Corey Keener Blue Mountain vs Tyson Dippery Central Dauphin

Keener gets a takedown :42 into the opening period to take a 2-0 lead.  Blood time called for Dippery.  The first period ends 2-1 with Keener ahead.  Keener gets choice to start the second and chooses to start the second period in the Neutral position.  Keener feeling, comfortable on his feet, allows Dippery an optional start giving Dippery a point, cutting the lead to 4-2.  Stalling is called on Dippery for taking a knee while in the Neutral position.  The third period starts 4-2 with Dippery choosing the top position. With Dippery hanging onto a leg, Keener is trying to secure a reversal.  Both wrestlers go out of bounds and head to the center for a fresh start.  Keener escapes to raise his lead to 5-2.  The third period ends with Keener winning another PIAA AAA State Championship by a score of 5-2.

Godwin Nyama Brashear vs Connor Schram Canon Mcmillan

Scoreless after the first period, Nyama elects to start the second period from the defensive position.  Nyama stands for an escape a minute into the second period to go up by 1-0.  Schram starts the third period from the bottom.  Nyama holds onto a 1-0 lead.  Schram gets out from the bottom to tie the match 1-1 :23 into the second period.  Nyama gets in and secures a takedown with an ankle pick- like leg takedown.  There seems to be controversy, as the official just took the takedown away to keep the match tied at 1.  But with :40 into the overtime sudden victory period, Nyama secures a takedown at the edge to win 3-1 SV.

Billy Rappo Council Rock South vs Matt Grossmann Manheim Twp

Rappo, going for his second state championship in consecutive years, takes a 2-0 lead with an opening takedown.  With 1:06 wound off the clock in the first period, Rappo turns Grossmann for two nearfall points to increase his lead to 4-0.  The first period ends 4-0.  Rappo selects to start the second period from the bottom defensive position.  :45 into the second period, Rappo escapes to go up 5-0.  Rappo scores again with :18 left in the second with a takedown to go up by 7-0.  Stalemate is called at the 3:50 mark of the match.  Both wrestlers to the middle for a fresh start.  Rappo works a quick tilt to end the period with two additional nearfall points to end the second period with a 9-0 lead.  Starting the third period on the bottom, Grossmann attempts to stand for an escape as Rappo is warned with a stall call for not returning Grossman to the mat within five seconds.  Rappo again gets three nearfall points to go up by 12-0.  Riding perfectly, the third period comes to an end with Rappo winning his second consecutive PIAA-AAA State Championship with a 12-0 major decision over Matt Grossmann of Manheim Twp.

Gulibon wins 4th title

Derry Area's Jimmy Gulibon defeated Nick Zanetta of Keystone Oaks in the 126 pound AA final by a 9-3 decision to capture his 4th PIAA gold medal.

Gulibon becomes just the 10th wrestler in the 75-year history of the PIAA wrestling championships to win 4 titles.

AA parade of champions

The finals session for AA will be starting at approx. 2 PM.  The finalists are currently being announced in the Parade of Champions.

John Dutrow Council Rock North vs Mackenzie McGuire Upper St. Clair

John Dutrow of Council Rock North secures a takedown and two nearfall points to go up 4-0 over returning state champion Mackenzie McGuire.  McGuire starts on the bottom to start the second period.  McGuire reverses Dutrow right to his back for a nearfall with :55 left in the second period.  Dutrow bellies up, down in the second period by 5-4.  Dutrow gets a reversal to go up 6-5, and McGuire Petersons Dutrow to his back with no near fall awarded to go up 7-6.

Dutrow starts the third period from the bottom position, trailing by 7-6.  Dutrow nearly secures a reversal as McGuire hips over with both wrestlers going out of bounds.  McGuire drops to an ankle and is just hanging on, as the ref gives him a stalling warning.  The third period ends with a 7-6 score ... the victory going to McGuire.

Corey Keener Blue Mountain vs Patrick Duggan Cumberland Valley

Keener obtains a takedown 1:15 into the first period to take a 2-0 lead.  Keener starts on the bottom to start the second period, reversing Duggan to go ahead 4-0 with :54 left in the second period.  Duggan is awarded an escape, cutting the lead to 4-1.  Both wrestlers get in a scramble, working to get a takedown as the period ends with Keener leading by 4-1.

