Boiling Springs' Joe Spisak, top, was one of four midstate state champions

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(The Patriot-News)

Most all-star selections are numbers-driven.

This Patriot-News' Big 14 Team is no different. Early this season, Central Dauphin head coach Jeff Sweigard said it best when he stated, "There is a lot of talent here" in reference to the local wrestling scene.

He wasn't kidding.

The 2009-10 edition racked up unfathomable numbers, finishing with a combined record of 535-50. Each was so dominant at his weight that he carved out a spot somewhere on the podium in front of a packed house at Giant Center nearly three weeks ago.

There were four state champions. Line Mountain freshman Zain Rutherford (103) and Boiling Springs senior Joe Spisak (130) carried the banner in Class AA, with Central Dauphin's dynamic duo of senior Marshall Peppelman (160) and junior Kenny Courts (171) racking up a combined 92-0 mark in putting gold around their necks against stiff Class AAA competition.

But numbers aren't all that distinguished this team over a grueling 14-week season. Along with great individual achievements, there was unmatched leadership surrounded by acts of class on and off the mat.

Peppelman, Courts and senior Tyler Buckman (130) put their individual aspirations aside temporarily to hoist their CD teammates on their backs and lead them to a third straight team title in February.

And who could forget Buckman's gut-wrenching loss in the state finals to McDowell's Steve Spearman and his sportsmanlike handshake at the end? That show of class alone made the Rams senior a deserving member of this team.

Cumberland Valley might have had a sub-par season by normal standards, but seniors Shawn Greevy (135) and Tristan Warner (171) showed perseverance and excellence in securing state runner-up finishes.

Struggles were also overcome by Juniata's Seth Beitz (140) and Middletown's Bo Candelaria (145), both seniors. Beitz shook off a pair of losses to Annville-Cleona's Dylan Killian and managed to score a runner-up finish at states. Candelaria put aside family issues and nailed a third-place finish in a loaded 145-pound weight class.

But quality wasn't cornered by the senior class. Seven underclassmen showed earned postseason accolades and Big 14 recognition.

Rutherford and Courts led this contingent. But juniors Zachary Nye (East Pennsboro), Dereck Enders (Big Spring) and Jayshon Wilson (Carlisle) showed they will be in contention for a state title next season.

The sophomore and freshman classes were also well represented, with Susquehanna Twp. sophomore Averee Robinson and Cedar Cliff freshman Christopher Vassar placing at states.

2009-10 wrestling season-in-review links:
>> The Patriot-News wrestling Big 14 team
>> Big 14 wrestling squad showcases wealth of midstate grappling talent, by JEREMY ELLIOTT
>> 2009-10 midstate wrestling all-stars and league champions 

From gold rush to gold-less.
This year, the color of choice was certainly silver.
Once known as the cradle of high school wrestling, the
perennially powerful programs of The Express-Times area
failed to produce a state champion for the first time in a
long, long time.
Lehigh Valley area schools left the Giant Center in
Hershey, Pa., without a first-place finisher for the first
time since 1966. And our area schools from New Jersey again
left Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City without an individual
titlist.
Though no local state champions were crowned in 2010, there
are plenty of quality wrestlers that headline our annual
All-Area team.
Six state runners-up -- four from Pennsylvania and two from
New Jersey -- are the linchpins of our first team.
Liberty senior Anthony Marino at 119 and Nazareth junior
Zach Horan at 125 pounds are Keystone State silver medalists
in Class AAA, while the Bethlehem Catholic tag-team of Randy
Cruz at 112 and Kyle Dehaut at 152 pounds placed second in
Class AA.
Horan, who finished second-best in the state for a third
consecutive year, is The Express-Times Wrestler of the Year.
He finished the season with a 38-2 record and will enter his
senior season with a 120-12 career mark.
Senior Bobby Stevely of Delaware Valley at 125 and junior
Jack Delia of North Hunterdon at 285 pounds took home silver
medals in the Garden State.
The rest of our first team is a combination of experienced
seniors and promising underclassmen.
Marinos Liberty teammate, junior Anthony Cabrera, is
the 103-pounder. Horans Nazareth teammate, junior Ryan
Krecker at 145 pounds, also earned first-team honors.
Easton sophomore Mitch Minotti and Pen Argyl freshman Mikey
Racciato are 130-pounders on The Express-Times All-Area
team.

Our first team includes all 14 weight classes and two
wild-cards.)

Junior Joey Rizzolino of Easton is at 135 pounds, with Red
Rovers teammate Mark Hartenstine, a senior, the 140-pounder.
Northamptons Austin Sommer came on strong late in the
season and earned the spot at 152 pounds. Dehaut, though he
competed in the postseason at 152, fits in nicely on our
team as a 160-pounder -- a weight he wrestled 10 matches at
during the season.
Pius X senior Luke DeLuise pinned his way to the 171-pound
position. Junior Ian Gimbar of Saucon Valley is at 189 and
Warren Hills senior Kyle ODonnell is the 215-pounder.
Marino, Horan, Rizzolino and Krecker all were named to our
first team last season.
Veteran Easton coach Steve Powell, the second-winningest
coach in District 11 history behind Ray Nunamaker of
Nazareth, is The Express-Times Coach of the Year.
Powells Red Rovers finished the season 17-8 and they
placed fourth at the PIAA Team Championships. Easton upset
two teams it lost to during the Lehigh Valley Conference
season -- Nazareth and Parkland -- en route to the district
title.
Michael Blouse can be reached at 800-360-3601 or
mblouse@express-times.com. Talk about sports in the region
at lehighvalleylive.com/forums.

