Thursday, the best wrestlers from our region will make the trek to the Giant Center in Hershey for the start of the PIAA Individual Wrestling Tournament. Only the elite will stand at the top of the podium, but for all, it’s been a long journey.
For some it was a road to redemption. After Brandon Wilson beat Altoona’s Brinton Simington for the district championship, Simington bounced right back, to top Wilson for the regional crown.
“Way more sweet. I always wanted to get to Hershey, ever since I was a little kid, you know,” said Simington. “I used to go down to states and watch and now I’ll finally be able to wrestle there.”
For his teammate, Cole Manley, getting back to states was the only acceptable ending to this season. This time around, he has a better understanding of what to expect.
“I’ve been on PA’s biggest stage and couldn’t catch my goal. I’ve been there, I know what it feels like and I want to get back there. I’ve got all my nerves out and I feel very confident going into states this year,” Manley said.
From 106 pounds to 285 pounds, the Giant Center is where dreams are realized. Bald Eagle Area’s Joshua Fye stormed through districts and regionals to claim two titles and now he’s eyeing one more to add to his collection.
“Keep positive, don’t swell on the negatives,” Fye said. “Just keep pushing forward and just get ready for the tournament this weekend. You can’t beat this. These guys have got my back through anything. There’s nothing they wouldn’t do for me.”
Hollidaysburg will be sending a pair into AAA contention and while it’s the individual tournament, wins there can have lasting effects on the program.
“You know there’s that individual aspect to it and then there’s also a team aspect,” said Golden Tigers Head Coach Mike Moore. “When we get into the tournament trails one of our focus is on the individuals and if they care of what they need to take care of, it takes care of the team as well.”
The AA schools will start things up at 9 A.M. with AAA following at 4 P.M.
We’ll have highlights and reaction, Thursday at 6 P.M. and 11 P.M..