Duggan starts the third period on the bottom and immediately escapes to cut the lead to 4-2.  Keener in on a single leg with Duggan defending well.  Both wrestlers go toward the edge of the mat with Keener attempting to lock a standing cradle, as both wrestlers go out of bounds.  Back to the center for a fresh start with :57 left in the third period.  The score is still 4-2 in favor of Corey Keener of Blue Mountain with :30 left in the third.  The bout comes to an end with the win going to Corey Keener of Blue Mountain.

Billy Rappo Council Rock South vs Dalton Macri Canon McMillan

Scoreless :45 into the first period, both wrestlers are battling from the Neutral position to score the first take down and the match's first points.  Rappo gets in deep with Macri sprawling and defending well as both wrestlers go out of bounds.  The first period comes to an end scoreless.

Macri opts to start the second period from the bottom defensive position. One minute into the second period, Rappo is riding Macri, as Macri comes to his feet.  Rappo returns Macri to the mat, as Macri hits a switch to secure a reversal and a 2-0 lead.  Macri now goes on the offensive attack, attempting to turn Rappo for near fall. Rappo stands and gets the escape 1:59 into the second period just as the buzzer goes off to cut the lead to 2-1.

Rappo starts the third period from the bottom position and immediately escapes to tie the score 2-2.  The third period ended tied at 2-2.  Both wrestlers went through a scoreless sudden victory overtime period.

Macri took bottom to start his first :30 overtime period.  Macri secured an escape to go ahead 4-2.  Rappo then opted to take the down position to start his :30 overtime period where he was given an optional start by Macri to cut the lead to 4-3.  Rappo immediately went on the attack securing the winning take down with :11 left to win the match 5-4.

Michael Kemerer Franklin Regional vs Scott Parker Pennridge

Kemerer leads 2-0 with six seconds left in the third period ... holding two nearfall points to go up 4-0 as the match comes to an end.

Day 3 blogs

We're back for Day 3 of the PIAA Wrestling Championships.  This morning will kick off at 9 AM with the AAA semifinals and third round of consolations.  AAA consolation semis will follow at approx. 11:30 AM.

AA finals for 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th will be held at 2 PM, while the AAA finals will take place at 7 PM.

Blog updates

Due to circumstances beyond our control, we won't be posting any blog updates during Friday's second AA session (including semis).  We hope to return with blog posts on Saturday.

Kirby Mutton Pen Argyl vs Nazar Mironenko Mifflinburg

Mironenko in for an early takedown and a 2-0 lead.  Mironenko attempting to turn Mutton to no avail. First period ends 2-0.  Mironenko opts to start the second period on the bottom.  Mironenko immediately to his feet, sweeping in on a leg to secure the reversal to go up 4-0.  Mironenko turns Mutton for two nearfall points to go up 6-0.  Mutton goes down to start the third and escapes.  Mironenko up 6-1.  Mironenko secures a takedown as time expires to win by 8-1.

Derek Wolford Hanover vs Ryan Longenberger Bloomsburg

Wolford is attempting to get in on a single leg but Longenberger sprawls, defending Wolford's shot.  Wolford again in deep on a double leg, securing a takedown and a 2-0 lead with :35 left in the first period.  Longenberger gets an escape 2-1.  Longenberger starts the second period on bottom.  Longenberger again false starts on the bottom for his second caution.  Another caution will result in a point for Wolford.  Longenberger escapes bringing the score to 2-2.  Wolford starts the third on the bottom and imediatley escapes to go up 3-2.  Wolford awarded a point for intentional slaps to the face as Wolford goes out of bounds to go up 4-2.  Wolford in on a single leg as they go out of bounds.  Back to the center for a new start with :17 left in the third. Third caution on Longenberger of Bloomsburg. Wolford goes up 5-2.  A desperate attempt on a bear hug, Longenberger gets taken down as the period comes to an end with Wolford securing a trip to the Semi Finals with a 7-2 victory.