Tyler Buckman right, of Central Dauphin reverses Steve Spearman left, of McDowell.

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(JOHN C. WHITEHED, The Patriot-News)

It’s only 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, it’s rainy, dreary and incredibly windy, yet the string of automobile headlights lined up on Hersheypark Drive heading for Giant Center stretches from the arena’s intersection beyond the crest of the hill more than a half-mile back.
   
Had one of the six mats used during the PIAA Wrestling Championships been outside, the wind could have rolled it up and rolled it over to Hersheypark Arena, where the championships used to be conducted.
   
But it was the Class AAA semifinals these 8,000 fans wanted to see and little was going to stop them.
   
For good reason. The Triple-A semis are by far the highlight of the eight-session, three-day event. This year’s talent level was Triple-A squared.
   
Check out these champions’ college choices: Josh Dziewa to Iowa. Josh Kindig to Oklahoma State. Mitchell Port to Division I Edinboro. The Alton twins to Penn State. Marshall Peppelman to Cornell. Spencer Myers to Maryland. Evan Craig to Rider.
   
That’s a small sampling.
   
So next year, when you’re en route to the tournament and someone asks you for directions to Giant Center, the answer is simple: “Practice, practice, practice.”
   
How popular is this PIAA event, you ask? I can tell you.
   
Pennlive.com received 442,645 page views for the wrestling coverage over the three days. There were 2,300 people involved in online chats, and they sent more than 3,000 messages.
   
That shows the passion not only statewide, but one person online was in China and another in Florida.
   
However, what would a tournament that draws that much attention and was witnessed by 57,000 fans be without a complaint? I just happen to have one.
   
If you’re a wrestler and you’ve just lost a match, have the decency to shake your opponent’s hand. Look him in the eye and shake his hand. Don’t slap at his hand, don’t offer your left hand, don’t turn your back and throw your hand at his, possibly hitting it, possibly not.
   
Grow up and shake his hand. Losing a match won’t be the worst thing that will happen to you in your life.
   
Having said that, a tip of the mat to Central Dauphin’s Tyler Buckman, the 130-pound senior who lost a heartbreaking finals match to Erie McDowell sophomore Steve Spearman.
   
Buckman not only shook Spearman’s hand, he gave him a pat on the shoulder. And after the two shook the hands of the opposing coaches, Buckman stopped Spearman at the side of the mat and hugged him.
   
The fans appreciated the quality of the match, and they let them know afterward with rousing applause. They also appreciated the sportsmanship.
   
I wouldn’t call this a complaint because you’d have to be a fool to complain about Andrew Alton of Central Mountain, voted the tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler.
   
But I would have voted for heavyweight Craig of Abington Heights. He won his second title by pinning four straight opponents. He’s not yet at the already collegiate level of the Alton twins or CD’s Peppelman, but he’s getting mighty close.
   
And if ever there was a year to start an Outstanding Runner-up award, my vote would go to CD’s Buckman.
   
Another tip of the mat to the four District 12 (Philadelphia city schools) wrestlers who earned medals.
   
Shane Springer of La Salle College was runner-up to Dylan Alton at 152. Casey Kent of La Salle lost his first match and won five straight bouts to place third at 125. Only two other wrestlers did that, and it’s quite a feat.
   
Nick Bongard of Monsignor Bonner was sixth at 119, and Anthony White of Northeast Catholic was seventh at 140.
   
Lest you think that Saturday night marked the end of the season, think again. The season will be capped off Saturday with the Dapper Dan Classic at the Pitt Field House.
   
Joe Spisak of Boiling Springs and CD’s Peppelman are part of a Pennsylvania all-star team that will take on a team of stars from around the United States.
   
It’s a prestigious event, one which the USA has dominated as of late. This year could be different.
   
Spisak will face Jamie Clark, a three-time Ohio champion from St. Edwards with a career record of 128-8. Clark is heading for Illinois; Spisak, for Virginia.
   
Peppelman will meet Nick Sulzer, also from St. Edwards and a one-time champ who is 146-17 and headed for UVa.
   
Other matches that should be quite interesting include Andrew Alton against Joe Cozart (226-4), a four-time Florida champ headed for Iowa State; Dylan Alton against Jackson Morse (184-9), a three-time Michigan champ headed for Illinois, and Craig against Bobby Telford (116-40), a two-time Delaware champ en route to Iowa.
   
Mike Evans of Blair Academy in New Jersey by way of Cumberland Valley is on the U.S. team and is set to face Jamie Callender of Council Rock North. Evans also is headed for Iowa next season.
   
The match begins at 8 p.m. It will be preceded at 6 p.m. by a match between a team of WPIAL (Pittsburgh suburbs) all-stars and a team of New York state stars.
   
If you’re not wrestled out, the NCAA Championships begin today in Omaha, Neb. Plenty of action will be on ESPNU Friday (10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.) and Saturday (11 a.m.), and the finals are 7:30 p.m. Saturday on ESPN.

