2009-10 Big 14 wrestling squad

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(PAUL CHAPLIN, The Patriot-News)

2009-10 BIG 14 WRESTLING SQUAD

SENIORS

Marshall Peppelman, Central Dauphin: Finished with 181 career wins and three state titles.

Tyler Buckman, Central Dauphin: Three state team titles and a runner-up finish at states this year.

Shawn Greevy, Cumberland Valley: Battled back from knee injury to finish second in state.

Tristan Warner, Cumberland Valley: Old Dominion recruit finished 38-3. Three losses came to Kenny Courts.

Bo Candelaria, Middletown: Finished third at nationals in Virginia Beach last week.

Joe Spisak, Boiling Springs: Four-time district champion and state placer caps career with state title.

Seth Beitz, Juniata: Sprinted to 44 wins before loss to Schuylkill Valley's Colin Shober in state finals.

JUNIORS

Kenny Courts, Central Dauphin: Backed up sophomore runner-up finish with state title.

Zachary Nye, East Pennsboro: Came out of nowhere at 215 and became face of East Pennsboro program.

Dereck Enders, Big Spring: Wrestled at 119 and 125 most of the season to help him to a fourth-place finish at 112.

Jayshon Wilson, Carlisle: Scored seven points against Dylan Alton and finished eighth in tough 152-pound class.

SOPHOMORE

Averee Robinson, Susquehanna Twp.: Helped prove that there is good wrestling on Elmerton Avenue with sixth-place finish at 285.

FRESHMEN

Christopher Vassar, Cedar Cliff: Showed grit in storming through consolation bracket at 103 to finish fourth at states.

Zain Rutherford, Line Mountain: Beat defending state champion in semifinals and gave school second champ in two years.

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 

Mechanicsburg's Zach Thomson, left, and Carlisle's Jayshon Wilson were first team Mid-Penn Colonial selections

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(CHRIS KNIGHT, The Patriot-News)

2009-10 WRESTLING  ALL-STARS

FIRST TEAM

103: Andrew Fabo, Boiling Springs, and Bryan Varra, Milton Hershey.
112: Nick Lamoreaux, Milton Hershey, and Daniel King, Susquehanna Twp.
119: Charlie Bise, East Pennsboro.
125: Ean Starner, Boiling Springs.
130: Joe Spisak, Boiling Springs.
135: Tyler Thuma, Boiling Springs.
140: Sam Rhoads, Boiling Springs, and Chase Hewitt, Palmyra.
145: Trent Bond, Boiling Springs.
152: Tyler Ezot, Greencastle, and John Riddle, Boiling Springs.
160: Logan Murphy, Boiling Springs, and Dylan Scheaffer, Greencastle.
171: Devin Scheaffer, Greencastle.
189: Todd Dewalt, Greencastle.
215: Zach Nye, East Pennsboro.
285: Cris Ramirez, Milton Hershey, and Averee Robinson, Susquehanna Twp.

SECOND TEAM
 
103: Austin Sheibley, Susquenita.
112: Mark Lentz, Boiling Springs.
119: Victorino Gonzalez, Milton Hershey, and Roland Miller, Boiling Springs.
125: Jake Martin, Palmyra.
130: Sam Bise, East Pennsboro.
135: Ryan Bennett, Susquenita.
145: Harley Mabius, Susquenita.
152: Angel Escarraman, Milton Hershey.
171: Jake Grove, Boiling Springs.
189: Branson Allen, Shippensburg.
215: Sam Matter, Boiling Springs.
285: Tyler Unger, Boiling Springs, and Denton Ensminger, Greencastle.

COLONIAL DIVISION

FIRST TEAM
 
103: Dustin Rook, Big Spring.
112: Jon Brigham, Cumberland Valley.
119: Derek Enders, Big Spring.
125: Jimmy Hughes, Chambersburg.
130: Justin Amato, Gettysburg.
135: Shawn Greevy, Cumberland Valley.
140: Jared Ross, Northern.
145: Rustin Barrick, Mechanicsburg.
152: Zach Thomson, Mechanicsburg, and Jayshon Wilson, Carlisle.
160: Luke Etter, Big Spring, and Adam Geiger, Northern.
171: Tristan Warner, Cumberland Valley.
189: Chaz Sheaffer, West Perry.
215: Travis Friend, Cumberland Valley, and Dawson Peck, Chambersburg.
285: Marvin Gaskill, Waynesboro, and Gavin Nickel, Carlisle.

