Three Clarion Wrestlers Compete At The 2016 PA Junior Wrestling State Tournament (04/05/16)

(By Coach Dave Smail)

Three Clarion Area Elementary wrestlers competed at the 2016 Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling State Tournament, which was held in Erie, on Friday and Saturday, April 1st and 2nd.

(Photos courtesy of Clarion Elementary Wrestling) Mason working to control his opponent

(Photos courtesy of Clarion Elementary Wrestling) Mason working to control his opponent

Mason Gourley, 3rd grade 8U 75lbs, entered the tournament as the True Second from Area V. In his 1st round he faced Area XI #1 seed Cael Weidemoyer of Pennridge. Having lost 10-0, Mason moved into the 1st round consolation matches (consy’s or wrestle backs). In the 1st round consy’s he went up against Area XII #2 seed Carter Austin of Troy and won.

Having advanced into the next round, Mason won by fall to Area X #2 seed Owen Kleinman of Montoursville at the 2:41 mark. These two wins brought Mason back to wrestle on Saturday where in the 3rd round consy’s he would lose a very tough match with Area VII #1 seed Roman Thompson of North Hills 2-0. This was his first trip to the state tournament and he finished a very respectable 2-2 and made it to the top 16.

Owen running a switch

Owen running a switch

Owen Reinsel, 6th grade 12U 75 lbs, competed in very tough bracket at 11 yrs old and as the #1 seed from Area V. Having received a 1st round bye he automatically advanced into the preliminary round where he went up against Area III #2 seed Ryan Auel of Penn Trafford and won 5-0.

Moving onto the quarterfinals, Owen faced Area XIV #1 seed Evan Maag of Bethlehem. It was tough match but the loss of 8-0 moved him into the 4th round consy’s. On Saturday, he wrestled Area X #1 seed Carter Harer and lost 7-0. With a record of 2-2, Owen finished in the top 12. This was Owen’s 4th trip to the state tournament.

Derek Smail, 3rd grade, finished 3rd place in the 8U 110 lb. bracket. He entered the tournament as the #1 seed from Area V and received a 1st round bye. In the preliminary round he wrestled Area IV #1 seed Khalil Ellerbee of Aliquippa, where he pinned him at the 2:13 mark.

Derek trying to set up a tilt

Derek trying to set up a tilt

In the quarterfinals, Derek faced Area II #2 seed Jacob Yatsky of Forest Hills, where lost by fall :40. This match moved him into the wrestlebacks on Saturday. Derek entered the 4th round consy’s where he made quick work of Area III #1 seed Dante Fox-White of Hempfield with a :13 pin and guaranteed himself a  top 8 medal at the state tournament.

The 5th round was a match up with Area VI #1 seed Trevor Milesend of Meadville, where Derek won 8-1. In the 6th round he saw Area XII #1 seed Brock Spindler of Pittson and in a tough match Derek prevailed 3-1 in overtime. The 6th round victory propelled him into the 3rd place match with Area VII #2 seed Bradyn McConneha of Shaler. Derek was able to secure 3rd place in the state by pinning him at the 1:07 mark and finishing the tournament 6-1. This was Derek’s 2nd trip to states and 1st time as a medalist.

Congratulations goes to these three hard working young men, you guys made all of us proud. A special thanks goes to the Clarion Area Booster Club for supporting the youth wrestling program, Coach(es) Kyle Kiss, Lee Weber, Dylan Reinsel, Dave Reinsel, Brian Luton, Braun Gourley, Mike Hindman, Rob Powell, Colton Rapp and the Keystone Junior Olympic Coaches who helped prepare these wrestlers. Also, Hayden Hindman, Logan Powell, Dawson Smail and Noah Naser, you guys deserve much praise as you still came in and wrestled with the qualifiers as they prepared for the tournament. Great Job!!!

To all of the Youth wrestlers Thank You for an awesome season, Varsity wrestlers Thank You for working with these young wrestlers.

Next year the State Tournament is in Wilkes-Barre, I can’t wait to see who makes that trip! Keep working Hard!!!

(Thanks to Coach Dave Smail for this article and to the Wrestling Club for the photos. CONGRATULATIONS DEREK, OWEN AND MASON!!!!)