Marshall Peppelman of Central Dauphin will be remembered

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(JOHN C. WHITEHEAD, The Patriot-News)

Walking out of Giant Center late Saturday night and into the bluster and drizzle, it was the perfect time to reflect on the events that occurred over the high school wrestling season.

At first, there was some anxiety taking over for longtime wrestling writer and colleague Rod Frisco, someone who has a limitless knowledge of the sport and has been a staple for 25 years.

But after a while, things settled down and I was able to get a grasp of what was going on. Along the way, the wrestling community was patient and provided great moments that won’t soon be forgotten, at least not from this side of the room.

My mind wondered to an epic dual meet between Central Mountain and Central Dauphin in the state semifinal dual that many experts rank above and beyond anything they have ever seen. That match alone sold me on team wrestling.

But by the time I reached down to open my car door, my thoughts shifted to what was witnessed on the floor of Giant Center over the last three days during the PIAA Wrestling Championships, where members of the 2009-2010 class of local wrestlers made memorable runs and solidified legacies.

It will be a long time before anyone forgets Central Dauphin’s Marshall Peppelman.

The 160-pound superstar displayed his power by standing West Allegheny’s Troy Reaghard straight up on his back like one of those buoys that bounced up and down in the ocean and pinned him in 3:02.

It was the perfect end to a career that included three straight individual state titles, six team titles, Powerade and Beast of the East championships and a district record 181 wins.

All were accomplished with a touch of class.

"I can’t name one moment out of all the success I had — the team titles, the individual titles — each is a moment all in itself," Peppelman said. "These are all memories that I can look back on that will last a lifetime."

Potential was also realized and completed in the Rams’ camp during this state tournament.

Kenny Courts came in as a highly touted freshman, got hurt and missed states and then came back to finish second last year as a sophomore. You could just sense at the beginning of this season, he was going to complete his mission.

He did, beating Cumberland Valley’s Tristan Warner in the final — not an easy task — to give the Rams back-to-back gold medals at 160 and 171.

"It’s been an amazing ride," the lightning-quick Courts said. "I’ve worked so hard since last year’s loss, especially on improving on the bottom, and it feels great to get something that I’ve worked so hard for."

And no one will forget CD’s Tyler Buckman and his unbelievable match against McDowell’s Steve Spearman in the 130-pound final. It was easily the best match of all the finals, Class AA or Class AAA.

Watching Buckman on the mat is fun any time. Whether he is leading or trailing, this guy can pull athletic moves that just captivate and wow a crowd.

"It’s been a pleasure coaching these kids," CD head coach Jeff Sweigard said. "They earned everything they got. Besides all the medals, they go out and work hard.

"They came up through the program together. They do the extra training, the extra lifting and they are all buddies and get a long."

But this season wasn’t just about Central Dauphin and its wrestlers. Not by a long shot.

How about Cumberland Valley’s Shawn Greevy? Was there a wrestler that showed more guts and moxie this season than this guy, coming back from an ugly knee injury in December to get a silver medal at 135?

No way.

The Eagles’ Warner should be commended for his efforts. He lived in Courts’ shadow most of the season and kept racking up impressive wins. He never wilted under pressure and if not for Courts, he would be the one celebrating a state championship.

A new star also stepped to the forefront this season in the form of East Pennsboro’s Zachary Nye.

Some speculated —- we took a wait-and-see attitude —- that he feasted on Capital Division competition and didn’t have the chops to hold up against the heavy hitters in Class AAA.

Wrong.

Fact is, Nye is legit. His speed and his tactical wrestling ability netted him a silver at states. One more offensive flurry or counter, and he beats Selinsgrove’s Spencer Myers for the gold.

"It was a goal, and is really everyone’s goal, to win a state title," Nye said. "But my expectations weren’t exactly to be a state runner-up.

"I’m proud of what I did this year. I’m disappointed with the end, but happy with the season."

Don’t worry, Zach, you will be in the hunt next season. And no doubt it will be fun to watch.

A special thanks also goes out to Boiling Springs’ Joe Spisak. This kid is classy and took some tough defeats in three seasons before reaching the top of the podium on Saturday afternoon at 130.

No one deserved it more.

The regular season was also dotted with great team matches. Big Spring and Mechanicsburg, Mechanicsburg and Chambersburg and Big Spring and Mechanicsburg again. See the trend here? That young Wildcats squad is going to be a handful during the 2010-2011 season.

Stay tuned.

Central Dauphin to Cumberland Valley, Middletown to Mechanicsburg and all the wrestlers in between, it was a great season.

And I can’t wait for the next one.

Boiling Springs' Joe Spisak, gets Shady Side Academy's Frank Martellotti, on his back

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(CHRIS KNIGHT, The Patriot-News)

Joe Spisak had beaten state champions. He had lost to state champions.

But he had never been a PIAA wrestling champion.

He is now.

Not one to forego a little drama, Spisak, the senior from Boiling Springs, took his leap into history by escaping former PIAA champion Frank Martellotti of Shady Side Academy with 5 seconds left for a 4-3 win.

That came with quite the prize: the PIAA Class AA 130-pound championship Saturday at Giant Center.

A lot of frustration evaporated the moment that Spisak (47-1, 164-15 career) broke free from Martellotti.

The victory not only affirmed all of Spisak's hard work, it was a do-over for his last-second, 9-7 loss two years ago to Keystone Oaks' Anthony Zanetta in the state finals at 112.

