FRANCONIA >> The past met the present at Souderton Area Wednesday night, and when it was all complete, Big Red had finished the evening with a 42-37 victory over rival Pennridge.
“Lots going on tonight,” smiled Tristan Boyd, head coach of Souderton. “It’s always nice to get the community out here, representing some of the kids of the past and representing some of the kids who are moving on to bigger, better things.
“And also, the kids that we have now going out and doing the best they can.”
The Banner Goes Up
Souderton began the night by honoring 2019 graduate Tyler Williams.
Williams finished his career for Big Red with a 101-18 record and was a three-time state qualifier.
Pennridge’s Andrew Minko pulls Souderton’s Dylan Heathcote to the mat in their 132 pound matchup on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020. (James Beaver/For MediaNews Group)
He had a sixth- and a third-place finish at states, was a three-time district champion, and 75 of his career wins were for bonus points.
Williams’ banner in the Souderton gym was uncovered to a rousing round of applause from the packed stands. The regional champion now wrestles at Drexel University.
Said Boyd: “It’s nice to recognize the history of Souderton wrestling.”
Senior Moment
It was Senior Night for Souderton, and that meant it was a big night for Dan Villalba.
Big Red’s lone senior has been a three-year starter and is a captain on both the football and wrestling teams.
Souderton’s Anthony Palonis and Pennridge’s Marquez Brockington lock up in their 145 pound match on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020. (James Beaver/For MediaNews Group)
He plans to attend Montgomery County Community College next year.
Villalba added another win Wednesday night, pinning Brendan Lowery in 1 minute, 32 seconds to cut Big Red’s deficit to 18-6.
Big Red Gets Rolling
There were seven forfeits in the match — five by Pennridge and two by Souderton.
But both teams also put together some good matches, including Souderton’s Dylan Bach, who pinned Stephen Gagliardi at 120.
“I think we need to continue to execute the basics better,” Boyd said. “But I saw kids attempting things that we’re working on in the room.”
Souderton 42, Pennridge 37
152: Eddie Oprindick (P) pinned Brayden Crawford, 2:43; 6-0.
160: Luke Wahlers (P) won by forfeit; 12-0.
170: Adam Pollock (P) pinned Connor Wolfe; 18-0.
182: Dan Villalba (S) pinned Brendan Lowery, 1:32; 6-18.
195: Logan Green (P) won by forfeit; 24-6.
220: Leo Richetti (S) won by forfeit; 12-24.
285: Justin Morales (S) won by forfeit; 18-24.
106: Christian Pham (S) won by forfeit; 24-24.
113: Luke Ragusa (S) won by forfeit; 30-24.
120: Dylan Bach (S) pinned Stephen Gagliardi; 36-24.
126: Tyler Geiger (S) won by forfeit; 42-24.
132: Andrew Minko (P) dec. Dylan Heathcote, 8-2; 27-42.
138: Giovanni Iodanisi (P) pinned Riley Bachman, 3:31; 33-42.
145: Marquez Brockington (P) major dec. Anthony Palonis 14-1; 37-42.
