2024 U20 US OPEN QUARTERFINALS
QUARTERFINALS MATCHES AT US OPEN U20 57KG #2 Luke Lilledahl vs #10 Aaron Seidel Isaiah Quintero vs G. Rinken #4 Anthony Knox vs V. Kilkeary #6 Seth Mendoza vs #3 Jax Forrest 61KG #7 Billy Dekraker vs Z. Fugitt C. Land vs C. Hughes #4 Jake Hockaday vs K. Garcia G. Porter vs #2 Kyler Larkin 65KG #3 Pierson Manville vs #5 Kollin Rath #2 Aden Valencia vs S. Lemley K. Buesgens vs #22 Drew Gorman #9 Gabe Bouyssou vs #1 Bo Bassett 70KG K. Webster vs A. Conetta #1 PJ Duke vs J. Harrington C. Wasilewski vs Kael Voinovich N. Tapia vs #6 Kody Routledge 74KG Z. Hanson vs B. Mantanona #10 Laird Root vs #2 Joe Sealey #1 LaDarion Lockett vs #3 Grigor Cholakyan #5 Charlie Millard vs #3 Vince Bouzakis 79KG N. Mulvaney vs C. Minto E. DeLeon vs N. O’Boyle #1 Zack Ryder vs #2 Will Henckel S. Ruiz vs C. Baer 86KG #1 Aeoden Sinclair vs R. Rogotzke #4 Eddie Neitenbach vs T. Naaktgeboren M. McEnelly vs D. Lamer L. Condon vs J. Barr 92KG #3 Connor Mirasola vs S. Herzog P. Brophy vs M. Dellagatta J. Rademacher vs G. Nelson A. Haselius vs A. Wojcikiewicz 97KG C. McDanel vs M. Ramberg T. Dineen vs #14 Melvin Whitehead S. Burrell Jr vs Ian Smith R. Trotter, Jr. vs #2 Cole Mirasola 110KG #2 Koy Hopke vs A. Semenenko V. Mueller vs J. Mullen #6 Nicholas Sahakian vs #13 Daniel Herrera C. Barket vs A. Attao
2024 U20 US Open Notable Round of 16 Matches
NOTABLE ROUND OF 16 MATCHES AT US OPEN U20 57KG #9 Isaiah Cortez vs #10 Aaron Seidel #4 Anthony Knox vs #13 Gage Walker #6 Seth Mendoza vs #8 Nate Desmond 61KG #7 Billy Dekraker vs #8 Elijah Cortez #4 Jake Hockaday vs #5 Sam Herring 65KG Koy Buesgens vs #4 Daniel Zepeda #1 Bo Bassett v #13 Sergio Vega 70KG #1 PJ Duke vs #8 Cooper Hilton #6 Kody Routledge vs #13 Isaias Jimenez 74KG #1 LaDarion Lockett vs Joey Blaze 79KG #1 Zack Ryder vs Lorenzo Norman 86KG #3 Hoke Hogan vs #4 Eddie Neitenbach Max McEnelly vs #11 Cade Ziola Luke Condon vs #2 Tucker Hogan 92KG Abe Wojcikiewicz vs #6 Karson Tompkins 110KG Aden Attao vs #11 Shilo Jones
2024 U20 US Open Preview
2024 U20 US OPEN 57KG #2 Luke Lilledahl #3 Jax Forrest #4 Anthony Knox #5 Leo Deluca #6 Seth Mendoza #8 Nathan Desmond #9 Isaiah Cortez #10 Aaron Seidel #11 Mack Mauger #13 Adrian Meza #14 Gage Walker #16 Davis Motyka #17 JJ Peace #18 Cam Stinson #21 Edwin Sierra #22 Ayden Smith #23 Ayden Thomas #24 Moses Mendoza Ronnie Ramirez Spencer Moore I mean to say this bracket is stacked doesn’t even begin to do it justice. Just last week Luke and Jax went to work in State College for the Olympic Team Trials. They were joined by other high schoolers, most notably Marcus Blaze who is the only big vacancy but did beat both Luke and Jax last week to finish 3rd. Luke and Jax didn’t wrestle so perhaps they will have that chance here in Vegas. What’s not to like about that? That’s a premier match up in this sport at any level in this country. After those top two, you have a slew of possible upset land mines they’ll have to navigate. Knox and DeLuca finished the HS season #1 and #2 at 120, and they both make the move up to 57 for this one. They also both have quite a few freestyle accolades as you would expect from elite guys at any level. Last year, Knox was the world team runner up to Blaze at 55KG and DeLuca was the Fargo JR 120 champion. Seth Menoza is another elite competitor at every level, in any style. He was 3rd in that DeLuca 120 Fargo bracket. And Nate Desmond was 4th. With all these familiar faces here, you could say they’re getting the band back together. Isaiah Cortez joined Jax and Seth as the wrestlers in the top 10 who competed in both Fargo and the trials last year. He took 5th and 3rd respectively. He’s capable of beating anyone ahead of him. Aaron Seidel I might be a little too bullish on at this weight, but he’s moving up from last year’s Fargo runner up performance at 113. Mack Mauger is always a name in all these previews and