Kurt Meske Central Columbia vs Anthony Risaliti Central Cambria

Kurt Meske secures a takedown just five seconds into the start of the bout to take a 2-0 lead.  Risaliti escapes, bringing the score to 2-1.  Meske in deep on a single leg as the wrestlers go out of bounds.  First period ends 2-1. Risaliti chooses to start the second period on the bottom defensive position.  Meske is riding as Risaliti sweeps behind for a reversal to go up 3-2 with 1:33 left in the second period.  Meske hits a switch for a reversal for 2 to go up 4-3 which fans feel was given prematurely.  Risaliti immediately goes around for a reversal to go up 5-4.  Injury time called for Meske of Central Columbia.  Meske reverses Risaliti to go up 6-5. Meske starts the third period on the bottom and immediately goes for a switch.  Meske escapes at the 1:32 mark to go up 7-5.  Blood time called for Meske of Central Columbia.  Meske in on a single leg, then trips Risaliti to the mat for a takedown.  Meske up 9-5.  Risaliti escapes, cutting the lead to 6-5.  Meske in on another single leg as both wrestlers go to the mat with Meske securing another takedown, going up 11-5.  The third period comes to an end with a 11-5 decision for Kurt Meske of Central Columbia.

Cody Copeland Greenville vs Ty Schoffstall Tri Valley

Scoreless in the first, Cody Copeland gets a takedown with :25 left in the first period to go up 2-0.  Period comes to an end.   Copeland chooses down to start the second period.  Caution on Schoffstall.  Copeland turns into Schoffstall and reverses him to take a 4-0 lead.  Both wrestlers go out of bounds and head to the center for a new start.  Copeland loads up his famous cradle and secures the fall in 2:27.

Back for Day 2

Day 2 of the PIAA Championships has arrived.  The first session for AA on the day begins at 9 AM with the quarterfinals on all 6 mats.  the second ronud of consolations will follow at approx. 10:45 AM.

AAA resumes at 1:30 PM (quarters) and 3:15 PM (second round consolations).

AA closes out the day with the semis and third round consolations at 6:30 PM and fourth round consolations at approx. 9 PM.

John Dutrow Council Rock North vs Daniel King Susquehanna Twp

Tied 0-0 :26 into the second period, John Dutrow is working on top trying to turn King for nearfall.  Dutrow is working a tilt, trying to secure nearfall but King is defending well.  The second period comes to an end still tied 0-0.  Juat 38 seconds into the third period, the match still remains scoreless 0-0.  Injury time is called for King as both wrestlers go out of bounds.  Dutrow gets an escape to go up 1-0 with :30 left in the third period.  An illegal hold is called on Dutrow during a scramble, tying the match 1-1.  OVERTIME.  Dutrow secures a takedown to win by 3-1.

Tyson Dippery Central Dauphin vs CJ Palmer Delaware Valley.

Into the second period scoreless.  Palmer started on bottom and is working his way through a scramble to obtain control for a reversal to take a 2-0 lead, but Dippery is maintaining control.  Stalemate is called, and they go back to the center tied 0-0 with :20 left in the second.  Very nice rideout for Tyson Dippery gaining two minutes of riding time in the second period to remain tied 0-0.  Dippery chooses down to start the third period. Injury time called for CJ Palmer.  Palmer continues to ride tough, as Dippery tripods to a Granby roll and both wrestlers go out of bounds ... a stalling warning is given to Palmer.  Back to the center for a new start tied 0-0 with :40 left in the third period.  Dippery is moving to get out as Palmer drops to an ankle.  A second stalling call  is given to Palmer, giving Dippery a 1-0 lead.  Palmer opts to let Dippery up with :15 left in the third, to give a 2-0 lead to Dippery.  Dippery wins 2-0.

Zac Ulerick Middletown vs Sam Krivus Hempfield Area

Both wrestlers are in the Neutral position.  The match remains scoreless with :15 left in the match.  Krivus in deep on a shot but defended well by Ulerick as the first period comes to a end, scoreless 0-0.

Ulerick wins the disc flip and chooses to start the second period from the bottom position.  Ulerick escapes at the edge of the mat 30 seconds into the second period.  Both wrestlers work their way to the middle in the Neutral position.  Action remains in the Neutral position with 10 seconds left in the second period.

Caution on Ulerick to start the third period from the top position.  Krivus elected to start the third period from the bottom position.  Injury time for Ulerick ... then Krivus escapes to tie the match at 1-1.  Ulerick is in deep on a double leg as both wrestlers fall out of bounds.  Back to the center for another start.  Ulerick in on another shot at the edge of the mat, but the ref calls them out of bounds.  Back to the center yet again.  The match is tied at 1-1 with :15 left.  OVERTIME.

