Quaker Valley wrestlers show potential, win 2 titles at Chartiers-Houston tournament

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, December 15, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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Quaker Valley secured fifth place at the season-opening Chartiers-Houston wrestling tournament held on the weekend of Dec. 6-7.

QV coach Austin Heinl believes it was a good learning experience for his team, but he has loftier expectations for the Quakers in 2024-25.

“I think the Chartiers-Houston tournament was a great first test to start the season,” Heinl said. “I’m happy with what we learned from competing this weekend. Fifth place in a tough field is good, but I believe our guys can achieve a higher level of success as the season continues.”

Bethel Park won the tournament with a 206.5-point total, followed by Butler (188.5), North Hills (153), Freedom (150) and Quaker Valley (143). Rounding out the top 10 were Shaler (142.5), Mt. Lebanon (138.5), Peters Township (126), Beth-Center (121) and Plum (109.5).

QV junior Matt Danna (145 pounds) and freshman Brennan Breisinger (215) took first place.

For Danna, practice paid off in his first taste of tournament competition this season.

“The key for me winning the championship was to stay focused on my technique and conditioning and to believe in what I’ve been working on in practice,” he said. ”My strength is having a positive mindset before and throughout a match, which is vital for me to compete at my absolute best.

“Wrestling demands composure, so staying calm under pressure can lead to ways to capitalize on opportunities during a match.”

Danna hopes to develop a winning rhythm during the winter months.

“My personal expectation for this season is to wrestle my hardest whoever I go against so it becomes the standard for me,” he said. “I think that this will elevate my wrestling, which will help me when facing some of the best kids in the state.

“I hope to demonstrate my leadership abilities to some of the young guys on the team so they know if you are putting in good effort throughout the season, you will get some good results. This will benefit the team in achieving our goals.”

Breisinger believes his diligence in the offseason helped propel him to his early title.

“A big part of winning my first varsity championship was the work and dedication I put in this offseason,” he said, “and the coaches that have worked with me and taken my wrestling to the next level. I’m very grateful to have that support group around me to contribute to my success.

“My goal for this season is to qualify for states as a freshman, which I am feeling confident in. I’m planning on setting higher expectations for myself next year.”

Breisinger indicated that his speed and cardio at 215 pounds are big bonuses for him on the mat.

“I am able to wrestle for the full six minutes, which is a big part for me considering I’m (usually) wrestling bigger and stronger kids,” he said.

Danna won a 9-0 major decision against Hampton’s Dustin Kerr in the championship round to rack up a 5-0 record in the tournament.

Breisinger won by a technical fall against Bethel Park’s Hunter Goelz, 19-4 at the 5:11 mark, to finish 4-0.

“Matt and Brennan both made statements,” Heinl said. “Both dominated their respective brackets from start to finish; neither of them gave up a takedown.

“I was happy with both of their offensive pressure and hand fighting. I’m excited to see what they and the rest of our wrestlers can do the rest of the season.”

Bruce Anderchak, a junior, and Marcus Richey, a senior, earned runner-up medals at 114 and 172 for the Quakers. Both won three matches to reach the championship round.

“Bruce and Marcus also had strong performances to make the finals,” Heinl said. “Both lost to tough wrestlers in the finals, but both needed hard-fought victories to reach that point, so that’s exciting to see them coming out on top in those types of matches.

“These experiences will help all of them when it comes time for the postseason.”

Another individual highlight for QV was the performance of sophomore Noah Fardo at 215 pounds. Fardo won three of his five matches; all three were by fall.

“Brennan Breisinger, Tommy Minnock, Jack Bednarski, Brendan Fitzgerald and Noah Fardo all achieved their first varsity wins,” Heinl said.

Minnock (152), Bednarski (139) and Fitzgerald (127) are freshmen.

QV senior Jack Diemert (160) and sophomore Trey Dunlap (160) also captured three wins in the tournament while junior Eoin Parnell (121) won twice.

Danna and Breisinger shared their thoughts about the Quakers’ initial appearance of 2024-25.

“I believe everyone on the team performed well for it being the first tournament of the season,” Danna said. “The tournament gave us an idea of what we need to work on to progress to the next event. The newcomers wrestled hard and enjoyed their first high school tournament.

“I would like to give thanks to the support Quaker Valley wrestling receives from the community and sponsors.”

Breisinger said, “I’m happy with the team’s performance. We finished fifth overall and second out of the Class 2A teams. We have a young team and great potential for the year.”

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