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Quakertown makes Escape the Rock history with 3 semifinalists
HOLLAND, BUCKS COUNTY — Mason Ziegler noticed that his righty shots weren’t working in Saturday’s 121-pound quarterfinal at Escape the Rock against Malvern Prep’s Tommy Link, so the Quakertown junior adjusted.
“I tried a lefty shot and it ended up working out really well,” Ziegler said.
Ziegler secured the winning takedown with eight seconds left in overtime to advance with a 3-1 victory.
“Tommy and I trained together last year at Malvern Wrestling Club,” Ziegler added. “We know each other pretty well. In the fall, I beat him 4-3 so I knew I could [do it again]. I wasn’t really worried. I was just going to keep wrestling that match until they told me I couldn’t wrestle anymore.”
Ziegler is joined by Collin Gaj (145) and Calvin Lachman in the semifinals. It is the first time Quakertown has had three in the ETR semis.
Other locals in the final four in their respective weight classes: Bethlehem Catholic’s returning champion Nate Desmond (114) and Kollin Rath (139); Notre Dame-Green Pond’s Ayden Smith (107) and top seed Holden Garcia (172); Faith Christian Academy’s Gauge Botero (121), Max Stein (145) and Adam Waters (172); plus Northampton’s top seed Dagen Condomitti (160).
Securing history didn’t come easy for the Panthers.
Gaj secured a takedown with 20 seconds left in the second period, then learned from past experience against Western Reserve Academy (Ohio’s) Sam Cartella to avoid trouble from on bottom in third to win 2-0.
Cartella trailed Gaj during Super 32 in the fall, but tilted him multiple times from top in the second period to win.
“That was heartbreaking,” Gaj said of the Super 32 loss. “I don’t think I was mentally prepared for that match. I knew I was going to get [Cartella] here, so I was prepared and listened to my coaches who said I was better than him and I got it done.”
Gaj didn’t escape in the third, but was able to get to his feet, work the clock and put Cartella at risk of stalling calls.
Cartella was never able to put Gaj in any danger the last two minutes Saturday.
Lachman and Southern Regional (N.J.’s) Riley O’Boyle exchanged escapes before the Quakertown junior got a takedown with 1:16 left to take the lead for good.
The Panther fought off several O’Boyle shot attempts before getting another takedown with two seconds left in a 5-2 win.
Quakertown coach Kurt Handel said matches like those are important for his three best wrestlers to draw upon past experiences.
“It wasn’t a pretty match,” he said of Lachman’s quarterfinal, “but he’s figuring out how to win those close matches. Those close matches last year, he would find a way to not come out on top.”
Ziegler also is shedding a series of past close losses by training smarter in the practice room. That technically sharp approach and growing confidence have added up to more victories in tight matches in 2022-23.
“I’m gaining more confidence after practice than I am after wins,” Ziegler said. “I’m going to peak at the right time and get a state gold medal … and get a gold medal here.”
Action resumes at 9 a.m. Sunday with fourth-round consolations followed by the semifinals at 10:30. The finals are set for 2 p.m.
Tough losses
Bethlehem Catholic’s Andrew Harmon gave up a takedown with 24 seconds left to lose 3-1 to Malvern Prep’s Reed Fulmer.
Faith Christian’s Cael Weidemoyer also was taken down late by Southern Regional’s (N.J.) Matt Henrich to lose 4-3.
Notre Dame-GP’s Vince Bouzakis fell behind 3-0 and couldn’t finish several shots in
the third period against Christian Brothers Academy’s (N.J.) Julian George in the 145 quarters.
Teammate Aiden Compton also couldn’t get his offense going in a 5-0 loss to returning ETR champion Nick Pavlechko of State College at 285.
Blood round matchups
Sunday’s action starts with the fourth round of consolations, with
the winners securing a medal. Two matchups are rematches from a dual meet earlier this month:
145: Notre Dame-GP’s Vince Bouzakis vs. Bethlehem Catholic’s CharlieScanlan.Bouzakiswonthe previous match 3-2.
285: Notre Dame-GP’s Compton vs. Bethlehem Catholic’s Elijah Thompson. Compton won the first time 10-3