Chartiers Valley wrestler reaches milestone
Chartiers Valley senior Josh Sarasnick started wrestling nine years ago. Back then, he wasn’t exactly sold on the sport.
“I saw a poster in the school and I thought it would be like WWE,” he said. “It wasn’t. I did it, though, hated it but I said ‘I can do this.’ So I stuck with it. Now I love it.”
Winning has had a way of endearing Sarasnick to the sport. In fact, he recorded his 100th career victory Feb. 5.
“It was a long road to get here,” he said. “There was a lot of ups and downs, hardships and all that, but it’s definitely worth it in the end.”
Although his 100th victory came from a forfeit during a 40-17 win against West Mifflin, Sarasnick was pleased with the accomplishment.
“At first it kind of bothered me but in the end, a win’s a win,” he said. “Not all my victories were forfeits. A lot of people don’t see the other 99 and they don’t see how much hard work has been put into this. It’s been a dream to get here and I am happy with where I am.”
Sarasnick is tied for 11th place in program history for all-time wins with a career record of 100-36. With one dual meet, as well as individual competitions at the sectional, district and state level remaining this season, Sarasnick has an opportunity to cement his legacy.
According to CV coach Bill Evans, if Sarasnick finds himself on the podium at Hershey, he could finish among the top CV wrestlers in school history.
Two-time WPIAL champion and PIAA runner-up Dan Utchel has 106 wins, while two-time NCAA All-American Matt Wilps has 108 victories. Both are 2008 graduates.
“Statistically, Josh is in very good company,” Evans said. “He will almost definitely sit in the top 10 for quite some time.”
Time and practice have been Sarasnick’s ally. In addition to offseason training, extra workouts and practices, he has competed on the national level throughout the year.
“All the hard work and putting in the extra hours,” he said of what paved his way to success.
Evans agreed. He said joining the “Century Club” is indicative of the kind of wrestler Sarasnick has become.
“Achieving something like this shows an athlete’s dedication to their craft,” Evans said. “Accomplishing 100 wins in a career shows a yearly commitment and a high degree of longevity and dependability. Josh has had to stay sharp and on top of his game week in and week out since he was a freshman.”
Evans was pleased Sarasnick earned the distinction on Senior/Alumni Recognition Night.
“That made it all the more special,” he said. “I like the message is shows to our younger wrestlers – with hard work and dedication to the sport, they can have that experience also.”
The Section 4 tournament Feb. 26 at Peters Township’s AHN Arena. The WPIAL championships and Southwest AAA Regional is set for March 4-5 at Canon-McMillan. The top four finishers advance to the PIAA Championships scheduled for March 10-12 at the Giant Center in Hershey.
“I’m not done yet,” Sarasnick said. “So I have to just keep striving and working.
“The next goals is to go to sections and place there; get back some matches I lost this year. I’m working real hard at tweaking some things so I can get to that next level. I’m hoping to get out of sections, make it to WPIALs and get on the podium at states.”
Sarasnick competes in the 215-pound weight class, which Evans describes as wide open. There are about as many as six competitors that could push their way through to Hershey and potentially medal.
“The sky’s the limit for Josh,” Evans said. “He has the potential. What it really boils down to is who is training right, feeling good and ready to go in early March. I like Josh’s chances but he definitely has to come ready to battle.”
Josh Sarasnick, who owns a 4.2 GPA, will continue his academic career at Robert Morris University.
He will not wrestle because the Colonials do not have team and because he plans to major in nursing.
“I always had a fascination with the career,” said the son of Jason Sarasnick.
Sarasnick’s mother was a registered nurse but five years ago she earned her doctorate degree. Janice Sarasnick is an associate professor of nursing at RMU.
“My mom played a major role in my career decision,” Sarasnick said. “I have always had these questions for her about the human body. I thought it was just interesting to learn.
“I also want to be able to help people in the future. So I feel like nursing is the best way for me to accomplish that goal.”
COVID-19 also impacted Sarasnick’s career choice.
“The pandemic and seeing this need for medical professionals really drove me and pushed me into this career too,” he said.