rankings. Not quite getting all the way into that top 5 or top 3 level, but just outside that. He’ll make it tough on anyone here and maybe he goes out this Spring in style. Adrian Meza doesn’t get a lot of work once the high school season starts but he’s been busy since it ended. Most notably, a super exciting loss in the last seconds to Mason Gibson in the PWC. That was folkstyle and we give all the Valiant kids a bump in their freestyle pedigree. Rounding out the ranked group, I’m really curious to see how the gain in weight works for guys like Motyka, Smith, and Thomas who finished the season at 113. From the outside looking in, we have quite a few who finished the season ranked in folkstyle but have lesser bona fides here. One that could really do some damage is Ronnie Ramirez. Out of the collegiate group, Spencer Moore is probably the most credentialed, having earned a spot on the cadet world team a few years ago. Ultimately, I like Luke to get this done but there’s no telling what actually happens there in the desert. 61KG #2 Kyler Larkin #3 JJ McComas #4 Jake Hockaday #5 Sam Herring #6 Matt Botello #7 Bily Dekraker #8 Elijah Cortez #10 Tahir Parkins #13 Ben Bast #15 Logan Swensen Cael Hughes This is one of the u20 weights where the favorite is a college kid, in this case Cael Hughes. He almost made the team a year ago, picking up wins over Aden Valencia (65 here) and Larkin. He’s earned that respect and would be my pick to win this. As for the high school competitors, Larkin definitely gets the nod but McComas has been on a tear himself, starting in the preseason and continuing into this weekend. He’s a tough out who has battled with Jax to a consistent level not many can say. Hockaday finished 4th in a highly competitive Fargo JR 126 bracket and could flip the script on McComas or maybe surprise Larkin. Sam Herring was 4th for the u17 team at 60KG. A bracket ultimately won by Ben Davino, Herring proved himself worthy among the nation’s best. The HS season ended without Herring in the post season. I’m sure he’s itching to get back out here. Botello and Dekraker are a pair of prep school rivals who might end up doing battle for a top 8 finish, maybe they even upend one of the higher ranked guys along the way. Cortez and his brother both knocked off Bo Bassett last year. It’s a testament to the level Bassett has climbed to that he has become the standard against whom all others are compared. But certainly that win for Elijah shows the potential at the top end for the Gilroy junior. Parkins, Bast, and Swenson all placed somewhere last year but it would be a surprise to see them into the semifinals or further. With the group of college guys in here as well, they’ll be vying for that top 8 finish. 65KG #1 Bo Bassett #2 Aden Valencia #3 Pierson Manville #4 Daniel Zepeda #5 Kollin Rath #6 Jaxon Joy #9 Gabe Bouyssou #13 Sergio Vega #16 Tyson Charmoli #21 Drew Gorman Jaydon Robinson Jace Roller Sergio Lemley Koy Buesgens Ever since the showdown at Who’s #1 where Zepeda pinned Bassett, we’ve been wanting to see that run back. Of course, we wouldn’t get any chances for it during the season. For one, they live on opposite ends of the country. For two, Zepeda spent most of the high school season up at 150. Now that the season is over, we have them both in this field this weekend. But it’s no guarantee they even see each other as there are quite a few hurdles to get over for both. It’s quite possible
Todd’s Talks With Mac Stout: Family Matters
