USC, PT, SF eliminated from team wrestling title chase
Upper St. Clair and Peters Township were eliminated in the first-round of the WPIAL Class AAA team wrestling tournament held Jan. 31 at Canon-McMillan High School.
While the Panthers succumbed to the host Big Macs, 51-21, the Indians dropped a 42-33, decision to Hampton, which eventually lost to C-M, 62-3, in the quarterfinals.
Against the Big Macs, Sean Martin (152) and Quinn Murray (170) posted pins for the Panthers. Kevin Rauch won a 1-0 decision at 195 and Jesse Slinger won by forfeit at 220.
Donovan McMillon (138), Brandon Matthews (152), Jeff Markert (195) and Grant Nelson (285) won by falls in PT’s loss to the Talbots. Luke Mary scored a decision at 170 and Bryce Wilkes won by forfeit at 113.
Though the Big Macs defeated Seneca Valley, 47-17, in the semifinals, they lost their bid for the title. For the second year in row, Kiski captured the championship with a win over C-M, this time, 33-24, on Feb. 3 at Trinity High School.
In Class AA, Burrell claimed its 12th straight title with a 50-23 win against Derry in the finals held Feb. 3 at Chartiers-Houston.
South Fayette dropped out of the AA team tournament in the quarterfinals, succumbing to McGuffey, 38-31. The Lions had beaten Fort Cherry, 54-15, in the opening match held at Canon-McMillan.
In the loss to the Highlanders, Colin Dunn, Eli Brinsky and Michael Cusick won by falls. Dalton Hirt scored a major decision and Quentin Franklin won by decision.
In the win against the Rangers, Cusick and Eamon Horowitz posted pins. The Lions won four matches by forfeits. Gary Loeffler, Brinsky, Hirt, Dedi and Joe Bastaroli won with decisions.