HERSHEY >> For many of the wrestlers taking part in the PIAA Duals, it will be the only chance they get to compete at the Giant Center in Hershey.
That alone is a bucket list item for high schoolers, and the moment was not lost on the grapplers from Spring-Ford, who have a standing reservation in Chocolatetown, with six straight qualifications.
The Rams started Friday afternoon in the Class 3A quarterfinals, but were met with a monster from the west in District 7 champion, Canon McMillan. Spring-Ford won just three bouts, all by fall, in a 49-18 loss.
“It was a great opportunity for us,” Spring-Ford coach Tim Seislove said. “It’s an honor for us to be out here and be in the quarterfinals with the top eight teams in the state. Its a great tribute to the kids of our program.”
Spring-Ford’s Dominick Ferrizzi scores a reversal against Canon McMillan. (Nate Heckenberger – For MediaNews Group)
Jacob Mest (152 pounds) and Anthony Attilio (160) opened the dual with pins, but the Big Macs won 10 of the next 11 to force Spring-Ford to the consolation bracket, where it faced Pennridge in the rematch of the District 1-3A Duals final from last Saturday.
Once again, Pennridge was victorious, and Spring-Ford was eliminated.
“Every time we get to go under the lights and see the whole stadium, it’s awesome,” Mest said. “Everything about it is great.”
Making team states six straight years is an accomplishment, but the reality that comes with it is a number of talented senior classes graduating. This year’s version of Spring-Ford is not as top-heavy as in years past, but those years of grinding through tough schedules refines a roster stocked with gritty program kids.
Wrestling on the grand stage of the Giant Center is often a reward in itself.
Spring-Ford’s Steven Angelo lifts Ryder Joseph of Canon McMillan. (Nate Heckenberger – For MediaNews Group)
“It feels unreal,” Spring-Ford senior Steven Angelo said. “This is my first time ever at states, in any form. It feels really exciting and it’s a great opportunity to make it here as a team. We just wanted to see how far we could make it.”
Pennridge ended Spring-Ford’s run on the second day of the three-day tournament, but the effect will continue to fuel the returning wrestlers in seasons to come.
“One of our goals is always to try and make the state duals,” Seislove said. “We don’t talk about it a lot during the season but we work hard week after week and good things happen.”
Spring-Ford has eight seniors on the roster, so again next season will be about rebuilding and peaking as a team in early February.
Spring-Ford’s Jamie Silva works on top against Canon McMillan’s Luke Shaffer. (Nate Heckenberger – For MediaNews Group)
For someone like Jamie Silva, who lost a tough 6-3 decision in the last seconds, against Canon Mac’s Luke Shaffer, this experience can be the kind that changes the trajectory of a career.
“It’s crazy for me, especially since this is only my second year wrestling,” Silva said. “I started my sophomore year and to be able to get here and experience this is surreal for me considering I never touched a wrestling mat until two years ago.”
Spring-Ford’s Cole Smith. (Nate Heckenberger – For MediaNews Group)
Against Pennridge, Attilio avenged a loss to Ryan Gallagher with a 3-1 win in sudden victory. Pennridge built a 21-3 lead after six bouts before Cole Smith (114) defeated Cole Coffin, 1-0, for the second time in a week. Quinn Smith (127), Brennan McGrann (133), James McGill (145) and Mest earned wins for Spring-Ford, but Pennridge clinched the contest with two bouts to go.
Spring-Ford will have a couple weeks off to prepare for the individual postseason, which begins February 25 with the District 1-3A Section North tournament.
Spring-Ford’s Quinn Smith. (Nate Heckenberger – For MediaNews Group)
