Penn-Trafford’s Dylan Barrett wrestling with a purpose as he chases a championship

By: Paul Schofield
Sunday, January 12, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Penn-Trafford junior Dylan Barrett was not pleased with his performance at the 58th Powerade Tournament in December.

He went 2-2 and did not place.

He lost to Wyoming Seminary’s Wyatt Spencer (3-2, tiebreaker) and St. Francis’ (N.Y.) Cullen Edwards, 7-1.

His wins were against Connellsville’s Zach Franks (8-6) and Bergen Catholic’s Marcos Asan (6-0).

The minor setback won’t deter him from his goal. He wants to be a WPIAL and PIAA champion.

“I was not satisfied with my performance at Powerade,” Barrett said. “I am never satisfied. To be honest, I should have wrestled a lot better.

“I didn’t get to my attacks. That is what I have been working on since, and my work showed in my match against Norwin.”

Barrett defeated Coleton Klipa, 13-4. The two wrestlers are friends and work out together. They know each other’s moves.

“After Powerade, I started writing down stuff, started writing down my goals, even for the day,” Barrett said. “I’m going to practice with more of a purpose.

“I’m not going through the motions at practice. I’m trying to get better every day, and I’m watching film too.”

He said that extra work paid off against Klipa.

Barrett (14-2, 82-27) is a two-time PIAA qualifier after he placed third in the WPIAL in 2023 and second in 2024. He was looking forward to the Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association tournament Jan. 11 where he looked to win his first county title.

So, what is the difference about his style?

“I’m wrestling with a purpose,” Barrett said. “I am more focused. I have been to states twice, so I know what it takes to get there. Now I want to get on the podium.”

Penn-Trafford coach Travis McKillop said he sees a difference in Barrett.

“He’s an ideal kid, an ideal leader and an ideal teammate,” McKillop said. “He’s a super person and comes from a great family.

“He’s more mature and competing with a purpose. He wants to reach the top of the podium, and I feel he can get there.”

Barrett is ranked No. 2 in Class 3A in the TribHSSN rankings behind Peters Township’s Nick McGarrity (24-1).

“The season is going well,” Barrett said. “Our team is a bunch of fighters, and that is what I love about them. It has been a lot of fun.”

Barrett recently dropped to the 114-pound weight class after beginning the season at 121.

“The weight class is strong,” Barrett said. “There are a lot of good wrestlers there. No one is easy. I’m also excited about the postseason.”

Barrett lost to McGarrity, 6-2 in sudden victory, in the WPIAL finals at 107 pounds last year.

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Penn-Trafford