"Of course that was motivating," said Spisak, Boiling Springs' first PIAA wrestling champion in 48 years. "But that match helped me much more than anyone realized."

For two years, the loss burned in Spisak's gut, especially after Zanetta beat him in last year's quarterfinals and sent Spisak tumbling to a seventh-place finish.

That ignited an endless stream of work, work and more work, all for that moment he and his support system will never forget.

"I've been so blessed," Spisak said. "I have a great family, a great community, great teammates. Being able to share this with them means everything to me."

Spisak was joined atop the medal stand at by Line Mountain freshman Zain Retherford, who was strong throughout his 6-2 triumph over Bermudian Springs' Brad Farley at 103. Retherford (40-1) became Line Mountain's 11th champion.

Not as fortunate was Juniata's Seth Beitz, who couldn't stop Schuylkill Valley's Colin Shober from either taking him down or winning a second straight title. Shober took down Beitz five times to win the 140-pound title, 11-4.

Spisak's title, the first at Boiling Springs since Joe Eremus and Larry Karper had their famous back-to-back wins at 145 and 154 in 1962, was hardly preordained.

He had to battle through a grueling semifinal with Tyrone's Ronnie Garbinsky on Friday, then an even more grueling match Saturday.

After a scoreless first period, Martellotti escaped early but Spisak went to work late in the second period on a low shot. With Martellotti perched on an ankle, Spisak kept grinding until he rolled up Martellotti and put him on his back at the buzzer.

But it took an official's conference to determine that Spisak had gained control, even though Martellotti still had a counter possibility.

That was good for a 2-1 lead, and a quick escape made it 3-1, Spisak.

After Martellotti (48-3, 168-21 career) took a brief injury timeout with 1:13 to wrestle, Spisak burned some time before the Shady Side wrestler caught him, lifted and got the takedown with 24 seconds left.

On a restart with 20 seconds left, Spisak nearly sprang free but Martellotti dropped on the ankle. That was good for Spisak; Martellotti was warned for stalling with 9 seconds left.

That forced another restart, and Spisak took advantage, leaping away from Martellotti at the whistle, and broke free with 5 seconds left.

A gold medal was on its way to the Yellow Breeches.

"I knew he was going to get out," Boiling Springs head coach Rod Wright said. "I can't tell you how I knew it, but I knew it."

"It was kind of a fairy tale ending, wasn't it?" Spisak said.

Retherford completed an outstanding tournament with two distinct highlights, his semifinal victory Friday over returning PIAA champion and weight favorite Nick Roberts of North Star and his win over Farley.

"I've been dreaming about this since I was little," said Retherford, who's still little; he weighs only 102.

Retherford wrestled a different style against Farley, who got the opening takedown but was dominated the rest of the way, than he did against Roberts.

He spent most of his time throwing in the boots against Farley, who just could break the ride. Retherford gained control when he turned Farley and got a fast two when the latter hit a high bridge.

"I like wrestling that way," said Retherford, who had to score from neutral against Roberts.

Beitz (44-8) had an outstanding tournament, starting with his upset of former PIAA runner-up Philip Steinberg of Central Cambria, the first of three straight wins.

But Shober, who finished an exceptional career with 194 victories, the most by a Pennsylvania Class AA wrestler, was simply a wall too high to scale.

Other midstate Class AA medalists this weekend were Juniata's Zac Beitz (fifth at 125) and Dan Fultz (sixth at 285) and Milton Hershey's Cris Ramirez (eighth at 285).

Boiling Springs' Joe Spisak stands atop the medal stand

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(CHRIS KNIGHT, The Patriot-News)

Any good father knows that the toughest job on Earth is that of a mother.

And the mother of an athlete -- especially a wrestler -- has an even tougher task in her child's upbringing.

While the father of a successful athlete -- or any athlete, really -- can puff out his chest and proclaim, "That's my boy [or girl]," he knows the mother in many cases is the unsung hero.

The mother of a wrestler must monitor how her son eats, or doesn't eat, while attemping to make weight for his next match.

She counts the calories while she prepares meals.

She picks up -- usually very carefully -- and cleans the sweaty workout gear.

She nurses the cuts and scrapes and the moused eyes, and she ices the sprains and strains.

She's happy when her kid wins; she hurts for him when he doesn't.

And we're just talking high school here. Never mind that the kid probably has wrestled since first or second grade with all of the weekend tournaments and travel that was all part of a career.

All of the work doesn't have to be rewarded with a state title. In Pennsylvania, a state that enthusiasts proudly proclaim the best wrestling state in the country, just 28 kids walk away with a gold medal from two classes (AAA and AA) of competition.

But when that title comes, it's pretty sweet.

"I guess it was indescribably stressful," Kim Spisak said Saturday when asked how she felt while watching son Joe win the Class AA 130-pound title for Boiling Springs High School.

"I was never so nervous," Kim said. "I felt like willing my energy into his body; I couldn't believe it."

Kim Spisak is a veteran. Son Joe placed fifth last year, losing to the eventual champion. He was second in 2008, losing to the same Anthony Zanetta (now wrestling for Pitt) in the finals. And he was sixth in 2007 at 103 pounds.

