BETHLEHEM >> Entering the two-day Bethlehem Holiday Wrestling Classic, Kennett coach Kevin Reigel’s motto was: “surrender the results.”
It proved to easier said than done, but Reigel hopes in the long run, it pays off.
Kennett finished 11th out of 32 teams, and had the most top-eight medalists out of the seven District 1 teams, but the second and final day of the tournament turned out to be more humbling than encouraging.
The six Blue Demon medalists went a combined 4-11 on Thursday, at Bethlehem Liberty High, with John Pardo (215 pounds) and Bailey Shindle (285) the highest finishers at fourth.
“This type of tournament tests your skill, your fitness and your mental toughness,” Reigel said. “It certainly did that. We can improve in each category and we can improve in our coaching, too.”
Kennett’s Tyler Maiers earned sixth place at 152 pounds. (Nate Heckenberger – For MediaNews Group)
Pardo dropped his semifinal to Quakertown’s Calvin Lachman, 7-5 in sudden victory, and Shindle was pinned by John Wargo of Phillipsburg (NJ), in his semi. Blake Boyer (127) also started his day in the semis, but dropped a 4-0 decision to eventual champion, Trey Wagner of Northampton.
Boyer and Tyler Maiers (152) settled for sixth, while Kane Lengel (133) and Michael Pepe (145) won their seventh-place bouts.
Ralph Wetzel Classic
Oxford was the highest placer from the Ches-Mont League, taking fifth out of 33 teams at Hatboro Horsham High. Reiland Canaday (133) and Jeremy McKinney (215) worked third-place finishes, while Jordan Schaible (127) was fourth.
Also placing for the Hornets were Austin McMillan (sixth at 139), Jace McKinney (sixth, 285), Sam Howell (seventh, 107), Xavier Alarcon (seventh, 152) and Nate Vance (eighth, 160).
Unionville placed 14th, with Topher Tryon (160) finishing runner-up. Cole Haines (114) took third and Tommy Robinson (107) was eighth.
Great Valley was a spot behind Unionville, with three placers. Brandon Son (145) climbed the highest, with a sixth-place finish. Tim Matthews (139) took seventh and Michael Cruz (121) finished eighth.
Neil Turner Memorial Holiday Classic
Coatesville was without Andrij Szczesniuk (illness), but still had two medalists. Jacob Ruttman (152) won four straight after losing his opener. He then won his seventh-place bout. Jack Weldon (172) took eighth.
Tony Iasiello Christmas City Tournament
With the starters at the Powerade tournament, Malvern Prep sent its “B” team to Bethlehem Catholic High, and seven Friars placed.
Lukas Littleton-Mascaro knocked off BECA’s returning state runner-up, Cole Campbell, 4-1, in the 121-pound finals.
Jason Torres (127) and Shane Reilly (139) won titles, as well, for Malvern. Brendan Kelly (107) earned third, Parker Smith (160) placed fourth and Matt Connolly (172) and Roman Buono (189) were fifth.