Ulerick in deep on a takedown and secures the takedown with :37 left in the sudden victory period.  Ulerick wins 3-1 6:23 SV.

Ethan Lizak Parkland vs Dan Martoccio Council Rock South

Ethan Lizak from Parkland has built an 8-4 lead over Dan Martoccio of Council Rock South.  They are in the third period working from the Neutral position.  Lizak with a last minute takedown to win the bout, 10-4.

AAA starts at 4 PM

The AAA wrestlers have taken the floor and are in the process of warming up.  We will bring you information from the AAA session as soon as it begins throughout the tournament's Preliminary round.  Stay tuned !!

AA has completed

The AA first round consolations are coming to an end.  We will be back to cover the AAA prelims at 4:00 p.m. and then the AAA first round consolations at 7:15 p.m.

Ty Walter Mifflinburg vs Kyle Caggiano Ridgway

Ty with an early takedown to lead 2-0.  Escape allowed, and another takedown for Walter to go up 4-1.  Walter takes bottom to start the second and escapes with another quick takedown to go up 7-1 with :42 left in the second period.  Walter riding parallel with a leg ride and a stall warning given to Walter of Mifflinburg.  Mifflinburg coach calls official to the head table to argue the stall call.  With :30 into the third period, Walter reverses Caggiano to go up 9-1.  Again riding with both boots laced, the ref calls Walter for potentially dangerous and brings them to the center for a fresh start.  Walter gives Caggiano an escape, bringing the score to 9-2 with :45 left in the match.  Walter goes for a dump and gets stopped, as Caggiano is awarded a takedown, cutting the score to 9-4.  Caggiano is getting frustrated, as he gives Walter a big push out of bounds after the whistle.  Walter gets in on an ankle as time runs out to win 9-4, keeping his hopes alive for his chances of a state medal (as he will continue to work his way back through the always-tough consolations).

Nate Grandelis Chartiers Houston vs Derek Earnest Hughsville

The big guys have now taken the mat and are scoreless with 1:06 left in the first period.  Both wrestlers, locked up, Grandelis is looking for the underhooks and a big shove from Earnest takes both wrestlers out of bounds.  New start in the center with both wrestlers remaining in the neutral position trying to score the first points of the bout.  First period ends scoreless, 0-0.

Grandelis gets his choice to start the second period and selects to start from the bottom position.  Earnest riding with a tight waist ... Grandelis stands as Earnest falls out of bounds.  Back to the center for a new start.  Grandelis to his feet, but this time secures an escape to take a 1-0 lead with 1:10 left in the second period.  Stalemate called by the ref and to the center for yet another fresh start.  Earnest tired of locking up with Grandelis ... gives Nate a big shove with Grandelis going right back to the center.  Second period ends with Grandelis leading by 1-0.

Earnest starts the third period on the bottom as well.  Grandelis appears to be the bigger of the two wrestlers, maintaining an advantage when on top.  Earnest builds a base as he works for an escape with a stall warning being issued to Grandelis.  1:38 left on the clock for the fresh start in the middle.  Earnest stands and is out for an escape, tieing the match 1-1 with 1:20 left in the third.  The third period ends tied 1-1 with bloodtime called for Grandelis.

Both wrestlers come to the middle to start the 1:00 sudden victory period.  Both wrestlers dance around in the neutral position for the entire 1:00.  Blood time for Earnest as the sudden victory period ends.  When action resumes, both wrestlers will take a turn in a :30 period with each wrestler selecting which position they wish to start the period from.  Earnest starts the first :30 period from the down position and comes right out for the escape to go ahead 2-1.  Remember, Grandelis will get a turn at a :30 period as well.  If he does not escape from the bottom position (which he just chose), Earnest will win by 2-1.  Grandelis works to escape but goes out of bounds.  Caution on Earnest.  Grandelis again tries to stand for the escape, but Earnest grabs an ankle and runs him out of bounds.  Grandelis escapes with :05 left in his :30 period.  Grandelis scores first in the match, so he gets his choice and chooses down.  HE MUST escape or Earnest wins by 3-2.  Grandelis reverses Earnest and sticks Earnest for the fall with :19 left in the overtime period.  Nate Grandelis wins via fall in 8:11 OT/Ultimate Tie-Breaker !!