SECOND TEAM
 
103: Tanner Shoap, Chambersburg.
112: Colton Keck, Big Spring.
119: Zach Ross, Northern.
125: Kyle Hejimanowski, Northern.
130: Josh Thomson, Mechanicsburg.
135: Bobby Manning, West Perry.
140: Boe Barrick, Cumberland Valley, and Joey Krulock, Mechanicsburg.
145: Zach Hartzell, Gettysburg.
152: Matt Richmond, Northern.
160: John Adams, West Perry.
171: Town Mundorf, Mechanicsburg, and Matt Blessing, Carlisle.
189: Bryton Barr, Mechanicsburg.
215: Shane McFerrin, Waynesboro.
285: Kelton Mehls, Northern.

COMMONWEALTH DIVISION
 
103: Tyson Dippery, Central Dauphin, and Chris Vassar, Cedar Cliff.
112: Shyheim Brown, Central Dauphin, and Robbie Higgins, Lower Dauphin.
119: Nick Varndell, Central Dauphin, and Blaine Shutt, Lower Dauphin.
125: Kevin Gooding, Central Dauphin, and Shane Miller, Middletown.
130: Tyler Buckman, Central Dauphin, and Celby Allen, Middletown.
135: Tre-Miller Scott, Central Dauphin East, and David Firestone, Cedar Cliff.
140: Marcus Clement, Cedar Cliff, and Kyle Savage, Lower Dauphin.
145: Bo Candelaria, Middletown, and Dylan Carmichael, Cedar Cliff.
152: Grant Dickey, Cedar Cliff, and Jon Germany, Lower Dauphin.
160: Marshall Peppelman, Central Dauphin, and Dan Shreffler, Cedar Cliff.
171: Kenny Courts, Central Dauphin, and Clint Morrison, Cedar Cliff.
189: Ashton Corbin, Harrisburg, and Matthew Zdradzinski, Central Dauphin East.
215: Kyle Wolfe, Central Dauphin, and Joe Scerbo, Lower Dauphin.
285: Nick Stewart, Central Dauphin, and Tim Gamber, Lower Dauphin.

WRESTLING TEAM CHAMPIONS
 
Commonwealth
Central Dauphin

Colonial
Cumberland Valley and Big Spring

Capital
Boiling Springs

Tri-Valley League
Juniata

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

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 

Marshall Peppelman of Central Dauphin

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(The Patriot-News)

PITTSBURGH - So much for two in a row.

A year ago, the Pennsylvania All-Stars shocked the high school wrestling elite from around the United States during the Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic. But this year was different.

The U.S. contingent scored sweet revenge on the floor at the Fitzgerald Fieldhouse at the Unversity of Pittsburgh, by crushing the best from the Keystone State 30-13.

This one was essentially in the bag with four matches to go. But there was a highlight from one midstate wrestler.

In the third-to-last match of the evening, Central Dauphin's Marshall Peppelman scored a 1-0 decision over Ohio 160-pound champion Nick Sulzer.

After a scoreless first period, Peppelman rode Sulzer out in the second before escaping in the third. Peppelman was poised to increase his advantage to 3-0 with a takedown, but the buzzer went off, completing the match.

Boiling Springs' Joe Spisak battled in his 130 bout before dropping a 3-1 decision to Ohio three-time champion Jamie Clark.

Winners for Pennsylvania were Selinsgrove's Spencer Myers at 215, Central Mountain's Andrew Alton at 145 and Council Rock South's Josh Dziewa at 135.

Central Mountain's Penn State-bound Dylan Alton dropped a 7-6 decision to Michigan three-time state champ Jackson Morse in which Morse hit a controversial takedown at the side of the mat when the buzzer went off in the third period.

Former Cumberland Valley standout Mike Evans, who transferred to Blair Academy and was representing New Jersey at 171, defeated Council Rock North's Jamie Callender 8-5.

In the preliminary match, New York topped the WPIAL All Stars 26-21.

