Fox Chapel wrestler hits 100 wins, still has goals in mind

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, February 1, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Landon Funk had the idea planted in his head of reaching 100 wins as a varsity wrestler in 2017. Funk admired Foxes wrestler Mike Mahon and was in the crowd when he hit the century mark.

During the Frank Ferguson Brooke Classic at Brooke High School in West Virginia, Funk hit the milestone himself. Funk went 3-2 during the event and placed fourth at 126 pounds.

“It was a great feeling,” Funk said. “It was a goal I set as a little kid.”

Funk improved his record to 23-6 this season when he beat North Allegheny’s Dalton Stragand 17-5 by a major decision. Funk’s win, which improved his record to 101-38 in his career, came during a WPIAL Class 3A playoff match where the Foxes fell to North Allegheny 37-27.

Funk committed to wrestle at Seton Hill.

“I want to stay focused,” Funk said. “I want to improve my hand fighting and being more physical.”

During Funk’s freshman season, he finished 16-15. He bettered that during his sophomore and junior years with consecutive seasons of 30 or more wins.

One of Funk’s career highlights was his 5-2 win in the 114-pound Allegheny County Championships title match over Avonworth’s Auston Kosanovic. When Funk returned to defend his title this year, he was doing so while wrestling up two weight classes from last year.

In the semifinals, Funk lost 3-2 to Mt. Lebanon’s Evan Sala. He rallied in the consolation bracket to bring home third place.

“I learned I need to stick to basics during matches,” Funk said. “I need to get to all of my attacks. No one scored a takedown in that match. All the points came from escapes.”

Funk said he hopes to find a way to qualify for the PIAA Class 3A tournament this season. During Funk’s two appearances at WPIALs, he won a match but failed to place.

Funk said he is better equipped to make a run at states this year.

“My cardio is better,” Funk said. “I can go all six minutes if I have to.”

Tags: Fox Chapel