Support Todd’s Talks Family Matters “If the family were a boat, it would be a canoe that makes no progress unless everyone paddles.”- Letty Cottin Pogrebin Wrestling, like a lot of sports is really a family venture. It’s long practices throughout the week, followed by even longer weekends at tournaments. It’s quick dinners, just to get in an extra lift or workout. It’s sacrifices by not only the athlete but the entire family. Mac Stout knows all about this. The Pitt Freshman has grown up living this. He gets it. Mac has been blessed with a support system not like many others have had. He’s lucky to have it but Stout knows to be truly great in this sport, it takes a lot more than luck. Putting in the work doesn’t bother him, he knows it’ll pay off. Mac Stout grew up in a wrestling family. His older brother, Kellan was a stand out at Mount Lebanon HS. He amassed a record of 138-18 while placing second at PIAA’s his junior year and then capping off an undefeated senior season with a state title. He then took his skills to Penn State and eventually to Pitt where he would graduate. Mac was fortunate to have another older brother as well. Luke Stout, a PIAA state champion as well as a second place finisher. Luke finished high school with a 153-16 record adding a Fargo title to his impressive list of accolades. He’s now wrestling at Princeton. Oh yeah, their father Bryan is a four time All American at Clarion University. He was inducted to the EWL Hall of Fame after amassing a career record of 110-23 in college. Was there pressure on Mac, not even a little. He knew what it took to be great, relentless work, unmatched mindset and resiliency. “I never felt like I had to live up to my brothers or dad. I used them as motivation, practice partners. They helped to make me into the wrestler I am today.” “ I had a very strong support system.” Mac also credits his mom and younger sister for always being there for him. They keep him grounded. Family matters. Mac Stout went 133-17 in high school with 63 pins. He was a PIAA finalist and well as a third place finisher. He also missed an entire post season unfortunately due to an injury sustained at the Powerade Tournament. Stout was happy with his high school career but it left him wanting more. He was an elite competitor. He knew that college would be an opportunity to break out, prove to the nation that he was ready. Now where would he choose to go? As you can imagine, who wouldn’t want an elite level athlete with the work ethic that Mac Stout possesses. More importantly than his athletic achievements, he’s a great person. Mac Stout is one of the more polite, articulate and intelligent wrestlers that I’ve ever come across. He’s special. Credit his upbringing, family matters. After being recruited by multiple schools, Mac chose to stay close to home. He picked the University of Pittsburgh. It’s safe to say that Coach Keith Gavin got a great one. He recruits the Wpial hard. It’s paying off. When asked how much it helped him growing up in this area, Mac stated, “ it’s all I ever knew. I wrestled at Quest in high school too, having some of the best partners in the country.” He sure did, Stout trained under Coach Jim Akerly, going on a steady basis with guys like Thayne Lawrence, Rune Lawrence, teammate Luca Augustine and All American Peyton Hall. It’s safe to say that Mac has been blessed to have great partners at home but also some that are really close to home. Living in this area is truly a blessing. Having partners is great and an advantage. You also have to be able to capitalize on such a great opportunity. Mac Stout has done that. Mac had a impressive red shirt year, winning four matches at the Midlands Tournament as well as capturing a Clarion Open title. Stout is also quick to praise NCAA Champion, Nino Bonaccorsi for prepping him and getting him ready for college wrestling. That’s a pretty great mentor to have! That Pitt coaching staff is incredible. They will be a perennial powerhouse very soon. Bet the house on it. Mac Stout just finished up his first full season as a Panther. He ended up with a record of 22-8, qualifying for the NCAA tournament. Did he achieve all his goals this year, no. Do you think that will stop him, hell no. Mac is as mentally strong as he is physically. He will do absolutely whatever it takes to be the best. That’s bad news for the rest of the NCAA. With the resources he has at his disposal and the endless list of partners you’ll hear his name plenty in the next few years. Personally, I can’t wait to see where this journey leads him. This Pitt team is young, they are resilient, they are a family. Family matters. H2P Get To Know Mac Better: Gummy Candy Favorite Snack? Long Beach Island Favorite Vacation Spot? Time In The Sun Favorite Off Mat Activity? “Don’t get too high or too low.” Best Advice? More Todd’s Talks: More Posts:
