It was a slam, not a head butt. Didn’t look malicious, but I think Rice went into concussion protocol.
Those two teams are within a point and a half going into semis, that could have huge team race implications.
PA HS Wrestling thread (1/21-3/25)
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Those two teams are within a point and a half going into semis, that could have huge team race implications.
Some impressions on the Mat 1 action (mostly AA, with some AAA at the end):
- AA 107: Lotier is very good. Plenty good enough to win the title with Karenbauer getting upset. Though Chunko majored Karenbauer, so anything is possible I guess.
- AA 114: the Wolford-Bachmann rematch is gonna be good.
- AA 152: Magro might have his hands full with Lawler.
- AA 160: Miller is extremely good, duh. But he's not invincible -- Hontz got in on his legs a few times but couldn't finish in bounds. Not sure if Milheim can take advantage of that, though.
- AA 285: Holmes is pretty athletic, definitely not a dancing bear. I think he'll give Effendian a good match. If he weren't headed to Lehigh already, he'd be exactly the kind of guy Cael likes to bring in as quality depth.
- Several McCort guys were much more physically developed than their opponents. Sam Herring and Miller were exceptions. (Obviously Jax isn't, though he wasn't on Mat 1.) (Also HWT Rodriguez, lol not a specimen.) I suspect some of these guys will have to adjust when others catch up to them physically.
- AAA 285: Roy vs Turk was a good reminder both of how HWT is a weaker class, and how sometimes the PA guys don't hold up nationally. Both are playing college football, and let's just say both made the right choice. They're the 2nd and 3rd best guys in PA AAA, and the winner (Roy) doesn't stand a chance against Bechtold.
- AA 107: Lotier is very good. Plenty good enough to win the title with Karenbauer getting upset. Though Chunko majored Karenbauer, so anything is possible I guess.
- AA 114: the Wolford-Bachmann rematch is gonna be good.
- AA 152: Magro might have his hands full with Lawler.
- AA 160: Miller is extremely good, duh. But he's not invincible -- Hontz got in on his legs a few times but couldn't finish in bounds. Not sure if Milheim can take advantage of that, though.
- AA 285: Holmes is pretty athletic, definitely not a dancing bear. I think he'll give Effendian a good match. If he weren't headed to Lehigh already, he'd be exactly the kind of guy Cael likes to bring in as quality depth.
- Several McCort guys were much more physically developed than their opponents. Sam Herring and Miller were exceptions. (Obviously Jax isn't, though he wasn't on Mat 1.) (Also HWT Rodriguez, lol not a specimen.) I suspect some of these guys will have to adjust when others catch up to them physically.
- AAA 285: Roy vs Turk was a good reminder both of how HWT is a weaker class, and how sometimes the PA guys don't hold up nationally. Both are playing college football, and let's just say both made the right choice. They're the 2nd and 3rd best guys in PA AAA, and the winner (Roy) doesn't stand a chance against Bechtold.
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I didn't see it but heard it was a bad call from a couple of neutral spectators. Rice did forfeit his next match
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121 AAis really good and the top 4 guys can all beat each other on a given day. The big story unfortunately was Guenot of BEA going out on a stretcher after getting knocked out cold. He was down for a long time. Prayers that he's ok. Nice kid and family.
I can’t figure out how to attach a screen shot, but here’s the match:
https://www.flowrestling.org/video/...rd-bethlehem-cath-vs-nolan-rice-connellsville
Rice is head down, completely perpendicular to the ground on the way down
Agreed. Pretty tough call, the sequence of events that led to it don't cast any ill-intent on Dillard, but by the letter of the law it was probably correct.
If this is college it's a nothing burger, but it's not and in HS the emphasis is on protection of the kids. Pretty unfortunate, but it happens.
Collins from Clearfield with a nice tournament taking 3rd
Sitting at the hotel before going back over to watch the finals. Figured I'd comment on the pros and cons of the tournament, and a few things that caught my attention.
Pros:
I believe each round actually started on time.
Absolute awesome wrestling.
I don't like that they run AA, AAA, and Girls semis all at once. But they do keep it organized it seems and keep the tournament running smoothly.
Cons:
Pretty much everything else.
I used to love going to the Giant Center for team and individual states. That feeling is now in the rearview mirror. To start the only general admission seating is the corners, ends, and top level. Everything on the sides is reserved. On Thursday, with the center more empty than full, I watched as multiple people tried to move closer to the floor to watch their wrestler only to be told they must move over a section. I listened as one guy told the usher that if the person came whose seat he was in, he would gladly get up. The usher explained that it was not the Giant Center's rule, but the PIAA's rule. The usher apologized and told the gentleman he completely agreed with him, but he was just doing his job. The gentleman visibly upset, told the usher he understood and moved out of the almost completely empty section, to the almost completely full general admission section. As the usher came back up the steps, I asked what the deal was. He told me he hated this part of the job, because of the stupid rule. He then told me that at the PIAA Basketball tournament, the entire arena is general admission and he wondered why they reserved over half the lower bowl. He assumed money, which we all know is the bottom line.
