Wildcat Wrestling Hosts Senior Night And Youth Wrestling Recognition Ceremonies

Photos courtesy of Brinley Kiskadden-BK Media (above) The Seniors with their parents

(By Clarion Sports Zone Writer Brinley Kiskadden)

On Friday, February Fourteenth, the Central Clarion Wildcats hosted the St. Mary’s Flying Dutchmen. The match was originally intended to take place on February sixth, but was rescheduled a few times due to inclement weather.

Last year, during the inaugural season of the Wildcats, the wrestling program put together a youth wrestling introduction. Everyone seemed to love it, so it was presented once again. The night kicked off with the senior recognition. The wrestlers and their parents entered the gymnasium from one of the corners of the gym and made their way across the wrestling mat while being recognized by announcer Baylee Slike sharing their bios and then stopped for their photo.

After the seniors were recognized, elementary wrestling head coach, Bryan Kiskadden, was given the microphone and introduced the Youth Wildcats.

One by one, the little wrestlers were announced oldest to youngest. They ran through a tunnel of varsity and junior high wrestlers.

You would look around and see a smile on everyone’s faces, whether it was a little wrestler running through the tunnel, or a proud family member.

The varsity, junior high and elementary wrestlers, and their coaches got together for a group photo. It was neat to see the future of Central Clarion’s team with the current team.

After the senior and youth recognition, the varsity Wildcats and Flying Dutchmen teams ran out to the mat and warmed up.

The junior varsity matches were wrestled and then the teams lined up for the playing of the National Anthem.

After the national anthem, the wrestlers met their opponent in the middle of the mat and shook hands. The match, in which the Wildcats prevailed, started and was full of thrilling action.

I loved photographing the senior and youth recognition, as well as the match. I loved that this match was the one I got to photograph for the last time as a high school student.

Senior Banners – Bios – Photos With Parents – Varsity Match Shots

Gavin Hannold
Gavin is the son of Cassie Hannold. He attends North Clarion High School and is part of the North Clarion’s baseball team as well as Central Clarion’s Class 2A State Runner-Up football team. He has been wrestling for ten years. Outside of school, he enjoys hunting and fishing.

A piece of advice Gavin would give to younger wrestlers is, “don’t give up, it gets tough. Give it all you got.” His goals throughout his senior season are to win as many matches as possible. Gavin’s favorite memory is travelling to New York for a wrestling tournament. After high school graduation, he plans to attend BC3, Butler County Community College, for general studies.

Logan Powell
Logan is the son of Rob and Kristi Powell. He attends Clarion-Limestone High School and is a 2023 cross country state qualifier. In previous wrestling seasons, he was a two time Mercer VFW Tournament champion and a two time regional qualifier. Logan has been wrestling for twelve years, he started after hearing an announcement about the sport and never stopped after starting. In his free time, outside of school and sports, he enjoys more wrestling and watching football.

A piece of advice Logan would give to younger wrestlers is, “just stick with it.” His biggest goals this season are to win districts, achieve his one-hundredth win, qualify for states, and then medal at states. His favorite memory is wrestling in the semi-finals at the Ultimate Warrior Tournament. Upon high school graduation, Logan’s future plans are to wrestle at an undecided college while studying pharmacy.

Mason Gourley
Mason is the son of Braun and Holly Gourley. He attends Clarion Area High School, is the National Honor Society President, Student Council member, was the Junior Class President, District Nine runner-up and state qualifier in the 4×800 m, placed third in the 4×400 m, and member of the 2024 District Nine runner-up soccer team. In previous wrestling seasons, Mason was a District Nine runner-up, placed fifth and sixth at the North West Regionals, and a member of the Pennsylvania National Freestyle and Greco teams. Mason has wrestled for thirteen years, since kindergarten, and really liked the sport from a young age. Outside of school and sports, he enjoys hunting, golfing, and lifting.

A piece of advice Mason would give to younger wrestlers is, “do not give up on wrestling because it will teach you lessons that are valuable in every aspect of your life.” Mason’s primary goals this season are to become a District Nine Champion and qualify for states. His favorite memory from wrestling is during his junior season, Matt Alston avoided being pinned against Brookville and secured a two-point victory for Central Clarion. Upon high school graduation, he plans to attend an undecided university to study civil engineering with the possibility of wrestling at the collegiate level.

Matt Alston
Matt is the son of Denny and Emily Alston. He is a student at Clarion Area High School, National Honor Society member, Student Council member, starting offensive guard and defensive end on the football team, and starting third baseman on the baseball team. Matt was on the 2023 1A Baseball State Championship team as well as the 2024 2A Football Football State Runner-Up team. He has wrestled for four years and joined the team after Mason Gourley convinced him to. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and riding dirt bikes.

Matt’s advice to younger wrestlers is, “work hard and fight through the pain because it is worth it.” His goal this season is to place at the District Nine Championship. His favorite memory from his high school wrestling career is when he did not get pinned against Brookville and won the match by two points. After graduating from high school, Matt is planning to major in mechanical engineering at an undecided college. He also hopes to live a fun-filled life with lots of money.

(Congratulations to the Bobcat Seniors and their parents and great job to all who made this great event a success!!!! Thank you to Brinley Kiskadden-BK Media for this super article and photos!!!!)