Junior High Grapplers Place 5th In District Nine Tournament, Brock Champluvier Claims Championship, Three Others Place Third (02/09/20)

(Photos submitted) Above: Brock Champlavier flanked by Coach Weber and Coach Rosko

The Clarion Area Junior High Wrestling Team finished fifth out of twelve teams, at the District Nine Class-AA Tournament, at Brockway High School on Saturday, February 8th. The Top Five teams were: 1. Brookville, 2. Brockway, 3. Port Allegany, 4. Coudersport and 5. Clarion.

Leading the way for the Bobcats was Brock Champluvier who won the District Championship at 250.  Coach Lee Weber had this to say about his big guy, “Brock lost over 30 lbs to get to the 250 lb max limit.  This was an outstanding accomplishment in itself but since making weight, he is 12-0 with 11 pins and one forfeit win.”

The Bobcats had three other wrestlers place 3rd, Mason Gourley at 108, Derek Smail at 190 and Josh Beal at 210. Just missing a medal and placing fourth was Zane Van Tassel at 101.

Coach Weber shared about his these young men. “Mason dominated all his matches to earn 3rd place, except when he lost 4-2 in the semifinals on a close call. Derek is a big strong seventh grader who will be a force for us in the future. Josh is steadily becoming a reliable winner for us. (He’s) improving every week. Zane lost to the 2nd placer in a hard fought 10-9 match.”

Bobcats, Logan Powell and Jake Smith each had an opportunity to place, but but were forced to withdraw from tournament early, due to injuries. Coach Weber had this to say about the pair, “Logan is one of our hardest workers and consistent winners.  Jake is really picking up the paces and wrestling more physical.” 

Three other Bobcats, who didn’t place in the tournament, but wrestled well were Holden Sparks, Gavin Hannold and Colby Wright. Coach Weber said that Holden is “one of our strongest pound-for-pound, Gavin gives his best all the time” and Colby is “one of the more improved wrestlers from last year.”  

Coach Weber said was very pleased with his team’s performance, saying, “It was a good showing by our Junior High Wrestling Bobcats!” 

The Junior High Wrestlers will host Redbank Valley, prior to the Varsity Match, this Thursday,February, 13th. The Junior Olympic Wrestling Tournament is next Sunday, February 16th, at St. Marys High School.

(Thanks to Coach Lee Weber for the information for this article and to Clarion Wrestling for the photos. GREAT WORK, CATS!!!!)