Times have changed for Feldman, as he and Malvern dominate Escape the Rock

HOLLAND >> It’s easy to forget, both because of how long it’s been and how dominant Nick Feldman has become, that there was a time the Malvern Prep superstar couldn’t seem to get over the hump.

As a sophomore, Feldman finished runner-up to Southern Columbia’s Gaige Garcia at the Escape the Rock tournament, prolonging his wait for a title at a nationally-renowned tournament.

Boy, have times changed.

Sunday, as a senior, Feldman finally earned the 285-pound championship belt at the Escape the Rock tournament at Council Rock South, and was named Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament after knocking off the No. 2 kid in the country, Jim Mullen of St. Joseph Regional (NJ), by major decision.

“I’m super excited,” Feldman said. “I wanted this the last time, but got beat. I worked hard for it and I’m glad it worked out for me.”

Feldman, who’s ranked the No. 1 wrestler in the country by multiple websites, completed a career grand slam of sorts, by adding an ETR title to an impressive list that also includes Walsh Ironman, Beast of the East, Powerade and National Prep tournaments. He has also not lost since being edged by Garcia in 2020.

Three Friars joined Feldman in the finals, settling for second, but with 10 medalists, Malvern easily won the team title, outscoring runner-up, Bethlehem Catholic, by 68 points. West Chester Henderson, the only other local competitor, finished 24th out of 59 teams, but had no medalists.

“It’s amazing the development the guys have show, even just this year,” Feldman said of his team.

For the tournament, Feldman registered two technical falls, a pin, and then the major in the finals to continue his streak of scoring bonus in every match this season.

Avon Grove resident, Spencer Barnhart (132 pounds) used a late pair of back points in the second period to get past Notre Dame Green Pond’s Brandan Chletsos in the semifinals, but got headlocked early in his final against Braden Basile of Jesuit (FL), and fell, 7-2.

“I think there’s always something you have to work on, and this tournament is a good one to look off of and see what you can improve,” Barnhart said. “I still have another year so hopefully I can win it next year.”

The final round started at 113, meaning Malvern’s Anthony Mutarelli (106) would be in the featured bout of the night. A Council Rock South native, Mutarelli came home and nearly found revenge against Bethlehem Catholic’s Nate Desmond, but ending up taking second after a 6-4 defeat.

“It was nice coming back here,” Mutarelli said. “I remember being six or seven and running up and down those stands, dreaming of making the finals here. I have no one to thank but God, and I’m just thankful for the opportunity.”

Jack Consiglio (120) held his No. 2 seed, but gave up a set of near-fall points to Legacy Christian’s Dillon Campbell and accepted silver after a 4-1 decision.

Tommy Link (113) took third and Nick O’Neill (126) placed fourth, for Malvern, who had its first five lightest finish in the top four.

“Our lightweights are awesome,” Malvern coach Nate Lautar said. “We make jokes that our lightweights carry us.”

The Friars are expecting to get nationally-ranked Jack Wehmeyer (189) back soon, but Andrew Connolly took his place and finished fourth, along with Reed Fulmer (145), while Owen Quinn (160) took seventh and Isaiah Wright (172) got eighth.

“I would’ve liked to see a couple more guys in the finals and finish a little stronger, but our schedule the last month has been rough, and we’re making progress,” Lautar said. 

Max Jackman (126) was the only Warrior to survive to the second day of the tournament, but he was eliminated in the blood round. 

Team Standings

1. Malvern Prep, 224.5; 2. Bethlehem Catholic, 156.5; 3. St. Joseph Regional, 138; 4. Notre Dame Green Pond, 123; 5. Jesuit (Tampa), 116.5; 6. Council Rock South, 103; 7. St. Peter’s Prep, 98.5; 8. Legacy Christian Academy, 92; 9. Christian Brothers Academy, 85; 9. Christian Brothers Academy, 85; 24. West Chester Henderson, 50

Championship Finals

113- Jacaruso (Delaware Valley) dec. Knox (St. John Vianney), 6-4 SV

120- Campbell (Legacy Christian) dec. Consiglio (Malvern Prep), 4-1

126- Ricciardi (St. Peter’s Prep) dec. Poore (Caravel), 7-2

132- Basile (Jesuit) dec. Barnhart (Malvern Prep), 7-2

138- Kasak (BECA) dec. Griffin (Hill School), 7-3

145- Co. Dupill (Greeneville) dec. J. Crook (Jesuit), 3-2

152- Brown (Legacy Christian) pinned Condomitti (Northampton), 4:00

160- Morris (Kingsway) dec. Colajezzi (Council Rock South), 6-3

172- Lawerence (Frazier) dec. Dellagatta (St. Joseph Regional), 3-2

189- Collins (Central Bucks East) pinned Desiante (Jesuit), 4:48

215- Pavlechecko (State College) dec. DiGiorgio (Central Bucks West), 8-2

285- Feldman (Malvern Prep) maj. dec. Mullen (St. Joseph Regional), 10-2

106- Desmond (BECA) dec. Mutarelli (Malvern Prep), 6-4

Consolation Finals

113- Link (Malvern Prep) dec. Botero (Faith Christian), 4-2

120- Joyce (Ponaganset) dec. Mcintyre (BECA), 1-0

126- Frinzi (BECA) dec. O’Neill (Malvern Prep), 2-0

132- Chletsos (Notre Dame Green Pond) dec. Diaz (St. John Vianney), 2-1

138- George (Christian Brothers Academy) dec. T. Crook (Jesuit), 5-4

145- Swisher (Bellefonte) dec. Fulmer (Malvern Prep), 5-0

152- Kranitz (Norwin) dec. Gerard (JW Robinson), 6-2

160- Garcia (Notre Dame Green Pond) dec. Hipolito (Independence), 1-0

172- Campos (Cannon School) dec. Stein (Cincinnati LaSalle), 8-3

189- Moscatello (Mt. Olive) pinned Connolly (Malvern Prep), 4:18

215- Petracci (Washington Township) dec. Schlett (St. Joseph Regional), 5-4

285- Crews (Williamsport) dec. Retter (Quakertown), 6-1 SV

106- Dejesus (St. Peter’s Prep) dec. Ca. Dupill (Greeneville), 7-3