Todd’s Talks With Dayton Pitzer:
Support Todd’s Talks Never Quit “Winners are not people who never fail, but people who never quit.” Dayton Pitzer is a winner. Read that again, believe it, understand it. This is a guy who has won at every level he’s competed at. The number of accolades he had prior to entering college is astounding. Dayton had a record of 130-3 in high school. He had 100 falls. This is absolutely mind blowing. In arguably the best state for high school wrestling, this guy had that record. Keep in mind this young man lost a full season to injury. He was as dominant a wrestler as this state had ever seen. A three time state champion. A winner. Dayton Pitzer is so much more than that. If you know him, or even spent a few minutes talking to him, you get that. There are few people out there who are as humble as he is. He’s that guy. He’s quick to coach young kids on technique and offer advice as well as take a picture with them. This is a guy with not only great talent but even better character. A winner, all around. The key isn’t having the will to win, a lot of athletes have that. It’s having the will to do what it takes to prepare yourself to be the best, that’s rare. Dayton Pitzer has that. Dayton started wrestling young. Unlike most kids, he didn’t have family introduce him into the sport. He started young, in grade school. He convinced his parent to let him try the sport. The rest is history. He saw some early success that eventually led him to All American Wrestling Club. Coach Rob Waller, a Pennsylvania legend of the sport guided him in his early years. “I owe Coach Waller so much. He coached me. He believed in me. He taught me to be a great wrestler but a better person. He taught me to be a winner.” Every great wrestler has that type of mentor, it just so happens that Dayton’s is a living legend. The amount of State Champions, hell, even National Champions that have come through that club is astounding. When it’s all said and done, Dayton Pitzer may be one of the best. As Dayton grew it was soon apparent that he would need different practice partners. He would need guys that could push him physically. He was still a young man, but needed men to work with. Enter Robbie Waller (NCAA Champion) Zach Snyder, Ty Banco (Texas A&M Football) and BJ Mikeska. Dayton credits these guys for making him into the wrestler he is today. Practice partners are often underrated. Dayton Pitzer doesn’t forget this. He knows the importance of having people around him that can push him. People that will challenge him, make him better. These are the guys who were there when he was still growing, needing to be thrust to that next level. Let’s be very clear, baring an injury in his his sophomore year, Dayton would have been a 4 timer. He doesn’t say that, he’s far too humble. I’m saying that. He was a winner, always has been. . Now after a successful high school career, it was time. It was time to pick where he would make his mark on the NCAA, where he would undoubtedly make a name for himself in the college ranks. Enter the University of Pittsburgh. It had everything Dayton would need to be successful, an excellent coaching staff, great facilities, and the best part…only 40 minutes from home. It was the perfect recipe. Once Dayton got on campus he was instantly in the mix, going