In HERSHEY, victories in the first session of day three at the PIAA Championships would be a clear example of a 'character win.'
Wrestlers are very upset after not achieving their dream of becoming a state champion, but pushing through a challenging three-day tournament makes anything accomplished on Saturday well-deserved.
The realization of it being their last matches of their high school careers hits hard for nine District 1 seniors, but the good part is that they left with state medals around their necks.
Mason Ziegler from Quakertown faced an unexpected loss in the quarterfinals which shattered his lifelong goal, but he bounced back with four consecutive wins to secure third place.
“After I couldn’t win the gold, it really hurt,” said Ziegler who qualified for states four times and won three medals. “I just wanted to wrestle for the gold this trip. The gold doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things. It’s about the memories I made in my high school career.”
Fellow Panthers, Gavin Carroll (145) and Calvin Lachman (285) secured fifth and eighth places, while Collin Gaj (152) competed against Bethlehem Catholic’s Kollin Rath in the finals.
Sam Kuhns from Pennridge scored a takedown in overtime against Griffin Walizer from Central Mountain to secure fifth place, while Cole Coffin (121), Quinn McBride (127), and Talan Hogan (172) also made it to the podium.
“This is my first time I’ve ever won a match at Hershey at individual, so this is great,” Kuhns said. “In my last match going out like that, that was great.”
John Pardo from Kennett lost his consolation semifinal rematch to Michael Hershey from Spring Grove, but came back to secure fifth place with a 6-2 win over Maxwell Roy from St. Joseph’s Prep.
Pardo finished with a 127-21 career record and became Kennett’s second-ever two-time state medalist.
“Obviously it was very disappointing,” Pardo said. “I had a rough semifinals and then to lose in the consolation semis the way I did, I didn’t feel like myself. It feels good to end my career with a win and I’m still proud with how I did.”
Gavin Sheridan from Boyertown ended his career as a fifth-place finisher, coming from behind to defeat Chris Dennis from Central Bucks West. He became the second Bear to qualify for states all four years and walks away a two-time medalist.
Sheridan said it's important to him because it's his last high school match and also his final match wearing a Boyertown singlet. He wanted to leave with a win and a smile.
In his first two seasons, Alexander Diaz had a combined 8-6 record with seven forfeit wins. In his last match, he defeated Emmaus’ Emilio Albanese, marking his fifth straight win in the consolation bracket to secure third place.
Diaz said two years ago he couldn't even imagine being here, as he was undersized. However, he put in the work and made a huge leap. He also mentioned working hard with his brother (Xavier) played a big part in his success.
Perkiomen Valley’s Max Tancini (107) secured his second medal, finishing fifth, while Norths’ Eren Sement placed third for the third consecutive year.
West’s Patrick Kelly (139) finished fourth, Harrison’s Nadav Nafshi (152) took eighth place, Council Rock South’s Connor Lenahan (114) claimed fifth, and Gavin Cole (160) and Bekhruz Sadriddinov (172) both finished in eighth place.
Owen J. Roberts’ Sam Gautreau finished third, securing a 5-4 win.
Gautreau said it's always intense. He emphasized that the focus is not just on winning, but also on giving their all in a match. He believed that if he gives his best, not many people can beat him.
