Kiski Area

The warmup hoodie sweatshirts worn by the Kiski Area wrestling team at the WPIAL Class 3A finals said it all.

On the front is the word “Team” and on the back it reads “Tradition Never Leaves — It Just Repeats.”

That was clearly evident as Kiski Area defended its WPIAL Class 3A title Saturday at Trinity High School.

Kiski Area used a total team effort to pull out a 33-24 winagainst Canon-McMillan.

“It was a total team effort,” Kiski Area coach Chris Heater said. “Everybody in our lineup made a contribution to this title, even the kids who lost. That’s what we needed to beat a quality team like Canon-McMillan for the second straight year in the finals. We’re going to need the same effort this weekend at Hershey.”

Kiski Area is making it’s third consecutive appearance, and seventh overall, in the PIAA team tournament.

“I’m excited for the team,” said senior heavyweight Isaac Reid, who recorded a pin in the title match. “I can’t predict the future, but I’m confident in the team’s ability. We’re going to do well. I really feel we are capable of finishing in the top three.”

Kiski Area placed third in last year’s state tournament.

“Our goal is to win the state tournament,” said senior Danny Starr, who also had a pin in the finals. “And I think we can do it. If we all wrestle our best, we can make it happen.”

The Cavaliers wrestled District 3 third-place finisher Central Dauphin in Thursday’s first round.