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.

One week after competing for a state gold medal at the PIAA
Class AAA Wrestling Championships in Hershey, Pa., Liberty
High School senior Anthony Marino will head west for the
36th annual Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic in Pittsburgh.
Marino, the runner-up at 119 pounds at last Saturdays
state tournament, will meet three-time Ohio champion Ty Rich
of Aurora in Saturday nights USA vs. Pennsylvania
showdown at the University of Pittsburghs Fitzgerald
Field House.
The all-star event starts at 8 p.m., and is preceded by the
New York vs. West Pennsylvania matchup.
Marino, who compiled a 128-22 career record, lost 8-4 to
undefeated Nico Megaludis of Franklin Regional in the PIAA
final. Marino is the District 11 and Northeast Regional
champion.
Rich finished high school with a 163-22 record and plans to
continue his wrestling career at Virginia Tech.
Three-time Pennsylvania champions Dylan Alton of Central
Mountain at 152 pounds and Marshall Peppelman of Central
Dauphin at 160 headline the Keystone States team.
Blair Academy will be represented by two wrestlers on the
USA squad. Cornell recruit Chris Villalonga is scheduled to
compete at 140 pounds and Iowa recruit Mike Evans is the
189-pounder.
Terry Havelka of Burgettstown and Chris Mary of Canon
McMillan will coach the Pennsylvania team.
Michael Blouse can be reached at 800-360-3601 or
mblouse@express-times.com. Talk about sports in the region
at lehighvalleylive.com/forums.

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.

Tyler Buckman vs. Steve Spearman was the event's top match

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(JOHN C. WHITEHEAD, The Patriot-News)

1.  WILDCATS REVENGE: After falling short in the team championships, it only seems fitting that Central Mountain win the team title in the PIAA Individual Wrestling Championships. The Wildcats were led by Andrew and Dylan Alton, who won titles at 145 and 152, but also had two other placers to break Central Dauphin’s streak of six straight team titles.

2.  CRAIG IS KING HOSS: When you look at Abington Heights’ Evan Craig, you see a big guy who looks like he doesn’t have much athletic ability. Ah, that is the first mistake. Craig has that and more, proving it by pinning every one of his opponents on the way to a second straight state title at 285.

3.  BEST IN SHOW: If the Class AAA and Class AA finals were the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the match between Central Dauphin’s Tyler Buckman and McDowell’s Steve Spearman was the top entry — by far. It had twists, turns, suspense and drama all wrapped into one, and the crowd showed appreciation with a postmatch ovation.

4.  NICE GUYS FINISH FIRST: Boiling Springs’ Joe Spisak is a friendly and respectful kid that keeps his nose clean and works hard. He is the poster child for what this sport is really about, and it was good to see him get rewarded for his four years of tireless work with a state title.

5.  LEGACY CEMENTED: It isn’t often that you catch a glimpse of someone so developed and so accomplished at their craft that they are in a class of their own. But Central Dauphin’s Marshall Peppelman getting his arm raised after a pin in the finals for a third straight state title seemed like an appropriate ending.

Kenny Courts of Central Dauphin celebrates his state title.

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(JOHN C. WHITEHEAD, The Patriot-News)

1. RAM TOUGH: Central Dauphin's unbeaten stars, Marshall Peppelman and Kenny Courts, were as good as advertised in winning the 160 and 171 titles during the PIAA Class AAA wrestling tournament. Peppelman, a three-time champ, pinned West Allegheny's Troy Reaghard in 3:02 at 160, and Courts edged Cumberland Valley's Tristan Warner 6-4.

2. EMOTIONS BUBBLE OVER: At long last, Boiling Springs star Joe Spisak is a state champion. The fiery senior captured the PIAA Class AA 130-pound crown with a last-second 4-3 win over Shady Side Academy star Frank Martellotti. Spisak, a four-time placewinner, escaped with 5 seconds left to break a 3-3 tie.

3. KING OF THE (AA) MOUNTAIN: Schuylkill Valley senior Colin Shober scored five takedowns on Juniata's Seth Beitz to record an 11-4 win in the Class AA 140-pound final, earning his second gold.

