Canon-McMillan’s Cridge dies
Bruce Cridge, a PIAA wrestling champion for Canon-McMillan High School, died July 18, 2017 from an illness. He was 40.
Cridge won the 152-pound title in the 1996 PIAA Class AAA Championships in Hershey, winning a 5-2 decision over Robby Waller of Mt. Pleasant.
Cridge received a full scholarship to Edinboro University but a neck injury prematurely ended his college career. Cridge joined the C-M coaching staff under Chris Mary after graduation.
“I went up to sit with him at Montefiore (Hospital in Pittsburgh) and held his hand and told him I loved him,” said Mary, who retired from coaching five years ago. “I told him I was proud of him and that he touched a lot of lives. It’s sad to lose such a talent.”
Cridge’s Facebook account received a number of posts from family and friends.
“Rest in Peace Bruce Cridge. You were one of the best guys I ever knew. You were like a big brother on all those long wrestling trips when we were young,” one said.
“They say only the good die young..rest now my friend..prayers for all and his family,” said another.
Cridge defeated four future NCAA champions in his senior season, which ended with the state title and a 39-0 record. Cridge won a 9-5 decision over Rick Springman of Norristown in the state semifinals of his senior season then followed with the decision over Waller. Cridge beat Waller in the WPIAL finals, handing him his only two losses of that season. Springman and Waller went on to become NCAA champions.
Brad Mockler and Bob Patnesky each took second place that season. Mockler fell to Chuckie Conner of Pensbury, 6-3, in the 122-pound final and Patnesky was stopped by Rob Loper of Erie Prep, 12-8, in the 125-pound finals.
“I’ve known Bruce since (the youth leagues),” said Patnesky. “I had a close relationship with him. The three of us made it to the PIAA finals in my senior year. You have a wrestling bond that holds you together at Canon-McMillan.”
Cridge took third place as a junior, falling to Rob Rohn of Nazareth in the 152-pound quarterfinals, but avenging that loss in the wrestlebacks with a 6-5 decision for third place.
Cridge joined the Big Macs’ coaching staff in 2001 and left in 2008.
“He was gifted on the mat, teaching and breaking down the sport,” Mary said. “He loved to give back and he loved to teach. He enjoyed working with the kids and made it fun for them. He was one of the best to wear a Canon-McMillan uniform.”