On Friday, I was going to leave around mid day to go get a bite to eat since prices are outrageous (more on that momentarily) and come back. I was told there was no re entry without the purchase of an additional ticket. My eye brows obviously raised. I asked if I forgot something in my truck, or went outside to smoke (not a smoker) I would have to buy another ticket? Yes was the answer. My all session tickets, were for one entry per session. There were about 7 people outside smoking so I stood around to see what would happen. The first one got done with her cig, walked over and bought another ticket to get back in. I am assuming this was to keep people from leaving to eat. Especially since while standing in line to buy my fries and bottle of water for around $15, the gentleman in front of me, buy himself, spent $31.
Refs. I've been around this sport for decades. I've been a coach, and a ref. I have personal friends who are still both. I've gotten into heated debates with them over calls. Some of those friends, while liking them on a personal level, I wouldn't call them if I was organizing a keystone youth tournament and needed a ref. Very little consistency from one ref to another. Not saying it didn't happen, but not once did I see the head ref bring in the side ref for help on a questionable call. I saw numerous side refs spectating instead of refereeing and have absolutely no clue that time has expired. Watching and ensuring the clock starts, stops, etc usually falls under side ref duties.
Selfishly, I hate that from the semis on AA, AAA, and Girls are run all at once. There were some great semi final matches last night that I got to watch. Others I will have to rewatch on Flo. If you don't have a son or daughter wrestling, they have made it without a doubt, more enjoyable to watch at home.
Positive notes:
Asher Cunningham is a giant. If you would ask me what he weighs, I would have guessed around 200lbs. Yes, he is wrestling 172 this weekend. Fairly confident he hasn't surrendered a point yet.
Sam Culp - 107lber from Red Land, has one leg, and finished 4th. Incredible speed and strength. If you have a flo account, watch some of this matches.
Both Keegan Basset, and Chase Karenbauer, the favorites to be in the finals, lost in the 107 AA semi finals.
Multiple illegal slam calls.
Rumors swirling that the tournament will be moved next year.
Mario Hutcherson got hurt in the quarterfinals while he was winning. Ended up losing that match in the final seconds by a takedown. Goes on to win a few more and losing one, with one good leg before defaulting his final match to take 6th. Super quick, and definitely one we need to keep an eye on. Has all the makings of a multiple time state champ/high place winner.
Multiple highly ranked guys in the state, didn't make the podium.
On the pure wrestling side of things, it has been a great weekend. Lots of story lines, cinderella stories, and unfortunately sad career ending stories. Looking forward to the finals. Most anticipated matchup for me personally would have to be either Maddox Shaw and Evan Petrovich, or Dalton Perry vs Eren Sement.
Looking forward to see how some others who went to the tournament viewed things.
WE ARE!
Pros:
I believe each round actually started on time.
Absolute awesome wrestling.
I don't like that they run AA, AAA, and Girls semis all at once. But they do keep it organized it seems and keep the tournament running smoothly.
Cons:
Pretty much everything else.
I used to love going to the Giant Center for team and individual states. That feeling is now in the rearview mirror. To start the only general admission seating is the corners, ends, and top level. Everything on the sides is reserved. On Thursday, with the center more empty than full, I watched as multiple people tried to move closer to the floor to watch their wrestler only to be told they must move over a section. I listened as one guy told the usher that if the person came whose seat he was in, he would gladly get up. The usher explained that it was not the Giant Center's rule, but the PIAA's rule. The usher apologized and told the gentleman he completely agreed with him, but he was just doing his job. The gentleman visibly upset, told the usher he understood and moved out of the almost completely empty section, to the almost completely full general admission section. As the usher came back up the steps, I asked what the deal was. He told me he hated this part of the job, because of the stupid rule. He then told me that at the PIAA Basketball tournament, the entire arena is general admission and he wondered why they reserved over half the lower bowl. He assumed money, which we all know is the bottom line.
On Friday, I was going to leave around mid day to go get a bite to eat since prices are outrageous (more on that momentarily) and come back. I was told there was no re entry without the purchase of an additional ticket. My eye brows obviously raised. I asked if I forgot something in my truck, or went outside to smoke (not a smoker) I would have to buy another ticket? Yes was the answer. My all session tickets, were for one entry per session. There were about 7 people outside smoking so I stood around to see what would happen. The first one got done with her cig, walked over and bought another ticket to get back in. I am assuming this was to keep people from leaving to eat. Especially since while standing in line to buy my fries and bottle of water for around $15, the gentleman in front of me, buy himself, spent $31.
Refs. I've been around this sport for decades. I've been a coach, and a ref. I have personal friends who are still both. I've gotten into heated debates with them over calls. Some of those friends, while liking them on a personal level, I wouldn't call them if I was organizing a keystone youth tournament and needed a ref. Very little consistency from one ref to another. Not saying it didn't happen, but not once did I see the head ref bring in the side ref for help on a questionable call. I saw numerous side refs spectating instead of refereeing and have absolutely no clue that time has expired. Watching and ensuring the clock starts, stops, etc usually falls under side ref duties.
