Becahi uninspired but does advance
Golden Hawks will take on District 7 runner-up Trinity in quarterfinals
“It felt like we went through the motions. If that’s the case, it’s not the worst thing in the world. But we’ve got to get hyped up for tomorrow because Trinity is a good team.” Mike Cole, Bethlehem Catholic coach
HERSHEY — Bethlehem Catholic won its PIAA Team Wrestling Championships first-round match against Central Dauphin on Thursday at Hershey’s Giant Center.
The Golden Hawks then got a tongue-lashing from head coach Mike Cole.
“It felt like we went through the motions,” Cole said of the 37-18 win. “If that’s the case, it’s not the worst thing in the world.
“But we’ve got to get hyped up for tomorrow because Trinity is a good team.”
Bethlehem Catholic faces District 7 runner-up Trinity in Friday’s 2 p.m. quarterfinals. Trinity disposed of District 4 champion Selinsgrove 54-14 in Thursday’s first round.
The Golden Hawks had a great week of practice but were uninspired against the Rams, the last team to beat the District 11 powers in the state team tournament.
Central Dauphin won consecutive decisions at 133 and 139 to take a 6-3 lead. Bethlehem Catholic won three in row before returning state runner-up Ryan Garvick got the Rams within 15-12 with a pin at 172.
But Dario Cruz got a 4-1 win at 189, James DeLuise a major decision at 215 and Jacob Lance a 5-0 winner for the Golden Hawks to regain control.
“[Central Dauphin] is relatively weak up top,” Cole said. “So, we should have done well. I think we should have done better.
“Lance picked his way through dealing with a heavyweight. That was good. He could have pinned him, but it was good. [DeLuise] was going through the motions.[Cruz] went through the motions. But they got the job done.”
Thunder Beard got a first-period pin at 107 for Central Dauphin, but brothers Reef and Keanu Dillard made sure there was repeat of
three years ago when Bethlehem Catholic last lost in the state team duals — 29-26 at Central Dauphin. Reef picked up a pin 3:53 at 114 and Keanu followed with a 43-second fall to finish it off. “We’re on the incline,” Cole said. “But we’re not there yet. So, we’re working hard. We’ll see. This is a great group of kids. I’m confident these guys will respond well.”
PIAA TEAM WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Thursday at Hershey’s Giant Center
CLASS 3A FIRST ROUND Bethlehem Catholic 37, Central Dauphin 18
127: Ryder Campbell (BC) dec. Luke Hitchcock, 5-3
133: Clayton Ferree (CD) dec. Mason Thomas, 4-0
139: William Flanagan (CD) dec. Marco Frinzi, 2-1
145: Shane McFillin (BC) dec. Gavin Reynolds, 6-0
152: Kollin Rath (BC) pinned Isak Patti, 2:44
160: Charlie Scanlan (BC) dec. Mason Wydra, 8-2 172: Ryan Garvick (CD) pinned Grady Miletics, 1:12 189: Dario Cruz (BC) dec. Cole Ramberger, 4-1 215: James DeLuise (BC) maj. dec. Anthony Neuhard, 10-1 285: Jacob Lance (BC) dec. Gabe Lara, 5-0 107: Thunder Beard (CD) pinned Louden Hower, 0:31 114: Reef Dillard (BC) pinned Francis Perri, 3:53 121: Keanu Dillard (BC) pinned Pierce Lemmings, 0:43 Easton, West Scranton 107: Noah Fenner 114: Nick Salamone 121: Ethan Krazer 127: Ben Riehl 133: Chris Kelly 139: Ben Fanelli 145: Michael Turi (WS) Jaron Trimmer 152: Quentin Hammerstone 160: James Geiger 172: Justin Cosover 189: Shae Linegar 215: Kurtis Crossman 285: Ladearus Conyers Pennridge, Erie Cathedral Prep 107: Kevin McFadden 114: Colby Martinelli 121: 127: 133: 139: 145: 152: Sam Kuhns 160: 172: Talan Hogan 189: Ryan Rowe 215: Riley Cullen 285: Chase Washington