Wildcat Wrestlers Compete As A Team For The First Time, Place 11th At Hickory; Trio Medal

Photos Courtesy of Central Clarion Wildcats – Above: Ref raising Logan Powell’s hand after one of his wins.

The Central Clarion Wildcat wrestling team had their first competition as a team, while sporting the new Blue, Orange and White Wildcat uniforms, at the prestigious Hickory Wrestling Invitational, at Hickory High School, on Saturday, December 2nd.

The team had a solid showing, finishing eleventh out of twenty-eight teams, while having three wrestlers placing in the Top 8 and earning medals.

Logan Powell finished in fifth place out of thirty-two wrestlers in the 133 pound bracket, with 5 wins and two losses.

Josh Beal wrestled at heavyweight (285) and also came away with a fifth place finish in his thirty-two wrestler bracket, finishing with a 5-2 record also.

The Wildcats’ other who medaled was Brendon Wright, who finished eighth in the 145 pound bracket, which also had the full slate of thirty-two wrestlers. Brendon finished at 3-3.

Central Clarion head coach Braun Gourley had this to say about Brendon, “He’s a second year wrestler, who wrestled in a heavier weight class for this invitational!”

The Wildcats lineup included a lot of young wrestlers, who gained valuable experience.

Others who competed for Central Clarion included: Cody Heller, at 107 (0-2); Kaden Ferguson at 114 (0-2);  Wyatt Aaron, at 121 (1-2);  Grayson Aaron, at 127 (1-1);, Seth Weckerly, at 139 (1-2); Jaydn Schefitic, at 139 (0-2); Jake Henry, at 160(1-2); Colton Keihl, at 172 (1-2); Jake Naser, at 172 (0-2); (Rudy Schetler, at 189 (2-2); Gavin Hannold, at 215 (2-1).

The Top 5 in Team Standings included: (1) Fort LeBoeuf, (2) Corry, (3) Port Allegany, (4) St. Marys, (5) Penn Trafford..

Coach Gourley shared this about the tournament and the team, “We finished 11th, out of 28 teams. Hickory is a very competitive tournament.

“Overall we wrestled well but there are many areas that we look to improve. We have 19 on the varsity roster this season, our largest team in many years.

“Our home opener is next Wednesday December 13th against Sheffield.  Junior High starts at 6 p.m.  Varsity starts at 7 p.m.

“Please come out and support the Central Clarion Wildcat wrestling team!”

(Have a great season, Wildcats!!!! Thanks to the Wildcats for the photos!!)