. Billy Rappo, 9-0 (25-28)

112 - Shane Longstreth pinned Ian Krouse, 4:06 (31-28)

Council Rock North wrestlers in bold.

Labels: CR North, CR South, Wrestling