Ches-Mont Championships offer early-season test

The second edition of the regular season Ches-Mont Championships takes place Saturday, starting at 9 a.m., at West Chester Rustin.

While the inaugural event did not have the same intensity as the previous postseason versions, it was an entertaining tournament and was a good barometer for many of the wrestlers heading into league season.

Nine of the 14 champions from last year eventually qualified for the PIAA tournament, with three earning state medals.

The tournament will run straight through, and last year, the finals began a little before 3 p.m. There will be some heavy hitters missing this year, however, as Downingtown West and Sun Valley’s top kids are competing at the Beast of the East tournament, instead.

Here’s a quick glance at what to expect:

106

Without West’s Dom Findora, this weight is barren of high school achievement. West Chester East sophomore, Connor Whitton, is the top seed as the only non-freshman in the seven-man bracket. Oxford’s Reiland Canaday is No. 3 and will look to introduce himself.

113

Oxford’s Cannon Hershey made quite the impression here last year as a freshman, riding his high-flying style to the finals. He’s the favorite, and a pair of Ches-Mont newbies — West Chester Henderson sophomore, Max Jackman, and Downingtown East’s Ryan Loraw — should battle it out for the other spot in the finals.

120

Returning state qualifier and defending champ, Keanu Manuel of Downingtown East, is the pacesetter here. A pair of long and lanky challengers — Rustin’s Jimmy King and Henderson’s Billy Wilson — should clash for the first time in the opposite semifinals.

126

The first full, 12-man bracket, is headed by two-time state medalist and two-time league champ, Killian Delaney of Henderson. It’d be an upset if he lost, but Coatesville’s Nate Lucier hopes to give it a shot as the No. 2 seed. After that duo, there’s a pair of talented freshmen in No. 3 Josh Barlow of Kennett and No. 4 Max Parnis of West Chester East.

132

This may be the deepest weight, with the top half of the seeds filled with guys who’ve been wrestling for awhile. Henderson’s Sammy McMonagle looks to keep his fast start rolling as the top seed. Oxford’s Cooper Johnson and Kennett’s Trent Kochersperger are just behind as returning regional qualifiers.

138

Rustin’s Josh Viarengo broke through last postseason, earning a trip to states as a sophomore. There’s a trio of senior regional qualifiers — Oxford’s Kevin Quin, Great Valley’s Casey Capetola and Henderson’s Justin Tran — behind him hoping for a similar break through this winter.

145

Oxford’s Landon Meredith makes his season debut after missing the opening tournament. He’s the top seed as a returning regional qualifier. Henderson’s Palmer Delaney is No. 2 after reaching the finals last season. After them, the rest of the bracket is unproven.

152

A year ago, Rustin’s Alex Pratzner bumped up to 152 in the postseason and won a sectional title. He’s grown into the weight and is the top seed. Henderson’s Bobby English and Kennett’s Paul James Pebly seem to be his biggest competition on the other side. Downingtown East freshman, Bo Horvath, gets his first Ches-Mont action at No. 5.

160

Henderson’s Koh Bauman got a little mojo back against Council Rock South and is the No. 1 seed after finishing runner-up as a sophomore. Unionville’s Sam Elsen hopes to see him in the finals if he can get by Great Valley’s Keefe Thornton or West Chester East’s Justus Lamb.

170

Downingtown East’s Matt Romanelli was poised for a big year as a sophomore until an injury ended his run prematurely. He’s back and is the prohibitive favorite at this weight. Third-seed Jake Fenimore of West Chester East looks to upend No. 2 Christian Mercado of Oxford.

182

Spencer Uggla of Downingtown East returned from a football injury last weekend and is the favorite after finishing sixth in the region. Fellow footballer, Henderson’s Mason Baldwin, is seeded second in a bracket that does not have a lot of offense in it.

195

Between West’s two-time state medalist, Max Hale, and Sun Valley’s Ryan Catka going to the Beast, and Unionville’s Tyler Mousaw transferring out of state, 195 lacks star power. That opens things up for the top four seeds — Great Valley’s Tyler Humphreys, Henderson’s Cash Artis, Downingtown East’s Billy Dyer and Coatesville’s Brett Fick.

220

West’s Chase Mielnik would’ve been a heavy favorite, had he been here, which may translate in a more competitive final. Who gets there is anyone’s guess. Downingtown East’s Ray Wileczek is the top seed, but he may be challenged by Rustin’s Anthony Meadows in semis.

285

The remaining heavyweights are glad Sun Valley’s former state champ, Hunter Catka, is away. Zach Aceto gives Downingtown East its fourth top seed in the final five weights. Rustin’s Gabe Walsh is improved at No. 2. Leaving out Catka, this weight should improve with West’s Matt Micale a tough out and West Chester East’s Hugh Lemmon-Kishi returning in January.