with guys like Nino Bonaccorsi ( NCAA Champ) Demetrius Thomas (NCAA Qualifier) and teammate Mac Stout. He felt right at home. Head Coach Keith Gavin realizes where his campus is located. It is in the heart of the Wpial. The nations best region for high school wrestling. Over half of the starting lineup is made up of guys from this region. The roster has tons of wrestlers from around here. “Knowing a lot of the team when I came onto campus made the transition a lot easier.” He was home. Dayton had the luxury of redshirting his freshman year. He was able to compete quite a bit and showed a ton of promise, placing at the prestigious Midlands Tournament and beating NCAA finalist Colten Shultz. It was a coming out party of sorts. Dayton Pitzer had arrived. The coaching staff knew that Dayton was undersized for the weight. He ultimately redshirted. He may not have liked it but this allowed time for him to bulk up, gain healthy weight, get bigger. Dayton did just that. He followed the detailed plan that Coach Keith Gavin laid out for him. He put on 20 lbs of muscle that summer. He was bigger, just as fast and ready to challenge for a National Title. This guy is a winner. He was ready to go. Pitzer had some good results during the regular season, then the unthinkable happens. Shoulder injury. How was this guy expected to compete against guys much larger than him with a shoulder injury? He took some time off, considered all of his options but ultimately knew that he was a competitor, a winner. Dayton Pitzer wrestled at the ACC Championships. He qualified for the NCAA tournament. That’s a huge deal. So many wrestlers dream of that moment. If you know Dayton, you know that’s not enough for him. He didn’t achieve the results he wanted. That’s ok. This is a guy who is as mentally strong as he is physically. He’s the type of leader any program wants to build around. He’ll be back. He’ll be better than ever before. It’s a safe bet that Dayton Pitzer will get that title that he’s worked so hard for. He’s a winner, he won’t quit, he’s that guy. Dayton Pitzer is resilient. He has a discerning personality. He’s a winner at
April 6th Action: Reno Worlds & NHSCA Nationals Ranked Wrestlers Update
Ranked Wrestlers This Weekend 4/6 UPDATE ON RANKED WRESTLERS THIS WEEKEND Reno Ranked Wrestlers 15u Boys 125 #19 Israel Borge (Westlake, UT) Performance: 2-0 (2 tech falls) Current Standing: Round of 32 18u Boys 132 #25 Richie Clementi (Brother Martin, LA) Performance: 2-0 (2 falls) Current Standing: Round of 16 138 #24 Carson Exferd (Nampa, ID) Performance: 2-0 (2 falls) Current Standing: Round of 16 145 #16 Joe Toscano (Buchanan, CA) Performance: 2-0 (2 tech fall; 1 fall) Current Standing: Round of 16 195 #21 Lars Michaelson (Bremerton, WA) Performance: 1-0 (1 fall) Current Standing: Round of 16 285 #23 Shilo Jones (Mountain View, ID) Performance: 1-0 (1 fall) Current Standing: Round of 16 NHSCA Nationals Freshmen 126 #16 Greyson Music (Bishop McDevitt, PA) Performance: 4-0 (2 falls, 1 tech, 1 major) Current Standing: Quarterfinals 152 #10 Sonny Amato (Rumson, NJ) Performance: 3-0 (3 falls) Current Standing: Quarterfinals Sophomores 106 #19 Kole Davidheiser (Faith Christian, PA) Performance: 3-0 (3 tech falls) Current Standing: Quarterfinals 113 #10 JoJo Uhorchuk (Signal Mountain, TN) Performance: 4-0 (3 falls, 1 major) Current Standing: Quarterfinals #24 Alex Rozas (Teurlings Catholic, LA) Performance: 4-0 (4 tech falls) Current Standing: Quarterfinals 120 #21 Antonio Mills (Mill Creek, GA) Performance: 4-0 (2 tech falls, 2 decisions) Current Standing: Quarterfinals 132 #5 Brandt Harer (Montgomery, PA) Performance: 4-0 (3 tech falls, 1 major) Current Standing: Quarterfinals 182 #8 Ryder Wilder (Camden County, GA) Performance: 2-0 (2 falls) Current Standing: Quarterfinals Juniors 126 #20 Caio Aron (College Park, TX) Performance: 4-0 (3 majors, 1 