Husband Steve used to coach at Boiling Springs, so wrestling has been a part of Kim's life. "It changes your whole family," she said. "The way you eat, the way you sleep ... everything.

"Now that the pressure is off Joe, I can get my son back."

Not for long, because Joe next fall is going to be a part of the program at the University of Virginia, his mother said.

The high school part of it is over, though, and she wonders where it went.

While on the Giant Center floor watching Joe receive his gold medal, Kim said she stood there thinking about the past.

"Joe used to sit on the knees of [Boiling Springs] wrestlers when Steve coached, and he'd say, 'When I win states, you can put me on your back and and carry me around the stadium,'" Kim said.

"I was watching that 3-year-old. I guess that's what I was thinking, 'Where did my little boy go?'"

As that boy grew, the town of Boiling Springs followed his accomplishments.

"Joe wanted it more for our town; he wanted it for them as much as himself," Kim said. "He's had hundreds of calls and texts and letters."

Shortly after he won Saturday, he had 39 text messages and 17 missed calls on his cell phone.

Obviously, wrestling didn't dial a wrong number when it called the Spisaks.

"It was worth it because it was worth it to Joe," Kim said. "The four years, the goal-setting, the 100 chin-ups every night. He truly gave it his all.

"It's not a mother-friendly sport, though, is it?"

Perhaps not, but it's been family-friendly for the Spisaks.

"I think what makes it the most fun is when your kid lets you come along on the journey," Steve Spisak said.

The journey of the Peppelman family at Central Dauphin has earned statewide recognition as well.

Mother Kathy and father Walter have watched sons Walter and Marshall win state titles in each of the last four years, Walter in 2007 and Marshall in 2008, 2009 and, well, Saturday at 160 pounds in Class AAA.

While it's been fun, it's not been easy on Kathy's nerves.

"I get very nervous," she said Saturday.

"I pray constantly. I pray and I take pictures. The pictures allow me to focus that God will lift up Marshall and help him in every way to wrestle to the best of his ability."

That ability is taking Marshall to Cornell on a wrestling scholarship to compete for the highly ranked Big Red program. Brother Walter is at Harvard.

"I'm so proud of Marshall," Kathy said. "I wanted him to go out with a bang. A pin in the finals is wonderful. A pin is a big exclamation point.

"I couldn't ask for anything better. He's a fabulous kid."

There were 28 mothers on Saturday who had to watch their son lose in the state finals.

Julie Nye was one of them. Her son, Zach, made an incredible run to the Class AAA 215-pound finals for East Pennsboro before being stopped by Selinsgrove High's Spencer Myers, who was a runner-up at that weight last year.

Julie Nye was all smiles and very gracious.

She, too, admitted to an "unbelievable amount of stress."

She also said she prays a lot. "It's something we've done since Zach was a little boy; it's a part of our routine.

"But it doesn't always get the butterflies out."

Zach Nye certainly will be one of the favorites at the state tournament next season. Julie Nye will be on tournament trail.

"I couldn't be more proud of Zach," Julie said. "An undefeated season until the state finals, getting his 100th win [Friday], second in the state.

"It doesn't get any better. Wrestling has made him a humble, good kid."

The sport -- and sports in general -- can do that to a lot of kids.

And if they're lucky, the bulk of them have a good mother behind them.

JIM CARLSON: jcarlson@patriot-news.com

Walt Peppelman, left, congratulates son Marshall after his third straight PIAA wrestling championship.

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(JOHN C. WHITEHEAD, The Patriot-News)

Marshall Peppelman and Kenny Courts have a lot in common.

They have wrestled together since they were kids, working out in the room and spending long hours sweating on the mat. They have the same coach in Ken Courts, Kenny’s father, and more important, they are best friends.

It’s a tight-knit bond that was developed when Peppelman was five and Kenny Courts was four, comrades with the same goals of winning a state title.

And now they are brothers in arms, draped in gold.

Peppelman and Courts completed life long dreams on the same night by giving Central Dauphin back-to-back state championships at 160 and 171 in front of 8,262 at Giant Center.

“We are such good friends and want each other to succeed,” Peppelman said. “I work out with Kenny every day, and I’m so close to him and his dad [Ken]. If not for coach Courts, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

“I’m so blessed to be around both of them, and I don’t know what I’m going to do next year without them.“

Peppelman couldn’t have started this run any better.

His opponent, West Allegheny’s Troy Reaghard did everything possible to stay away from the chiseled Rams senior, but Peppelman managed to wear his opponent down and build a 4-0 lead into the second on a first-period takedown and reversal early in the second.

Peppelman couldn’t get in too close on Reaghard, which took away the patented Central Dauphin tilts that have led to so many bonus point victories. But that didn’t stop the Cornell bound standout from ending this one on a high.

Just when it looked like this was going to be an ordinary major, Peppelman slipped in a brutal half nelson and pinned Reaghard in 3:02.

“I knew he was big on the funks, so I just wanted to be patient,” Peppelman said. “The tilts weren’t there but the half was, so I took it and stood him straight up.”

And put the finishing touches on a career that includes three straight state titles, 181 wins and more tournament victories then can be counted.

“I’ve had some great times and tough times under the lights here,” Peppelman said of the Giant Center. “But I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

“I’ve been so blessed to have great team accomplishments and great individual accomplishments. I can’t believe this. It all went so fast.”

