Kernan takes third at PIAA championships
Mason Kernan of Bethel Park wrestles Baldwin’s Ramil Islamov to the ground during 133-pound championship action at the Southern Sectional. Kernan scored a 1-0 decision to win the title.
Mason Kernan’s scholastic wrestling career did not end as planned.
While the Bethel Park senior earned a spot on the podium at the Giant Center in Hershey, his medal did not gleam gold. Bronze, instead, adorned his neck after placing third in the 133-pound weight class during the PIAA Class 3A championships.
“Growing up, all I ever dreamed about was winning a state championship,” Kernan said. “I’m happy I came back to take third but it’s still not what I wanted at all.”
After falling to Tahir Parkins of Nazareth, 11-4, in the semifinals, Kernan dropped into the consolations. He had to win two matches to take third.
“Mason has always wanted to be a state champion and fell just short of that,” said BP mat boss Tyler Nauman. “He’s a competitor and wanted to be at the top of the podium.
“When a goal you’ve had for a long time becomes unattainable it is very hard to rebound but Mason did just that and got the next best thing. I’m beyond proud of him.”
While Parkins went on to capture the championship, Kernan recovered to beat Chris Dennis from Central Bucks West, 5-2, and Baldwin’s Ramil Islamov, 4-0, in his consolation bouts to grab the third spot on the podium.
“Knowing (Parkins) won the title didn’t make it easier,” Kernan noted. “Coming back was pretty hard because that was my goal. I had to push it out of my mind until the wrestling was over.”
Kernan began his state tournament with a dramatic win by ultimate tiebreaker against Dennis. He then dispatched Central Dauphin’s C.J. Ferret, 5-1, to reach the showdown with Parkins.
“We knew Mason’s first match was going to be tough as they all are once you reach the state tournament,” Nauman said. “Mason stayed poised and confident as he rode out (Dennis) for two straight periods.
“Earlier this season and last season, Mason may not have done this. Mason has not only grown in his wrestling skills but his confidence and mindset. He showed just that and a lot of heart to get this victory.”
After the semifinal loss, Kernan had to wrestle Dennis again as well as Islamov, whom he has wrestled several times in section duals as well as district and regional competitions to gain a state berth.
Kernan noted that the consolation match with Dennis was harder than the medal bout with Islamov. “I struggled with that kid the first match but it’s trickier when you are wrestling guys you have beaten before. They know what you do.”
At the local and regional level, all Kernan did was win. He posted a 39-4 record this winter, complete with sectional, WPIAL and Southwest Regional titles. He was 124-18 in his career.
“Being a state champion was a long time goal and a lot of wrestlers never rebound after that dream is taken from them but Mason was able to do just that,” Nauman said. “It wasn’t easy.”
Kernan has one scholastic match remaining before he matriculates to West Virginia University. He was selected to participate in the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic to be held March 30 at AHN Arena in Peters Township High School.
Kernan will compete on the WPIAL team at 4 p.m. The girls all-star match will be held at 3 p.m. The Pennsylvania all-stars will square off against the best wrestlers from the United States at 6 p.m.
Kernan was not the only Almanac athlete to place at the PIAA state championships.
Nicholas McGarrity from Peters Township took the sixth position on the podium. After falling in the first round, the freshman rebounded with a pin and two narrow decisions, assuring himself of a medal. McGarrity though lost his two final matches, 7-3 to Emilio Albanese from Emmaus and Max Tancini from Perkiomen Valley, 4-1. He finished 43-4 for the season.
In the inaugural girls tournament, Grace O’Korn joined McGarrity on the podium. The Peters Township senior secured sixth place at 142.