Mt. Lebanon wrestler nets Almanac’s top honor
Kellan Stout of Mt. Lebanon is The Almanac’s Most Valuable Grappler
Kellan Stout battles Myles Martin during the Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic. Stout lost to the three-time Maryland state champion in the headliner event.
Kellan Stout focuses on his opponent during wrestling action this season.
Kellan Stout battles Myles Martin during the Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic.
In his quest to become a champion, Kellan Stout has excited and thrilled the Mt. Lebanon community like no other citizen. And yet, he is only 18 years old.
“Alumni, students and faculty rallied around Kellan and have shown a lot of pride in what he has accomplished,” said Mt. Lebanon wrestling coach Bill Lewis.
For example, before Stout traveled to Hershey to claim a PIAA title, students at Howe Elementary School created cards wishing him well. The teachers and administrators even helped the students make a “good-luck” video that he viewed before the state finals.
“They were really excited that one of their very own was competing in a big championship,” said Lewis. “It is really special to see the connection they made with Kellan and the pride they had in what he was setting out to do.”
Stout did more than accomplish his objectives. During his scholastic career, he attained status as the face of Mt. Lebanon wrestling. He posted a career record of 138-18. He has been a champion at every level: county, section, regional and state. Stout has been a two-time Powerade Tournament place winner, capturing first his senior season. He is a four-time WPIAL and Southwest Regional participant and a three-time state qualifier.
Stout achieved many firsts for Mt. Lebanon in his career: first sophomore to earn a berth in the PIAA championships, first four-time district participant and first wrestler to reach the century mark for victories. Last but not least, Stout is the first state champion from Mt. Lebanon since Kurt Angle won the heavyweight title in 1987.
“Kellan hasn’t disappointed,” Lewis said. “He has been a positive role model for wrestlers on all levels. He represented our program with class and pride.
“Kellan is a well-rounded person and has grown into an outstanding young man. He is very coachable and loyal to his teammates and the program. He represents all the things a coach wants in this athletes. He has a tremendous work ethic. He has spent countless hours pursuing his goals. He has raised the bar and standard in our room and has helped everyone around him become better.”
At the state championships, there were none better than Stout. He did not surrender a single point, shutting out his opponents, 27-0.
“It was an impressive run he put together in the state tournament,” said Lewis. “Those kind of performances don’t just come along every day. It was a special exclamation point he added to a special achievement. You just don’t see guys shutting down the competition.”
Stout capped his 38-0 season and tournament showing with a 1-0 triumph in the 182-pound finals.
“Definitely,” said Stout, “winning the state championship was the highlight of my career.”
Since capturing that PIAA title, Stout added two more feats to his resume. He earned a berth in the prestigious Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic and he has been named The Almanac’s Most Valuable Grappler.
“It’s a great honor,” Stout said. “I am glad I had the opportunity to stay healthy through the season and be able to train hard to reach the podium and my goals. But I wouldn’t have been able to do what I’ve done without the support of my parents, family, coaches and teammates.”
Regarding the comparisons wrestling fans make between him and Angle, Stout embraced them. “I am honored,” he said. “It is humbling to be mentioned in the same breath as him. He’s in the upper echelon of wrestlers.”
By the time he completes his career at Penn State University, Stout may be there, too. He hopes to become a national champion and he would not rule out a possible bid to become an Olympic hero. However, following in Angle’s footsteps as a professional wrestler is not on Stout’s radar.
“If the opportunity arises, absolutely,” he said, “I would love to try to make the Olympics. I would be very interested in that. But, no,” he added with a laugh, “(WWE) is not for me.”
As early as second grade, Stout knew wrestling was for him. He thanks his father for introducing the sport to him. Bryan Stout was a four-time all-American at Clarion University. He is in his seventh season as a volunteer assistant coach at the University of Pittsburgh. “My inspiration comes from (my dad),” said the son of Jennifer Stout. “He motivates me.”
Motivation comes from within, too, said Lewis. It is part of Stout’s persona.
“Kellan is a special athlete. He is a goal-oriented, focused individual,” Lewis said. “When he sets his mind to something he pursues it with conviction. But, he is also willing to pay the price and make the sacrifices needed to get what he wants. His work ethic and desire to be the best have driven him to accomplish a great deal these past four years.
“All these attributes have served him well. More importantly, what makes Kellan so special is that he has grown into a well-rounded young man. He is a role model to so many.”
That would include his younger brothers, too. Luke is 12 and Mac is 10.
“We are certainly going to miss having Kellan in our wrestling room,” said Lewis. “But, we are excited about watching him continue pursuing his dream of becoming a national champion in college. On the other hand, we still have two more Stout boys going through the program and we are excited to get his younger brothers down the road.”