Allegheny County Wrestling Championships at Fox Chapel a success

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, January 25, 2019 | 6:45 PM

Despite dire weather predictions, the 18th Allegheny County Wrestling Championships went on as scheduled Jan. 18-19 at Fox Chapel. There were 37 teams participating and 392 wrestlers.

“Because of our experience over the years and our wonderful support network of families, staff and sponsors, we made it another wonderful success,” FC wrestling coach Ron Frank said.

“The weather was a nonfactor. We had 32 teams qualify a wrestler for the medal round on Saturday and every team was present and ready for weigh-ins. The coaches knew that we could make the necessary time adjustments during the weekend without any hiccups.

“The importance of this tournament was very evident to the visiting wrestlers and how well we handled the potential weather crisis is a credit to all of us.”

Thomas Jefferson won the team championship with 170.5 points with North Allegheny right behind at 168. Mt. Lebanon was third (160) followed by Pine-Richland and Upper St. Clair.

Six wrestlers won for the second consecutive year: Ryan Sullivan of Shaler at 120, Sam Hillegas of North Hills at 132, Quaker Valley’s JohnRocco Kazalas at 145, TJ’s Alex Weber at 152, Mt. Lebanon’s Luke Stout at 182 and Jake Slinger of Upper St. Clair at 285.

Hillegas won the Outstanding Wrestler award for the second straight year and Stout, a junior, claimed his third title.

Fox Chapel’s Avery Bursick finished in sixth place at 145 and teammates Jordana Matamoros (106) and Alex Wecht (160) were seventh-place finishers.

“All told, it was another great weekend for Allegheny County wrestling,” Frank said. “I would like to thank all of our wrestling family members. Thanks go out to our weight class sponsors who made the $4,300 worth of awards possible, the students in the graphics department, the many parents and grandparents who baked, cooked and worked at the refreshment stand, the parents of our alumni who helped in the kitchen and the gym, the middle school parents, the staff members and retirees, our athletic department, the maintenance staff and friends and businesses who donated food supplies, fruit, coffee and their time.

“There were dozens of other volunteers too numerous to mention. The community banded together again to make this a great weekend for high school wrestling fans. We’re looking forward to next year.”

Marty Stewart is a freelance writer.

Tags: Fox Chapel