Courts was equally impressive against an opponent that he has faced about as many times as he has faced Peppelman in the room in Cumberland Valley’s Tristan Warner.

The Rams junior took the fight to Warner early, scoring a takedown and two near fall points to end the first period 4-0.

Warner closed the gap on a pair of escapes in the second, but Courts turned a reversal to start the third and hung on for the 6-4 decision.

“I have pretty good feet, so I knew that once I got up by three points, he wasn’t going to be able beat me with only a minute left.

Continued Courts, “When I was a freshman, I got hurt and beat the guys that were in the finals. Last year, I just had a tough bracket and had a big jump from 135 to 160.

“This is unbelievable. I’ve been coming here since I was five years old, and I’m happy to be able to go out and finally win.”

Warner had no answer for Courts this season, losing three times.

“I was definitely ready for this,” Warner said. “I worked all week trying to get his left leg where he is weakest, but he did a good job.

“I guess he is just a better wrestler than me.”

The Rams fell seconds short of having three state champions, when Tyler Buckman dropped a heart-thumping 7-6 decision to McDowell Steve Spearman in three overtimes.

In what was the most entertaining bout of the day, the two traded blows like a fast-paced welter-weight championship bout./p

The two felt each other for the first two periods in a 2-2 dead-heat before opening up their repertoires in the third.

Spearman escaped and hit a double-leg takedown to take a three-point lead. Buckman stormed back with an escape and takedown to knot the match. Both wrestlers had a chance to win in regulation, but picture-perfect counters sent this one to OT.

The first overtime period provided no points, but Buckman escaped to start the second. But Spearman caught Buckman and lifted him into a takedown to take a 7-6 lead into the second 30 second period.

Buckman try to tilt Spearman twice but failed. When the buzzer sounded, the Rams senior was still pouring his heart onto the mat but in the end, he missed by inches.

“I have to hand it to Spearman,” said Buckman, who along with Spearman received a raucous ovation from the crowd. “He is a great kid and a great wrestler. He is only a sophomore, and I’m sure he will be back next year to win again.

“But looking back, I’m proud of my season, I reached most of my goals. I made it to the state finals, and I can’t be ashamed with the way I performed.”

Cumberland Valley’s Shawn Greevy settled for a runner-up finish at 130 after being pinned by Council Rock South’s Josh Dziewa in 1:28.

“I wanted to be aggressive and stay on my feet, but it didn’t work so well,” said Greevy, who finished third a year ago. “I wanted to get 100 wins but because of the injury, I wasn’t able to do that.

“But I did what I could to help the team and placed at states to years in a row. I’m pretty happy with that.”

East Pennsboro’s Zachary Nye battled but lost a tight 5-3 decision to Selinsgrove’s Spencer Myers at 215.

HERSHEY, Pa. | Mark Hartenstine kept a positive outlook on
his wrestling career past and future after a third-place
finish at Saturdays PIAA Wrestling Championships at
the Giant Center.
The Easton Area High School senior dropped a 2-0 decision
at 140 pounds to Pittsburgh Central Catholics Lorenzo
Thomas in the Class AAA semifinal round, but bounced back to
earn the state bronze medal. Hartenstine defeated Joseph
Marino of Garnet Valley 5-0 in the third-place bout.
The semifinals were kind of a bummer, said
Hartenstine, who finished his season with a 44-3 record.
Definitely, I wanted to be in the state final and
hopefully win gold.
Hartenstine ends his otherwise outstanding Red Rovers
career without a postseason title.
He lost to Blue Mountains Josh Kindig, the No.
2-ranked 140-pounder in the nation according to Intermat, in
both the District 11 and Northeast Regional finals.
Theres always next year, Hartenstine
said. Ill wrestle at Maryland, and the NCAA
Tournament is even bigger than this. Its not like
its too late to win that title.
Hartenstine expects to compete at 141 pounds in college but
said he could redshirt next season.
Red Rovers teammate Mitch Minotti, a sophomore, defeated
Pleasant Valleys Jordan Toledo 4-0 in a fifth-place
consolation at 130 pounds.
Northampton senior Austin Sommer captured the bronze medal
at 152 pounds and earned plenty of respect with his
semifinal performance.
Sommer took two-time defending state champion Dylan Alton
of Central Mountain to the limit before suffering a 10-6
setback. The Konkrete Kids standout was within 8-6 in the
third period but allowed a late takedown.
Most kids who wrestle him go out knowing theyll
lose, said Sommer, who was 40-5 this season.
Id seen him all over the Internet pinning
opponents in 20 or 30 seconds, but nobodys unbeatable.
I thought, Why not? I felt like I wrestled
well.
Sommer defeated Zack Shannon of Kiski Area 5-2 in the
third-place consolation.
Other Class AAA medalists included Libertys Anthony
Cabrera, fifth at 103, and Devon Lotito, seventh at 112;
Eastons Evan DiSora, sixth at 103; Northamptons
Jordan Glykas, fourth at 125; and Nazareths Ryan
Krecker, fourth at 145.
Pen Argyl freshman Mikey Racciato came through with a
superb performance in the Class AA meet.
He placed third at 130 pounds, pinning Shamokins
Brandon Pesarchick in overtime in 5:42 to earn the bronze.
His only loss was a 9-8 decision to eventual runner-up Frank
Martellotti of Shady Side Academy in the semifinals.
Its pretty cool to finish third as a
freshman, said Racciato, who finished 45-5. My
goal now is to do better and better until I win it. ... I
really hope to get the gold medal one year. Its tough,
though, because this year I was only one point from the
final.
Mikey Racciato is one of four Green Knights to leave
Hershey with state medals. Senior Phil Racciato finished
sixth at 145 pounds, junior Jamie Welsh was eighth at 112
and freshman Matty Williams placed sixth at 103.
Other Class AA medalists included Pius Xs Anthony
Bilotta, fifth at 103 pounds, and Luke DeLuise, seventh at
171; Northern Lehighs trio of Nikko Stevens, sixth at
135, Craemer Hedash, sixth at 152, and Colin Hedash, fifth
at 171; and Catasauquas Curtis Garner, fifth at 215.
Michael Blouse can be reached at 800-360-3601 or
mblouse@express-times.com. Talk about sports in the region
at lehighvalleylive.com/forums.

