SHARON — Bradford High’s Tyler Thompson was among a number of local wrestlers who qualified for the State Tournament at this weekend’s Class AA Northwest Regional Wrestling Championships.
Thompson finished third in the 132 pound bracket, winning the consolation bracket. Thompson went 4-1 for the tournament, losing only to Sam Sallot, the eventual champion of the bracket from Harbor Creek by a 4-2 decision in a very fast-paced match.
“Tyler made the State Tournament last year with a goal of making the podium but came up short,” BHS coach Jamey Miller said. “With the way he’s wrestling now I’m confident he is capable of accomplishing it this year. So we’ll leave Wednesday and go wrestle and see how far he goes.”
The Owls had several other matmen compete over the weekend.
“At 220 Nate Gehm went 2-2 for the weekend,” Miller said. “Nate’s match in the 3rd round of the consolation bracket really showed that he has the tools to compete in Western PA. Both Coach Havers and I have talked to Nate and his father about things to work on in the offseason to bring him full circle.
At 152 pounds, Colby Keane also went 2-2 for the weekend.
“Both losses were hard-fought matches despite the end results but it does give us some things to work on. Colby is only a sophomore and still made it out to the consy quarters.
“At 145 Dillon Keane was wrestling in probably the toughest bracket state-wide this past weekend and still went 2-2. He lost a real tough fought match to Hunter Michaeld from Reynolds that had the whole gym rocking. In the consy finals a shoulder injury slowed him but he kept fighting but fell short. I know Dillon will get healed back up and get right back to work for next season.”
Four local wrestlers earned titles at their respective weight classes: Caleb Hetrick of Brookville (145 pounds), Kane’s Alec English (152), Port Allegany’s Jacob Kallenborn (160), and Curwensville’s Steve McClure (285).
Others who qualified for the State Tournament include: Bryent Johnson (Smethport), Blake Passarelli (Curwensville), Mason Songer (Redbank Valley), Dylan Pesock (Oswayo Valley), Anthony Glasl (Brockway), Lukas McClain (Ridgway), Donte Constable (Brookville), Logan McClain (Ridgway), Julian Smith (Coudersport), Garrett McClintick (Brockway), Elijah Ayers (Coudersport), Tom Wurster (Clarion), and Colby Whitehille (Brookville).