Selfishly, I hate that from the semis on AA, AAA, and Girls are run all at once. There were some great semi final matches last night that I got to watch. Others I will have to rewatch on Flo. If you don't have a son or daughter wrestling, they have made it without a doubt, more enjoyable to watch at home.
Positive notes:
Asher Cunningham is a giant. If you would ask me what he weighs, I would have guessed around 200lbs. Yes, he is wrestling 172 this weekend. Fairly confident he hasn't surrendered a point yet.
Sam Culp - 107lber from Red Land, has one leg, and finished 4th. Incredible speed and strength. If you have a flo account, watch some of this matches.
Both Keegan Basset, and Chase Karenbauer, the favorites to be in the finals, lost in the 107 AA semi finals.
Multiple illegal slam calls.
Rumors swirling that the tournament will be moved next year.
Mario Hutcherson got hurt in the quarterfinals while he was winning. Ended up losing that match in the final seconds by a takedown. Goes on to win a few more and losing one, with one good leg before defaulting his final match to take 6th. Super quick, and definitely one we need to keep an eye on. Has all the makings of a multiple time state champ/high place winner.
Multiple highly ranked guys in the state, didn't make the podium.
On the pure wrestling side of things, it has been a great weekend. Lots of story lines, cinderella stories, and unfortunately sad career ending stories. Looking forward to the finals. Most anticipated matchup for me personally would have to be either Maddox Shaw and Evan Petrovich, or Dalton Perry vs Eren Sement.
Looking forward to see how some others who went to the tournament viewed things.
WE ARE!
Tough loss last night. That PD stoppage was questionable. Not finishing on early shots came back to haunt him.
Thanks! Almost just stopped and watched Slippery Rock vs Limestone
Legend will tell of the rain of boos on Bo when he won his 3rd PIAA AA Championship (despite there being none).
Perry and Herring are more or less the same guy. Both pretty maxed out with their physical tools and struggle on offense despite high level coaching
Exciting ending to the Austin Johnson match. Johnson wins with a late TD
AAA State champs by District:
D1-5
D11-4
D7-2
D6-1
D3-1
Eastern PA with a dominant performance! D1 has been quietly on the rise for a long time now and this was their AAA coming out party
D1-5
D11-4
D7-2
D6-1
D3-1
Eastern PA with a dominant performance! D1 has been quietly on the rise for a long time now and this was their AAA coming out party
AA State champs by District:
D1-4
D6-4
D4-2
D5-2
D3-1
All D1 were FCA all D6 were McCourt
D1-4
D6-4
D4-2
D5-2
D3-1
All D1 were FCA all D6 were McCourt
Observations from PIAA States
Perry has to get more offensive. Penn State coaches will fix that.
I love Herring and he will be a kid that thrives in the Penn State room.
Asher is dominate and even looks dominate the way he carries himself off the mat. Quiet tough and focused.
Mario Hutcherson is foreal. This kid wrestled on one foot after his ankle injury and made the podium. I think he would have took 3rd or 4th if not injured.
Colin Gaj was impressive. I would have loved to see him vs Maddox Shaw.
Adam Waters was dominate and then committed to Ohio State. Penn State fans booed him. That wasn't cool.
Perry has to get more offensive. Penn State coaches will fix that.
I love Herring and he will be a kid that thrives in the Penn State room.
Asher is dominate and even looks dominate the way he carries himself off the mat. Quiet tough and focused.
Mario Hutcherson is foreal. This kid wrestled on one foot after his ankle injury and made the podium. I think he would have took 3rd or 4th if not injured.
Colin Gaj was impressive. I would have loved to see him vs Maddox Shaw.
Adam Waters was dominate and then committed to Ohio State. Penn State fans booed him. That wasn't cool.
Waters has been a hammer since his freshman year which I think was 160 most of the year . Ohio State got a good one in him .
Yes. As has been pointed out by other posters in the past, a transfer between 8th and 9th grade is considered a “natural break” so an athlete can’t be penalized. The only exception would be if recruiting was taking place. (i.e. the McCort situation) If they were to transfer after the first day of their sophomore year, they would then face ineligibility.
Thanks for the post. When I officiated, what I hated was NOT having an assistant to help. I'm disappointed, though not surprised, to hear guys are ignoring their assistants. Probably older guys who think they know everything.
Yes, and the "never re-classed" part is irrelevant unless he's been re-classed multiple times.
The only exception (other than blatant recruiting) is age related -- he can't turn 19 before July 1 preceding that school year. But a 19-yo 9th grader has bigger issues than athletic eligibility.
Yes, what you wrote above happens frequently and people get fired up about it.
Also, You can attend a school in 9th grade and transfer in 10th grade and be immediately eligible if you did not participate in that sport while in 9th grade. There’s a few nuances and work arounds.
This isn’t quite right. You can play a sport at school A as a ninth grader, and there’s no sit out penalty at school b for your sophomore year. Essentially there’s a free transfer after your freshman year
True. There is a distinction though for athletically motivated transfers where the student would be ineligible for both regular season and post season and includes transfers after 9th grade.
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