Three-time champions look for 4th title in row

Derry Area’s Ty Cymmerman, Burrell’s Ian Oswalt and Freedom’s Trent Schultheis enter the 2020-21 season with the same goal. All three have claimed three WPIAL Class 2A titles during their career and enter their senior season with a chance to join the WPIAL’s four-time champions club.

Only 30 wrestlers have won four WPIAL titles in the 85-year history of the tournament.

“That’s a pretty elite group,” Derry coach Mike Weinell said. “It would be quite an achievement for Ty to join that group. His goal this year is to win a fourth title, then take it a step further and win a state title.”

If Cymmerman can win a fourth title, Derry will be the first school to have four four- time champions. The other Trojans who won four titles are Troy Dolan (200407), Jimmy Gulibon (200912) and George Phillippi (2013-16).

“That’s pretty cool. I didn’t know that,” said Weinell, when informed that Derry is one of five schools who have three four- time champs. “We’ve been fortunate to have such talented wrestlers come through our program.”

Oswalt can become the third Burrell wrestler to win four titles. The others were Joe Makara (200003) and Jordan Shields (2005-08).

“It’s really exciting to know that Ian has a chance to become a fourtime champion,” Burrell coach Josh Shields said. “He’s done a lot of winning in his career, especially in big matches.”

Schultheis can set a Freedom school record by winning a fourth title. He is currently tied with Kurt Brenner, a 2004 graduate.

The WPIAL Class 2A tournament is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 19, with the section tournaments to be held one day earlier. The Southwest Regional will be held Feb. 27, followed by the West super regional March 6 and PIAA tournament March 12.

The PIAA tournament will be held at Giant Center in Hershey. The sites of the other tournaments have not been determined.

“It’s really exciting to know that Ian has a chance to become a fourtime champion.”

— Burrell coach Josh Shields