HERSHEY, Pa. | Randy Cruz stepped off the medal stand
Saturday at the PIAA Class AA Wrestling Championships with a
silver medal hanging around his neck and tears running down
his face.
The Bethlehem Catholic High School sophomore stood beside
his brother, Darian, and his coach, Jeff Karam. He had no
words to offer for what happened in the closing seconds of
the 112-pound state final and not a word about how he felt
at the moment.
Sometimes, though, no words are necessary.
This defeat was a heartbreaker. Cruz lost a 3-0 lead and a
5-3 decision to Athens senior David White with a gold medal
at stake in front of a near-capacity crowd at the Giant
Center. This was a setback that will sting for some time.
Hes very sensitive and very emotional,
said his father and Golden Hawks assistant coach Randy Cruz.
He doesnt show it on the mat, but ... hes
taking this really, really hard. He wanted this so
bad.
And so did Bethlehem Catholic junior Kyle Dehaut, who
dropped an 8-3 decision to Charleroi freshman Cody Wiercioch
in the 152-pound championship match.
The Golden Hawks pushed two through to the finals -- and
settled for two silvers.
Cruz, the District 11 and Southeast Regional champion,
looked like a gold medalist throughout the state tournament
and through the first five minutes of the final. He used two
second-period back points and a third-period escape to forge
a 3-0 advantage. The wrestlers were neutral with about 30
seconds remaining until White grabbed an arm and put Cruz,
who took to the offensive even with a lead, on his back.
Two for the takedown, three for the near-fall and the match
was over. White 5, Cruz 3.
We wanted to stay aggressive, said Randy Cruz,
the father, who was beside Karam in his sons corner.
Weve let up too many times too early before, and
its cost us. He just got caught in an unfortunate
scramble situation.
He was laying there on his back and theres just
nothing left to do. The whole season flashes before your
eyes very quickly. Were very proud of Randy, though.
The good thing is hes a sophomore and has two more
chances.
The most difficult aspect of the defeat for Karam and the
elder Cruz to deal with afterward was their wrestler
controlled the action for five-plus minutes.
Up until the ending, Randy Cruz, the father,
said, Randy wrestled so well.
You second-guess yourself, Karam said.
Should we have taken top in the last period? But
hindsight is 20-20. Randys a great kid and were
really proud.
About 90 minutes after his loss, Randy Cruz, the wrestler,
talked about the defeat and his promising future.
I felt like I was in control of the match, but I got
caught in a scramble, said the 10th-grader who
finished the season with a 37-6 record. I wanted to
wrestle my style and not back up. Its disappointing I
didnt win this year, but Ill use this as more
motivation for my junior and senior years. I dont want
to feel this way again.
Dehaut also spoke about motivation after his
championship-bout setback.
The Golden Hawks junior secured the first takedown in the
second period but Wiercioch quickly escaped and scored a
five-point move to seize control. Dehaut tried his trademark
cement job while on top to start the third period. Wiercioch
deftly countered and ended up with the reversal.
It ended 8-3.
I made that one mistake on my butt when I got my
knees too close to my face and he took advantage, said
Dehaut, who finished at 37-7. I felt like other than
that, I wrestled well. Hes a tough kid.
Dehaut expects to return to the Giant Center in one year --
and hopes to walk out of the arena with a different colored
medal. He was 28-11 and failed to qualify for states as a
sophomore. He will come back as a senior as a second-place
finisher in the PIAA meet.
I lot of people didnt believe it was possible
when I said a couple weeks ago I wanted to be a state
champion, Dehaut said. I believed I could do it
and my coaches did. I fell a little short. I can guarantee
Ill work just as hard next year as I did this year for
a gold medal.
Overall, 12 wrestlers from The Express-Times region medaled
at the Class AA state tournament.
Pen Argyl freshman Mikey Racciato, a 130-pounder, led the
best of the rest with a bronze medal. The Green Knights
produced four placewinners -- Mikey Racciato; freshman
Matty Williams, sixth at 103; junior Jamie Welsh, eighth at
112; and senior Phil Racciato, sixth at 145.
Colin Shober of Schuylkill Valley won his second
consecutive state crown, taking the 145-pound title. Benton
senior Eric Hess prevailed at 160 pounds in a battle of
returning state champions, defeating Coudersport senior Dirk
Cowburn 1-0 in the title bout. Hess earned the outstanding
wrestler award.
Benton captured the team title with 93 points.
Bentons Russ Hughes was named the states Class
AA Coach of the Year.
Michael Blouse can be reached at 800-360-3601 or
mblouse@express-times.com. Talk about sports in the region
at lehighvalleylive.com/forums.