decision) Current Standing: Quarterfinals #22 Colin Martin (Staunton River, VA) Performance: 4-0 (2 falls, 1 tech, 1 major) Current Standing: Quarterfinals 132 #23 Cason Roark (Father Ryan, TN) Performance: 4-0 (1 fall, 2 techs, 1 decision) Current Standing: Quarterfinals #25 Phoenix Contos (Waite, OH) Performance: 4-0 (2 falls, 1 tech, 1 major) Current Standing: Quarterfinals 138 #4 Sergio Vega (Sunnyside, AZ) Performance: 4-0 (2 falls, 1 tech, 1 major) Current Standing: Quarterfinals #24 Jayce Paridon (Lake Highland Prep, FL) Performance: 4-0 (1 fall, 3 majors) Current Standing: Quarterfinals 145 #14 Logan Paradice (Colquitt County, GA) Performance: 4-0 (1 fall, 2 majors, 1 decision) Current Standing: Quarterfinals #6 Dorian Olivarez (Texas) Performance: 4-0 (3 falls, 1 tech) Current Standing: Quarterfinals #25 Carlos Stanton (Sunnyside, AZ) Performance: 3-0 (fall, tech, decision) Current Standing: Quarterfinals 152 #1 PJ Duke (Minisink Valley, NY) Performance: 4-0 (1 fall, 3 techs) Current Standing: Quarterfinals 160 #20 Claudio Torres (Lake Highland Prep, FL) Performance: 4-0 (2 techs, 2 decisions) Current Standing: Quarterfinals 182 #17 Robert Kucharczk (Lake Highland Prep, FL) Performance: 3-0 (1 fall, 1 major, 1 decision) Current Standing: Quarterfinals 195 #24 Leimana Fager (Corner Canyon, UT) Performance: 3-0 (3 falls) Current Standing: Quarterfinals 285 #25 Thomas Brown (Chelmsford, MA) Performance: 2-0 (2 falls) Current Standing: Quarterfinals #13 Brock Kehler (University, WV) Performance: 2-0 (2 falls) Current Standing: Quarterfinals #19 Rylan Kuhn (St Pius X, MO) Performance: 2-0 (2 decisions) Current Standing: Quarterfinals Seniors 113 #19 Raekown Shabazz (Xavier, CT) Performance: 2-0 (1 major, 1 decision) Current Standing: Quarterfinals 138 #21 Dawson Johnson (Cumberland, WI) Performance: 3-0 (1 major, 2 decisions) Current Standing: Quarterfinals 145 #16 Gabe Bouyssou (Scituate, RI) Performance: 4-0 (2 falls, 1 major, 1 decision) Current Standing: Quarterfinals #8 Jaydon Robinson (Winter Springs, FL) Performance: 4-0 (3 falls, tech fall) Current Standing: Quarterfinals #17 Brayden Robison (Westlake, UT) Performance: 3-0 (3 decisions) Current Standing: Quarterfinals 160 #12 Kendrick Hodge (Somerset, FL) Performance: 3-0 (2 majors, 1 decision) Current Standing: Quarterfinals 170 #25 Braidon Woodward (Palmyra, NY) Performance: 3-0 (1 tech, 1 major, 1 decision) Current Standing: Quarterfinals 220 #16 Brenan Morgan (Central Valley, PA) Performance: 2-0 (1 fall, 1 major) Current Standing: Quarterfinals
Todd’s Talks With Josh Deputy: “The Process” Orchard Wrestling Club
Support Todd’s Talks The Process “If you focus on the process and not the results, you’ll have better results.” -Joe Madden Coach Josh Deputy gets the big picture. He is not only the head coach of the Chestnut Ridge high school wrestling but the founder and head coach of the Orchard Wrestling Club. His high school’s results have spoken for themselves ever since he became the leader of the Lions. The team’s dual record is 79-12 in dual meets and a perfect 42-0 in league competition. Coach Deputy takes pride in the results, but he is even more proud of the work both on and off the mat that has produced said results. He took that same mentality when he decided to open a wrestling club in 2020. In a state that is littered with high quality wrestling clubs, Coach Deputy was convinced by his wife that there was room for another. She was the driving force behind creating The Orchard Wrestling Club, in New Paris Pa. Coach knew it would be a lot of work and there would be particular challenges he would encounter throughout the process. He wasn’t deterred by that at all. Coach Deputy grew up in on a farm and wasn’t afraid to work. He had this instilled in him at a young age. “Ultimately, I want to see people succeed more than myself.” How many parents out there want to hear