Boiling Springs' Joe Spisak

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(SEAN SIMMERS, The Patriot-News)

Joe was a state qualifier in wrestling all four years. He finished second as a sophomore and won a state title this season.

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 

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.

Joe Spisak of Boiling Springs hugs coach Rod Wright underneath the stands following his 6-3 win over Ronnie Garbinsky of Tyrone Area during their PIAA AA 130 pound semi final match at the Giant Center. JOE HERMITT, The Patriot-News...

Join The Patriot-News for Day 2 of the PIAA Wrestling Championships at Giant Center in Hershey. Action starts at 8 a.m. with AA quarterfinals and ends with a 9 p.m. round of AA consolations.

Bracket links:

• Class AAA winners
• Class AAA consolation
• Class AA winners
• Class AA consolation

Bo Candelaria of Middletown controls Tim Riley of Council Rock South on the way to a technical fall, 16-1 win in 2:54 during their PIAA AAA 145 pound preliminary match at the Giant Center. JOE HERMITT, The Patriot-News...

District 3 wrestlers went 18-19 in the preliminary round of the PIAA Class AA tournament, according to a tally by Patriot-News reporter Jeremy Elliott. Two highlights have been upset victories by Juniata 140-pounder Seth Beitz, who defeated PIAA runner-up Phillip Steinberg 6-3, and Fairfield's Kyle Flohr, who toppled Muncy's Zach Strickland 6-4.

Including Beitz's victory, midstate grapplers went a rock solid 7-4 in the opening round. Boiling Springs' 130-pounder Joe Spisak recorded the fastest pin of the day, using a cradle to finish Bentworth's Francis Mizia in 43 seconds.

Milton Hershey heavyweight Cris Ramirez also recorded an impressive pin, muscling Shamokin's Wes Tillett to the mat with a bear hug at the 3:27 mark of their match.

Boiling Springs junior Tylor Unger also moved on to the quarterfinals of the heavyweight bracket, outlasting Wyalusing's Pete Champluvier 3-2. Juniata heavyweight Dan Fultz lost by major decision, 10-2 to Benton's Tyler DeMott.

Full bracket results can be found on PennLive.com.

Dustin Hockensmith and Patriot-News wrestling writing Jeremy Elliott preview this weekend's District 3 Wrestling Championships.

Links:
>> District 3-AAA brackets
>> District 3-AA brackets
>> Boiling Springs wrestler Joe Spisak pursues fourth straight District 3-AA crown
>> District 3 Wrestling Championships going off as scheduled

Bo Candelaria left, of Middletown loosens his arms with former Middletown wrestler Tyler Nauman.

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(JOHN C. WHITEHEAD, The Patriot-News)

Jeremy Elliott's District 3-AAA wrestling predictions

Rod Frisco's District 3-AAA wrestling predictions