Derry, Burrell wrestlers adjust focus to sectionals

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, February 14, 2018 | 8:21 PM

If wrestlers from Burrell and Derry want to return to Hershey on March 8, they can't afford a letdown this weekend.

The Class AA individual season begins Friday with three section tournaments. The top four finishers in each weight class will compete in Saturday's WPIAL tournament. Competition will be at Canon-McMillan each day.

Burrell coach Josh Shields and Derry coach Mile Weinell said they hope those who competed at PIAA team tournament last week at Hershey's Giant Center aim to return.

“It was a great experience for them,” Weinell said. “We have a good chance to bring back a lot of wrestlers, and hopefully they'll place. They shouldn't be overwhelmed by the arena.”

Junior Dom DeLuca and senior Shawn Broadway were PIAA qualifiers in 2017 ,and DeLuca ended up third at 182 pounds.

But DeLuca went 1-1 at the team tournament, including being pinned by Huntingdon's Landon Fisher at 220.

DeLuca, who was ranked No. 1, was bothered by a sore shoulder.

“We could have as many as eight qualify for the state tournament,” Shields said. “I think some realized this weekend that they can compete against anyone in the state.

“I believe this was a confidence-builder for a lot of them. I was really proud of how Corey Christie and Shaun Gates became leaders.”

Injuries will keep at least two wrestlers from competing this weekend. Fort Cherry senior Nick Candelore (12-2) and Beth-Center junior Dominic Fundy (28-2), a PIAA runner-up and WPIAL champion at 182 in 2017 are not wrestling. Fundy, who has a hand injury, was ranked No. 2 in the state by PaPoweringWrestling.com.

Jefferson-Morgan senior Gavin Teasdale (27-2) is going after his fourth WPIAL title. He's also a three-time PIAA champion.

Other returning champions are Burrell sophomore Trent Valovchik (106), Bentworth senior Manny Dovshek (113), McGuffey junior Jett Pattison (120), Southmoreland senior Tyler Griffiths (132), Frazier sophomore Thayne Lawrence (138), McGuffey junior Christian Clutter (160), Freedom junior Bryson Miller (195) and South Side Beaver senior Bishop McCoy (220).

Freedom junior Z.J. Ward won the 106 title in 2016.

Griffiths is seeking his third WPIAL title. He has been battling a midseason injury.

The PIAA Southwest Regional is Feb. 23-24 at IUP.

Paul Schofield is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at pschofield@tribweb.com or via Twitter @Schofield_Trib.

Tags: Bentworth, Beth-Center, Burrell, Fort Cherry, Frazier, Freedom, Jefferson-Morgan, McGuffey, South Side, Southmoreland