those exact words out of their children’s coach? After ultimately deciding to go forward with this, Coach had a building built and put some mats down. The building was built on the property that his wife grew up on, appropriately an apple orchard. It was now time to get to work. “Things took off pretty quickly, people saw the results we were getting early on.” Josh Deputy stated. He knew he would need to put together a staff as they grew in members. That’s a pretty great place to be as a new club. Coach added guys that knew wrestling but also coaches that would make these young athletes better people. It’s more than a sport. He added coaches, Brian Gibbons, Nathan Holderbaum, Scott Mull, Ross Dull, CJ Manley, Sam Carroll and Jason Kendall. They know that. They recognized that if they provided the right processes, the results they were looking for would follow. It’s safe to say that all athletes want to achieve the highest of levels in their particular sport. It’s pretty rare to find youths that are willing to put in all the work and follow the plans laid out for them without hesitation. Coach Josh Deputy has built a culture with The Orchard Wrestling Club. Not a results oriented culture, a culture built on trust and belief in a system. A system that has clearly yielded results so far. He’s built a family. He embraces moms, dads, brothers and sisters being around the program. It’s a support system. He has wrestlers traveling from near and far to be a part of this club. People from different areas, rooting for one another, all competing towards a common goal. Coach Deputy values having a strong mindset. “Thinking and focusing about what you want to achieve is just as important as the work you put in on the mat.” He begins each practice with a talk about this very subject. It begins with a different message for his athletes to think about. He has created leaders, often young leaders. It’s not uncommon for Coach to walk in on a practice and have a youth athlete leading some warmups for the rest of the group prior to practice even starting. That says a lot. It says everything. Preaching the importance of training is a high focus for Orchard wrestlers. Coach Deputy is creating a culture of not only having great wrestlers but great captains, without even being named that. Coach knew as they grew they would have opportunities to reach out. He did just that as he collaborated with other clubs. One of those clubs was M2. David Taylor, Mark McKnight and Brad Pataky would come in and work practices at certain times with Orchard wrestlers. That’s a huge opportunity. They put ego aside and did what was best for the youth athletes. Not all clubs would do this. It speaks to the person and leader that Coach Josh Deputy is. That has certainly proved to be the correct approach. Orchard wrestling had 63 wrestlers qualify for the state tournament from the junior program through high school. Maybe more impressive than that is the fact that they had 15 state champions and an additional 7 state finalists. That is an impressive amount of competitors in the finals. Orchard Wrestling Club added 12 more state place winners. Follow the process, believe in it, live it, reap the results of it. It’s remarkable. Recently in an independent ranking, Orchard was ranked the 4th best club in the country. Think about that, being the 4th best in the state of PA would be an incredible accomplishment for now. Being 4th in the United States is a feat that is spectacular. When asked what he advises the parents of the club, Deputy stated, “Don’t ever make your kid feel like the sport is more than your love for them.” In a world where a lot of folks put too much value on winning, this is truly a genuine life lesson. It’s great to hear. Coach Deputy isn’t the kind of guy to take credit for much. He’s old school. It’s a breathe of fresh air. In a time of “Me Me” He truly loves the sport and what it can provide for young competitors. Coach often has the preacher from his church in to talk before practices. It truly is a faith based club. Some may proclaim that, but Orchard lives it. Coach Deputy’s own kids have proven that wrestling at Orchard can provide dividends. His oldest son Dom is currently ranked #2 in the United States,
