Friday evening - AA Semis

Good evening from the floor of the Giant Center. It’s great to be back at the premier high school sporting event in the state of Pennsylvania – THE PIAA WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS.

A NEW STATE RECORD – Wyalusing senior Matt Fisk  downed Forest
hill’s Shane Valko, 2-1, establishing a new state win mark with 174. Fisk now fas his sights on a second PIAA title bto go with his championships at 119 last year. In addition, Fisk was also a runner-up to two-time champ Jake Strayer in his freshman season.  

When Jason Guffey of Warrior Run scored a 13-8 win over Tom McVickers of Forest Hills, the Defenders’ junior became coach Wayne Smythe’s first state finalist since Jason Betz won the third of his three state crowns a decade ago. Guffey, 35-2 will face Cameron Moran of Kane (36-1) in the 103-pound final. Moran, a freshman, had little problem with Central (Martinsburg) wrestler Doug Ritchey, taking a 9-0 major decision.

REMATCHES – The 112-pound final features a redo of last week’s Southwest Regional championship. In the regional, Troy Dolan of Derry Area downed West Greene’s Justin Blumer by a 4-1 score. The 119-pound championship also has rematch from last week’s SW regional. However this replay is a redo from the quarterfinals. In that round-of-eight Claysburg-Kimmels’ Adam Whetstone beat Jason Weslager 4-3.

FORMER FINALISTS – Last year Loyalsock’s Ricky Tedesco was a rideout loser to Fort LeBoeut’s Kody Hiner, on Friday morning Tedesco was downed by Avella’s Jeff Kusich 4-1. The ‘Sock junior rebounded with two wins to guarantee himself of at least sixth place in the 119-pound AA class. … Wilson’s Russ Souders  rebounded from his first-round loss to Kusich  with a win Thursday and two more in Friday morning’s session. Later tonight, Souders and Kusich will meet again the consolation semifinals.

NO REPEAT – Freedom Area’s Damian Rose lost his chance for a second title when he was penalized in overtime for stalling. The point broke a 1-all tie and moved Reynolds’ Aaron Nestor into the 140-pound final. Rose then dropped a 4-1 decision to Montgomery senior Jaryd Steinbacher and now can finish no better than fifth.

RETAKES – The 189-pound final is also a rematch from a regional final. In the Northwest final a week ago, Curwensville’s Nick Sipes decisioned Saegertown’s Pat Bradshaw 5-2. Sipes will be joined in the finals by teammate and older brother Nate who will be seeking his second title. Last year, Nate won at 189. He has moved up a weight to 215 and will take on last year’s runner-up at that weight, Kyle Davis of Valley View. … Tyrone’s Terry Tate will also be looking to down a familiar opponent – Chartier-Houston’s Elliot Bates. Tate was fourth here a year ago and pinned Bates in 1:59 for the regional crown.

MORE BROTHERS IN THE ACT – Jeremy Walsh of Oley Valley a champ in 2000 and 2001 had his younger brother Caleb became a finalist at 135. The younger Walsh shutout Reynolds’ Mason Stewart 3-0. To join Jeremy as a champion, Caleb will have to stop two-time champ Garrett Scott of Juniata Valley. … Also, Reynolds’ Aaron Nestor will try to join his older brother Justin as a state champ. Justin won titles in 1998, 2000 and 2001.

BACK IN THE PARADE OF CHAMPIONS – Two years ago Reynolds Matt Dunn was a champ at 103 pounds, last year the Raider was 3^rd at 112. Now at 130 pounds, the junior earned a return trip to the finals where he’ll meet Line Mountain junior Kellon Balum. Balum was also a third place winner last year.