WPIAL dominates the top seeds in PIAA Class AA Southwest Regional pairings

By: Paul Schofield
Sunday, February 17, 2019 | 1:30 AM

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The PIAA Class AA Southwest Regional pairings were released Sunday, and the WPIAL had nine of the 14 top seeds.

Heading the list is returning PIAA champion Thayne Lawrence of Frazier. The three-time WPIAL champion, who wrestles at 160 pounds, will be looking for his first regional title.

He dropped a decision at regionals last year to Chestnut Ridge’s Justin McCoy, but defeated McCoy in the state finals.

“That’s something I’m looking to get,” Lawrence said. “I’m excited to meet the tough competition.”

The tournament begins 1 p.m. Friday at IUP’s Kovalchick Complex. Action resumes Saturday at 10 a.m. with the consolation round. The semifinals are scheduled for noon and the finals at 5:45 p.m.

The other top seeds include South Park sophomore Joey Fischer at 106, Elizabeth Forward junior Ryan Michaels at 113, Burrell sophomore Ian Oswalt at 120, Quaker Valley sophomore Connor Redinger at 132, Hopewell senior Jacob Ealy at 138, Freedom sophomore Trent Schultheis at 152, Bentworth senior Jon Vargo at 195 and Derry senior Dom DeLuca at 220.

“The WPIAL is one of the toughest districts in the state and country,” DeLuca said. “I’m looking forward to some great battles.”

Three WPIAL wrestlers were seeded No. 2: Derry sophomore Ty Cymmerman at 126; McGuffey senior Christian Clutter at 170; and Mt. Pleasant freshman Dayton Pitzer at 182.

Redinger (106), Vargo (182) and Freedom senior Bryson Miller (195) are returning champions.

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Bentworth, Burrell, Derry Area, Elizabeth Forward, Frazier, Freedom, Hopewell, Quaker Valley, South Park