4. HALFWAY THERE: Looking for Pennsylvania's next four-time state champ? Derry sophomore Jimmy Gulibon is a good bet after he won his second title, 12-5 over Blue Mountain's Corey Keener in the Class AAA 112 final.

5. YOUTH IS SERVED: Two freshmen were very impressive during the finals, both of them Class AA competitors. Line Mountain's Zain Retherford handled Bermudian Springs' Brad Farley 6-2 at 103, and a six-point second period propelled Charleroi's Cody Wiercioch to an 8-3 victory over Bethlehem Catholic's Kyle Dehaut at 152.

Central Dauphin's fantastic finisher had McDowell wrestling star Steve Spearman right where he wanted him in the PIAA Class AAA 130-pound final late Saturday night at Hershey's Giant Center.

The unbeaten Spearman was on his back as the buzzer sounded. He just wasn't on his back long enough for Tyler Buckman to earn the two back points he needed.

The best match of the finals – Class AA or Class AAA – went Spearman's way. He was a 7-6 triple overtime winner, a deserving winner, but you could argue Buckman, Central Dauphin's gutty senior, may simply have run out of time.

“I don't want to see that guy ever again,'' said Spearman of Buckman, who beat Spearman 10-6 in a PIAA quarterfinal last season on the strength of a late standing cradle.

The rematch was better.

Several times during the final, Spearman (42-0) threatened to open up a bit of a lead on Buckman with some solid double-leg takedown shots.

And most times, Buckman had an answer. His “funk roll”, a counter move that resulted in some brilliant flurries, created the late third-period takedown – the only one Spearman allowed all season – that forced a crazy overtime session.

Following a scoreless first OT from neutral, Spearman let Buckman up to start the second OT and converted a double-leg shot near the edge with one second left to go up 7-6.

In the 30 seconds of the third OT, Buckman, working from top, tried desperately to turn Spearman but could not. He came pretty close.

Marshall Peppelman and Kenny Courts were the big names on the Central Dauphin team all season and they didn't disappoint in winning the 160 and 171 crowns, respectively. They finished the year a combined 91-0.

Buckman showed he is right there with them.

He carried himself like a champion in all four bouts in Hershey, winning three of them by a total of five points and coming up a few seconds short against Spearman, his old friend.

A late regulation takedown carried Buckman into OT against Tyler Zymroz of Pittsburgh Central Catholic in his quarterfinal, a bout Buckman ultimately won 6-4.

And during Saturday morning's semifinal against Easton's Mitchell Minotti, Buckman spotted the Red Rover a 4-0 lead – he was on his back, too – before scoring the final five points (reversal, escape, takedown) to win, 5-4.

Jeff Sweigard, CD's coach, and Jimmy Collins, one of CD's assistants, know exactly what they have in Buckman. He's one of the most exciting wrestlers in the state. And no lead is safe against him.

“He has just a natural sense, just in terms of scrambling and flurrying,'' Collins said of Buckman.

“I'm not sure that's something you can really teach or coach.''

“Sweigs always tells me I have a very interesting style,'' said Buckman, a fifth-place finisher last year who wound up 38-4 this season.

“I like to give the crowd a shock.''

He added: “I had a lot of tough kids in my bracket and I came through and I beat them in close ones.''

And what about that amazing roll that frustrated Spearman for most of Saturday night's bout?

“That was my junior high coach, Lee Norbury, he taught me that,'' Buckman laughed. “It's a funk roll.''

“It seemed like I was in on deep shots but I couldn't finish right away,'' Spearman said.

“And [Buckman] did kinda get close to turning me [in the last OT].''

Buckman was asked what he was thinking when Minotti had him on his back Saturday morning.

“I was think that I can't get pinned in the semis, not now, I gotta make it to finals,'' Buckman he did.

He did. And he came sooo close capturing the best match of the championship round.

“That last 30 seconds, I thought I had it. … I nearly had it,'' Buckman said.

The two combatants congratulated each other after stepping off the medal stand. The mutual respect was obvious.

“I was like, 'I got a taste of your medicine last year and now you've got a taste of mine','' Spearman said.

“Yeah, I kinda joked with him and said, 'You're lucky I'm not back next year,'' Tyler Buckman said.