Bo Candelaria of Middletown captured third place in the 145-pound bracket of the PIAA Class AAA wrestling tournament.

-

(JOHN C. WHITEHEAD, The Patriot-News)

Complete results from matches for third, fifth and seventh place at the PIAA Class AAA wrestling championships at Giant Center in Hershey.

103-pound consolations
3rd place: Jordan Conaway, New Oxford, d Chris Vassar, Cedar Cliff, 3-1.
5th place: Anthony Cabrera, Liberty, d Evan DiSora, Easton, 3-0.
7th place: Ethan Kenney, Connellsville, d Billy Rappo, Council Rock South, 6-3.

112-pound consolations
3rd place: C.J. Palmer, Delaware Valley, d Dereck Enders, Big Spring, 3-1.
5th place: Thomas Traxler, Bellefonte, d Paul Bewak, Hempfield Area, 5-2.
7th place: Devon Lotito, Liberty, won by DQ over Kevin Flack, William Tennet.

119-pound consolations
3rd place: Brandon Choate, Blue Mountain, d Matt Harkins, Hatboro, 11-5.
5th place: Derrick Nelson, Waynesburg Central, d Nick Bongard, Monsignor Bonner, 3-1.
7th place: Matt Malfaro, Boyertown, d Dylan Nguyen, Red Lion, 7-0.

125-pound consolations
3rd place: Casey Kent, Lasalle, d Jordan Glykas, Northampton, 5-4.
5th place: Cameron Throckmorton, South Western, md Scott Wolfinger, Quakertown, 11-3.
7th place: Matt Rappo, Council Rock South, p Dylan Mogan, Bethel Park, in 2:41.

130-pound consolations
3rd place: Tyler Rauenzahn, Blue Mountain, d Dan Neff, Solanco, 9-4.
5th place: Mitchell Minotti, Easton, d Jordan Toledo, Pleasant Valley, 4-0.
7th place: Mason Popham, Unionville, d Erik Galloway, State College, 3-2.

135-pound consolations
3rd place: Nick Catalano, Canon McMillan, d Travis Shaffer, Derry, 8-6.
5th place: Alex Pellicciotti, Boyertown, d Jacob Chamberlain, Pleasant Valley, 7-0.
7th place: Joey Mazzi, Lasalle, p Seth Ehlo, Central Bucks West, in 0:25.

140-pound consolations
3rd place: Mark Hartenstine, Easton, d Joseph Marino, Garnet Valley, 5-0.
5th place: Brian Brill, Central Mountain, d Matt Martoccio, Council Rock South, 4-0.
7th place: Anthony White, Northeast Catholic, d Brett Harner, Norristown, 3-1.

145-pound consolations
3rd place: Bo Candelaria, Middletown, d Ryan Krecker, Nazareth, 3-2.
5th place: Andy Candiello, North Allegheny, p Billy Randt, West York, in 1:33.
7th place: Donald Paul-Miller, Pocono Mt. East, d Justin Harold, Kiski Area, 2-1.

152-pound consolations
3rd place: Austin Sommer, Northampton, d Zack Shannon, Kiski Area, 5-2.
5th place: Matt Hundenski, Hopewell, p Cameron Fine, Elizabeth Forward, in 1:50.
7th place: Will Resnick, Penncrest, d Jayshon Wilson, Carlisle, 4-3 in OT.

160-pound consolations
3rd place: JM Staudenmayer, Plymouth Whitemarsh, d Colton Spade, Lewistown, 3-2.
5th place: Wade Rivera, Parkland, won by forfeit over Pat LaBuz, Hazleton Area.
7th place: John Bolich, Upper Moreland, d Nick Bonaccorsi, Bethel Park, 3-1.

171-pound consolations
3rd place: Jared Kay, Hazleton Area, d Josh Popple, Coughlin, 4-3.
5th place: Tyler Wilps, Chartiers Valley, p Robbie Fitzgerald, Downingtown East, in 4:53.
7th place: Jermaine Easter, Cathedral Prep, d Matthew Transue, Stroudsburg, 6-5.

189-pound consolations
3rd place: Antonio Giorgio, Warwick, d Phil Sprenkle, Dallastown, 8-3.
5th place: Michael Pollard, Corry, p Kyle McWreath, Trinity, in 4:45.
7th place: Eric Shaffer, Greater Latrobe, d Tarik Haddad, Parkland, 2-0.

215-pound consolations
3rd place: Nick Ruggear, Oxford, d Joe Stolfi, Souderton, 9-4.
5th place: Sean Sadosky, St. Mary's, d Taray Carey, Whitehall, 8-3.
7th place: Brandan Clark, Methacton, d Travis Friend, Cumberland Valley, 2-1.

285-pound consolations
3rd place: Adam Lazenga, Bethel Park, d Marcus Robbins, Norristown, 6-2.
5th place: Caleb Baker, General McLane, d Averee Robinson, Susquehanna Twp., 3-2.
7th place: Cody Mason, Jersey Shore, d Dave Dewan, Springifeld, 5-1.