HERSHEY – They represent one of the smallest public schools in Pennsylvania. But they’re big on heart and commitment.

Just go to Benton this Thursday night. Coach Russ Hughes says he taking a few days off then it’s time for freestyle.

“We’re giving all our kids who were here a few weeks off,” Hughes said after his Tigers won the state team title with 93 points. “This is what we work for.”

Hughes watched as the first two of his three finalists lost.

But, senior Eric Hess had seen enough. The 160-pounder escaped midway through the second period and rode out two-time defending champion Dirk Cowburn of Coudersport, 1-0.

For his efforts and his second title Hess was awarded the Bob Craig Memorial Trophy for the tournament’s outstanding wrestler.

It gave Benton a clean sweep of the awards as Hughes and his assistant Bryan Hart were honored with Coach of the Year and Assistant of the Year, respectively.

ON A ROLL –  Line Mountain has now had a finalist in each of the last six years. Zain Rethford became the Eagles’ 11^th state champion (all since 1990).

Retherford, a freshman, gave up the opening takedown and then nothing else in a convincing 6-2 decision over Chris Farley of Bermudian Springs.

Athens’ David White waited until there was less than 15 seconds left in his bout to score a reversal and three near-fall points and a 5-4 championship at 112.

TWICE IS NICE – Colin Shober of Schuylkill Valley also took his second title while Jordan Moss and Luke Frey both failed to take a second championship. Moss lost a 6-3 decision to Nick Carr of South Fayette. Frey lost to A.J. Schopp of Tyrone 4-2.

The title was the first for South Fayette.

FRESH –  Ten minutes later, Cody Wiercioch became the first freshman to win the 152-pound weight class. He is also the first state champion from Charleroi.

Weiroch became the second heaviest freshman to win a state championship. Bald Eagle-Nittany’s Terry Williams won the 155 title in 1977.