After his team won the opening coin flip, Faith Christian head wrestling coach Ben Clymer didn’t have any doubt that his squad would capture its second consecutive PIAA team title.
Storming out to a 16-0 lead, Faith thumped Bishop McCort 46-18 at the Class 2A state duals on Saturday at Hershey’s Giant Center.
The Lions’ repeat bid was buoyed early by freshman Joey Bachmann (107 pounds), who won by a fall; freshman Clayton Waltenbaugh, who picked up a forfeit at 114 pounds; and defending champion junior Gauge Botero (121), who won a tussle that easily could have gone against him.
That’s all the Lions needed to take control.
“We had a commanding lead to start the match,” Clymer said. “That was a ton of momentum to open the match.”
Juniors Chase Hontz and Max Stein recorded victories at 145 pounds and 152 pounds. Freshman Nick Singer tallied a key fall at 172, and sophomore Adam Waters (189) and sophomore Jason Singer (215) followed with falls to seal the match.
“Chase and Max probably had the biggest wins in the middle of the lineup,” added Clymer. “That all but secured our victory and sent our bench and crowd into a frenzy.”
Hontz, who picked up his 100th career win in the process, was pleased with his performance. He won a tight 3-2 decision over Bishop McCort’s Sam Herring.
“This weekend was a really cool experience,” said Hontz. “Being at the Giant Center and being team state champs in one weekend was awesome. I thought I wrestled well, and I got a chance to open up my offense to get extra bonus points for the team. I also wrestled a really solid match in the finals to get the big win. From there, I know I have to keep refining things for the individual postseason.
“This year’s team finish was great considering our very tough competition, schedule and injuries. It just felt really good to take care of business and get the job done. Our coaches have done an amazing job prepping and having us peak at the right time to be the best conditioned and technical team late in the season.”
Along with Faith, Pennridge and Council Rock South also made their mark at the state duals.
Pennridge finished fourth after losing a grueling 28-24 decision to Central Mountain in the third-place Class 3A bout.
“We knew this was going to be a special time for us,” offered Rams head coach Brian Kuhns. “We were excited to show how hard these guys worked through everything this season. We are trying to stay focused on what we need to do in the present as well as enjoy the moment with our seniors, who have given so much to this program.”
One senior especially close to him is his son, Sam, who edged Central Mountain defending state champion Luke Simcox 3-1 when he notched a take down with 37 seconds left in the match. The younger Kuhns plans to enjoy his final ride down the stretch.
“It certainly was a memorable day for us, and a lot of us have been together since we were very little,” said Sam Kuhns. “The team finally came together and got fully healthy.
“I feel really good going into leagues and districts and my win against Simcox has given me some needed confidence going into the postseason. I am just letting everything fly, knowing this is my last month of wrestling ever, so I’m just having fun with it, and I am excited to see how I do during the postseason.”
Council Rock South, which fell 32-27 to Central Mountain in the quarterfinals, made the most of its situation despite not having a full lineup. The Golden Hawks are confident they can use their experience as a stepping stone.
“States was a great opportunity to learn and grow,” said CR South head coach Trey Balasco. “We got presented with three challenging matches and everyone responded with fortitude, ready to go.
“If you ask any team to go down three starters, it’s hard to overcome. Yet, we still took one of the best teams in the state to the brink. I am extremely proud of our guys and their ability to stand up to the challenge presented to them.
“I know they are hungry to prove themselves in the individual postseason. We’re not done.”
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
