PORT ALLEGANY — Winning in a lop-sided night in front of their home fans, the Port Allegany wrestling team took down Bradford 62-7, celebrating the win while also using the night to honor their seniors.
The Gators have four seniors on the team in Logan Hurlburt, Aidan Thomas, Peyton Stiles and Miska Young, all who have made serious contributions and impacts to the team over the years.
“Logan came out for wrestling in his sophomore year and has competed ever since. He’s stuck behind some state-level kids but he’s always working hard and has really improved and done well for us,” said Port Allegany head coach BJ Greenman. “Aidan is always working hard and is a lot of fun for the other kids to have around. He kind of brings the spirits of the rest of the kids up.
“Peyton will be a start for us after the Christmas break. He took a year off but he was a regional qualifier his sophomore year so it’s good to have him back on the team,” said Greenman. “Miska is top-10 in the state on a couple different sites, so he’s looking forward to capping off his senior year with a medal down at states.”
After honoring their upperclassmen, the Gators got down to business, winning all but one of the contests against the Owls. Port earned six wins by pinfall, coming from Isaac Postlewait (127), Colton Furgeson (133), Kelvin Burgess (139), Alden Furgeson (145), Miska Young (215) and Carson Neely (285).
Bradford’s lone win came from sophomore Jordan Thompson (160), who took down Mason Gordon by decision.
The win came as Port’s third overall and second in the Allegheny Mountain League.
“I really think we’re probably one of the top teams in the district. Between Clearfield, St. Marys, Cranberry, there are some really good teams and I think we can compete with all of them,” said Greenman. “I’m hoping we’ll be competing with them down at team districts and then will be going to team states this year.”
Junior High WrestlingPort Allegany 57, Bradford 24
PORT ALLEGANY –Bradford’s Maddux Benjamin pinned his opponent in 0:44 seconds to lead the team. Kay’von Jones, Tevin Watkins and Luke Erickson won by forfeit. Colby Blauser won his exhibition match 5-0.
“Overall we need to be more aggressive in our matches,” said Bradford head coach Travis Faulkner.
The Jr High Owls return to action on Friday, traveling to face Johnsonburg.