Alex Svetz North East vs Ray ODonnell Saucon Valley

Svetz and ODonnell scoreless after one period.  ODonnell takes bottom to start the second and secures a reversal to go up 2-0.  ODonnell riding, trying to turn Svetz but several attemps have been unsuccessful.  Svetz with a Granby roll for a reversal putting ODonnell to his back for two nearfall points.  Second period ends with Svetz leading by 4-2.  ODonnell reverses Svetz at the :30 mark of the third to tie the bout at 4-4.  Svetz with an escape to go up 5-4, but ODonnell takes him down just that quick to take a 6-5 lead.  Svetz calls injury time.  Trainers go to the mat to check on Svetz, as he lies motionless in the middle of the circle.  Let's hope Alex is okay and can continue the bout.  Trainers roll Svetz to his back and appear to be examining Svetz's right leg or knee.  The match is restarted with ODonnell riding on top.  Ray still holds a 6-5 lead with :21 left in the bout.  The encounter ends with ODonnell picking up the 6-5 decision victory.

Wes Phipps Grove City vs Jared Beckwith Tyrone

Newly-announced Penn State recruit Wesley Phipps of Grove City continues his dominating fashion, improving his record to 37-0 on the season with a fall over Jared Beckwith of Tyrone.  Wesley will continue his education and wrestling career for Coach Cael Sanderson and the Penn State Nittany Lions (repeating as Big-10 Champions). Wesley will be a great edition to "murderers' row" with current Penn Staters Andrew Alton, David Taylor, Ed Ruth and Quentin Wright.

Tristan Sponseller Bermudian Springs vs Garret Shnyder Montgomery

Tristan Sponseller looking great in his first round match-up, leading 6-0 with :52 left in the third period.  Triston with a nice cradle to Shnyder's back for three additional back points to win, 10-0.  Great win for Tristan, as his first trip to States last year ended with an 0-2 performance.  Coach McCollum of Bermudian Springs has his wrestlers performing well in the first round of this year's PIAA-AA Championships.

100th win for Ryan Todora, Bethlehem Catholic

Congratulations to Bethlehem Catholic's 145-pounder Ryan Todora, with his 6-3 win over Boe Bonzo of Freedom Area.  With this win, Ryan is the newest member of the PIAA 100-win club.  GREAT accomplishment for Ryan.

Joe Hibbler Seneca vs Adam Kritzer Line Mountain

Kritzer from Line Mountain scores a takedown :10 into the first period.  Hibbler attempts to escape securing a escape to cut the lead to 2-1.  Kritzer again gets a takedown to go up 4-1 with Hibbler securing an escape going down 4-2.  The first period ends 4-2 with Kritzer holding a slim lead.

Kritzer takes down Hibbler to start the second period and escapes immediately to go up 6-2.  Injury time for Kritzer at the :28 mark of the second period.  Kritzer is riding looking to turn Hibbler.  Hibbler escapes at the :52 of the second period to cut the lead to 6-3.  Both men working to secure a takedown.  Kritzer holds onto a 6-3 lead with :14 left in the second.  The third period ends 6-3 Kritzer.

Hibbler starts the third period in the defensive position.  Hibbler escapes to cut the lead to 6-4.  Kritzer gets in deep with Hibbler defending.  Both wrestlers funk but neither can gain control.  Kritzer locked tight on the leg of Hibbler as the ref calls stalemate and then blood time for Kritzer.  Inside trip attempted by Hibbler with no success.  Stalling warning on Kritzer for backing up as the match comes to an end, with Kritzer securing a 6-4 win.

Cody Copeland Greenville vs Jared Walker South Fayette

Copeland gets the fall in 8 seconds to advance.

Wow and just that quick, Copeland in for a take down and immediately hammers Walker with a cross face cradle to secure the fall in :08.  What an accomplishment for Cody Copeland of Greenville in obtaining over 100 falls in his career.  Alot of wrestlers dream of obtaining 100 wins let alone 100 falls.  Copeland is one of the favorites to make it to the finals in attempt for the state championship.

Action overall to this point.

