WESTTOWN — Over the course of a wrestling season there are a lot of lessons to be learned.
Unfortunately, many of the hardest-hitting ones come when the most is on the line.
Thursday, on the first night of Class AAA District 1 Duals, No. 12 West Chester Rustin got some hard lessons from one of the top programs around, fifth-seeded Council Rock South. After a 41-30 win over No. 21 Chichester in the first round, the Golden Knights were bounced by the Golden Hawks, 54-10.
Thirteenth-seeded West Chester Henderson was also slated to compete at Rustin, but was forced to withdrawal due to a skin infection on a few members of the team.
“The kids competed overall,’ Rustin coach Brad Harkins said. “We had some tight individual matches that could have made the team score closer, but (South) is on a different level. We have to work hard to get to that level.’
Rustin (10-4) took its only lead against South in the opening bout, scoring a pin by Jon Reardon (113 pounds). From there, the Golden Hawks rattled off eight straight victories, three by fall, one by technical fall and four by decision.
In the close matches it was South who was able to find enough offense to secure the wins.
“It was a tough loss but I don’t think the match reflected how we wrestled,’ said Rustin senior Thomas Hatzipavlides, who dropped a 5-2 decision to Lucas Martoccio. “There were some swing matches that could have went the other way, but (South) came to wrestle and they took it to us.’
Costas Hatzipavlides (182) earned Rustin’s second and final win against the Hawks, registering a major decision.
With only three seniors in the lineup for the Golden Knights, competing in a high-level dual meet was an eye-opener for some of the underclassmen. But probably in a good way.
“I tell the younger guys it’s all about the experience,’ Thomas Hatzipavlides said. “Even if they’re thrown in a tough weight, it’s all for the experience. When they’re seniors it comes full circle and helps out.’
In the first round against Chichester, Brett Kaliner (106), Matt Ricci (138), both Hatzipavlides brothers and Ross Barcusky (182) earned pins for Rustin. Tyler Labus (152) and Shane Boyer (160) worked major decisions, and Isaiah Spriggs (220) survived a the rideout period in overtime for a 2-1 decision.
The Golden Knights will now turn their focus to competing for a Ches-Mont American Division crown before heading into the individual postseason February 15.
“Any time you can ramp up the competition and wrestle good kids it helps the entire team and individuals, as well,’ Harkins said. “It’s what’s gonna make us better. We’ll take the learning experience and try to improve.’
