2004 PIAA Wrestling Tournament

PA Wrestling's Notes and Quotes

Page 8

Bob Hower and David Ackley enjoy a moment at the states.	At 103--- Middletown's Tyler Nauman wins a major (9-0_ over Rudy Chelednik of Greensburg Central Catholic.
Some Bloomsburg fans having fun in the stands.	Former Moshannon Valley wrestlers John Stanley (L) and Mike Dugan - attending the PIAAs for  many, many years.
Brockway's Andy Rendos during a timeout with bout against Forest Hills' Jake Strayer. Strayer won a close bout, 3-1.	Wilkes-Barre Meyers' Joe Rovelli - 2003 PIAA runner-up strolls by the PA Wrestling camera.

Day 2 of David Ackley's Notes from the Floor of the Arena...

Welcome back to day two of the PIAA Championships online with Tom, Rich and me – Dave Ackley. As my old coach would ask us, is there anyplace you’d rather be?

I can honestly yes today -- my heart is with my father, who had open heart surgery earlier this morning. Hey Dad, my thoughts are with you much more than with wrestling.

Because of the surgery, I got a late start to Chocolatetown and there will be a delay in getting notes from the floor. Thanks for your understanding.

While waiting, sit back and browse through Tom’s photos and the results sent out from Rich.

GOING HOME EMPTY – Bloomsburg senior Zach Schnee, a fourth-place winner as a junior, had his quest for a second medal thwarted with back-to-back losses. Schnee dropped a 6-4 decision to Damien Rose of Freedom then in the wrestleback was pinned by Mifflinburg’s Scott Stahl. … In the District 4 championships, Schnee defeated Stahl 10-1 in the quarterfinals and pinned him at the Northeast Regional semifinals.

FALL FROM GRACE – Reynolds’ Matt Dunn the state champion at 103 as a freshman won’t add his list to the nine four-time champions. Central Columbia’s Garrett Cummings erased a 5-1, third-period deficit for a 6-5 victory and semifinal berth. … Now Dunn hopes to follow Justin Nestor’s example five years ago when he lost to Mifflinburg’s Dustin Manotti during his sophomore season and rebounded with a third-place finish and then two more gold medals to finish his career. Dunn has assured himself of at least eighth place by downing Joey Anceravage (Bloomsburg) by a 12-1 in the second round of consys.

LAYING IN WEIGHT – In AAA 135 pounds seven of the eight quarterfinalists are previous medal winners.
“I think that’s a first-ever,” said Off the Mat’s 3A guru Al Fricke of Clearfield. “I find it hard to believe how tough this weight is.”
Dan Burkolder of Trinity was 7^th at 125; Clint Shirk, Bald Eagle Area 3^rd at 125; Cocalico’s Matt Fittery placed 6^th at 130; John Paukovits of Northampton was 8^th at 119; Joe Ciampoli of Altoona was a 2002 sixth place winner at 125 –  the Mt. Lion missed the postseason due to injury a year ago; Darren Kern of Upper Perk was fifth at 125 and Tom Picarsci was the 135-pounde runner-up. Add in Joe Caramonica of Nazareth who won the Mat Town preseason tournament at Lock Haven with two of the other quarterfinalists in the field. Lying in the wrestlebacks is last year’s 125-pound fourth place winner Kyle Keane of Bradford. Other big names in the consolation bracket are Tim McGoldrick (Pleasant Valley) and freshman phenom Nick Nelson of Shaler.