Wresting is very intense this morning in the AA first round.  A lot of great wrestling action.  This is going to lead to some very interesting quarter-final rounds.  A couple bouts (I would call them upsets) have occurred.  At this point, not a single wrestler can be taken for granted, as every scholastic grappler here is a quality, very talented athlete ... simply qualifying for the State Championships is indeed a major feat !!

Ryan Easter Bedford vs Matt Williams Pen Argyl

Lots of hand flurries, to start the match.  Wrestlers go out of bounds, into the center for a new start.  Bedford in deep on a shot as both wrestlers go out of bounds.  Easter seems to be the aggressor as they go out of bounds again.  Williams will soon be warned for stalling from backing up.  Now Williams is pressuring as both wrestlers go out of bounds again.  :25 left in the first with the score tied 0-0.  Stalemate called.  Pretty even match up in the first round.  First period comes to an end tied 0-0.

Easter of Bedford chooses the defensive position to start the second.  Easter quickly escapes six seconds into the start of the second period to score the bout's first point and take a one point lead.  Easter in again on a shot with Williams sprawling and catching Easter in an attempted front headlock.  Second period ends 1-0 in favor of Easter.  Williams goes down to start the third period.

Williams comes to his feet with Easter bringing him back down and out of bounds.  Back to the center for a fresh start.  Easter with an attempted tilt but no near fall awarded.  Williams back to his feet but quickly driven out of bounds by Easter to maintain his 1-0 lead.  On the restart, Williams explodes from the bottom for an escape to tie the match 1-0 with 35 seconds left.  Williams in deep on a take down as both wrestlers go out of bounds.  The third period ends tied 1-1.

Both wrestlers to the middle for a 1:00 sudden victory period.  This match is one of the best first period matches of the tourney so far.  Easter shoots in and secures the takedown with :17 left in the SV period to secure a 3-1 victory in overtime.

Ben Rager Central Cambria vs Arty Walsh Schuylkill Valley

Walsh in on a shot but countered very well by Rager.  Back to the center for a fresh shot.  Walsh with a dump to score the first points and take a 2-0 lead with :57 left in the first period.  Walsh lets Rager up for an escape, bringing the score to 2-1 with :20 left in the first period.  The first period ends 2-1 in favor of Arty Walsh.

Ben Rager selects to start the second period from the down position and is automatically given one point for an escape as Walsh has elected to start from the Neutral position, tieing the match 2-2.  Walsh hits another dump straight to Rager's back for three nearfall points, securing the fall 1:01 into the second period.  Walsh wins by fall in a time of 3:01

Wrestlers are warming up...

The AA wrestlers are warming up now on the 6 mats on the floor of the Giant Center.  Wrestling is scheduled to begin at 9 AM...  Check our brackets for updates throughout the next 3 days.

Hours away...

The mats are down.  The arena is ready.  The wrestlers and coaches are ready.  Are you ready?

A total of 224 wrestlers in each class will begin their quest for a PIAA state championship tomorrow.  Only 14 in each class will accomplish that feat.

The 2012 PIAA Wrestling Championships finally get underway tomorrow morning at 9 AM with the preliminaries for Class AA.  Wrestling begins at 4 PM for Class AAA.

Among the biggest storylines heading into the tournament...

Can Derry's Jimmy Gulibon become just the 10th wrestler to win FOUR state titles?

Can anyone stop Central Mountain's Brian Brill or Kennard Dale's Chance Marsteller from getting to the finals at 160 in AAA?  If not, which returning state champ will win that finals matchup?  Can Brill hand Marsteller his first loss in HS or will Chance get title #2 as a sophomore?

Can Solanco's Thomas Haines capture his second title and get halfway to joining the 4x champion club?

What do you think are the major stories of the Championships this year?

Coverage from Hershey

The most exciting week of the PA high school wrestling season is upon us...the PIAA Championships!

We'll have complete coverage of the most prestigious high school state wrestling championship tournament all three days from Hershey.  On the right are links to the brackets (both AA and AAA) where we'll be providing live updates with our interactive brackets.  Also on the right are links to our "Guess the Placers" prediction contests (formerly from the NHSCA Sports Network).  Be sure to get your submissions in before Thursday's wrestling gets started to see how you stack up against other PA wrestling fans!

We'll use this blog to post match reports as well as other news, notes, photos, and tidbits from the Giant Center.  Check back during the week for more!