Riverview splits dual matches; Wylly notches pair of technical falls

By: Josh Rizzo
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 | 9:53 PM

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Alex Wylly wants his sophomore season with the Riverview wrestling team to reflect his toughness. Wylly has demonstrated he is willing to put the time in managing the burden that comes with playing three varsity sports.

Following a solid freshman season on the mat, Wylly wants to prove to the wrestling community he has the grit to qualify for states.

Wylly opened this season with a pair of technical falls during a pair of dual matches with Penn Hills and Woodland Hills on Wednesday night at Penn Hills. The Raiders split the matches as a team, beating the Wolverines, 35-12, but losing 48-23 to Penn Hills.

“I want to beat the kids I shouldn’t have lost to (last season),” Wylly said. “There were a couple of kids I lost to multiple times. I shouldn’t have given up. I should have crested the hill and kept going.”

Wylly finished 23-14 his freshman season, placing sixth at the WPIAL Class 2A tournament.

In addition to wrestling, Wylly plays on Riverview’s soccer and baseball teams. During the offseason, Wylly worked on wrestling, which he doesn’t consider his top sport.

“I put wrestling second, but it’s right there with soccer,” Wylly said. “Baseball is right underneath it. I’m not good at baseball. But I like soccer a lot.”

Riverview coach Joe Murphy said he likes having multi-sport athletes on the team. He doesn’t feel like Wylly is bothered when things go sideways during matches.

“He has confidence because he is used to being in high-pressure situations,” Murphy said.

On the mats, Wylly likes to push the pace on his opponents. Last season, Wylly picked up 10 wins by technical fall.

Murphy said Wylly is tough for many of his opponents to handle when he is on his feet.

“He’s aggressive, he’s creative,” Murphy said.”He does some funky stuff.”

Wylly’s desire to score points and shoot on opponents did leave him in some tough spots last season. He lost eight matches by fall and would like to get better in the top position.

“I came into wrestling working on my cardio,” Wylly said. “I need to work on my top. I need to start turning guys. I want to get quicker pins and quicker techs. I want to not get ridden out on the bottom. Not getting stuck in legs, not getting stuck in an arm bar or anything, just getting out.”

Wylly finished 1-2 at regionals last year. He is focused on his training and attempting to make his wrestling season last as long as possible.

“If I focus on my drilling during the year,” Wylly said. “I don’t want to focus on how I didn’t beat this kid. The postseason is what matters. If you lose, you are on to your next sport. I want to make this last as long as possible. I want to get into the first day of spring sports, and I’m still in the state tournament.”

Tags: Penn Hills, Riverview, Woodland Hills