2024 Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic Results
GIRLS: PA vs Ohio 100 Chloe Dearwester (OH (W)) F Madilyn Enterline (PA (W)), 1:08106 Ava Miller (OH (W)) F Natalie Handy (PA (W)), 0:36112 Isabella Baccio (PA (W)) DEC Addison Rudolph (OH (W)), 7-5118 Ana Malovich (PA (W)) MD Addison Rudolph (OH (W)), 11-2124 Eliana White-vega (PA (W)) F Sienna Sanborn (OH (W)), 0:15130 Jaydyn Mckinney (OH (W)) F Shannon Govern (PA (W)), 0:34136 Rita Carey (OH (W)) F Sara Shook (PA (W)), 2:33142 Morgan Edwards (PA (W)) F Jesse Foebar (OH (W)), 4:24148 Kylee Tait (OH (W)) DEC Marissa Rumsey (PA (W)), 4-2 SV155Meghan Werbrich (OH (W)) DEC Leyna Rumpler (PA (W)), 9-5170 Mia Gaetjens (OH (W)) DEC Avry Ryhal (PA (W)), 3-2190 Savannah Isaac (OH (W)) F Alyssa Favara (PA (W)), 0:42 WPIAL vs New Jersey 114 Tyeler Hagensen (NJ) DEC Jorden Williams (WPIAL), 2-0121 Tyler Kapusta (WPIAL) DEC Logan Brzozowski (NJ), 4-3 127 Andrew Binni (WPIAL) MD Sawyer Ostroff (NJ), 9-0133 Mason Kernan (WPIAL) MD Nick Balella (NJ), 14-1139 Jack Myers (NJ) MD Gaven Suica (WPIAL), 13-2145 Logan Rozynski (NJ) F Hayden Coy (WPIAL), 1:03152 Eli Carr (WPIAL) MD Jeremy Quezada (NJ), 12-2160 John Quinonez (NJ) DEC Isaiah Pisano (WPIAL), 3-2172 Bodie Morgan (WPIAL) MD Ed Terreri (NJ), 8-0189 Tyler Bienus (NJ) DEC Nathan Campbell (WPIAL), 5-0215 Juliano Marion (WPIAL) DEC Brad Birch (NJ), 4-0285 Brenan Morgan (WPIAL) TF Luke Abilio (NJ), 19-3 4:38 PA vs USA 114 Ayden Smith (PA) DEC Abram Cline (USA), 3-1121 Beric Jordan (USA) DEC Louie Gill (PA), 8-3127 JJ Mccomas (USA) DEC Chris Vargo (PA), 2-1 TB2133 Mason Gibson (PA) DEC Adrian Meza (USA), 3-1139 Kyler Larkin (USA) DEC Cooper Hornack (PA), 7-6145 Alex Braun (USA) F Jack Consiglio (PA), 1:18152Miguel Estrada (USA) DEC Ryan Garvick (PA), 12-6160 Conner Harer (PA) DEC Charlie Millard (USA), 10-7172 Gage Wright (USA) DEC Hunter Hohman (PA), 7-4189 Karson Tompkins (USA) DEC Tucker Hogan (PA), 7-4215 Rune Lawrence (PA) DEC Max Shulaw (USA), 6-3285 Koy Hopke (USA) DEC Sean Kinney (PA), 4-0 More Articles
2024 Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic Preview
TEAM PA vs TEAM USA This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic, of course old time fans will remember it more fondly as The Dapper Dan. Either way, it’s one of the most prominent all-star events in the sport – where a collective of nationally ranked seniors head to Western PA to take on a team of the Keystone State’s finest. There is also an undercard of sorts featuring a New Jersey squad against a WPIAL team. The story there for me will be to see how Tyeler Hagensen follows up a massive state title run. And the best match looks to be at 121 Ty Kapusta vs Logan Brzozowski. Kapusta is committed to Bucknell with Brzozowski heading to Harvard. Below is each match up of the main event, my predictions for each, and the reasoning for the pick. Event begins at 4:00 PM Eastern with the main event scheduled for 6:00 PM. Streaming on Flo. Export XLSExport CSV Pennsylvania Team National Team Predicted Winner Team Points Running Team Score Predicted Final Score 114 #2 Ayden Smith (Notre Dame GP) – Rutgers #20 Abram Cline (Granite Hills, CA) – Maryland Smith PA 4 PA 4 National Team 26 121 #14 Louie Gill (Reynolds) – N.C. State #4 Beric Jordan (Noble, OK) – Oklahoma Jordan Nat 3 Nat 3 Pennsylvania 13 127 #25 Chris Vargo (Bentworth) – Edinboro #3 JJ McComas (Stillwater, OK) – Oklahoma St. McComas Nat 3 Nat 6 133 HM Mason Gibson (Bishop McCort) – Penn State #6 Adrian Meza (Valiant Prep, AZ) – Iowa St. Meza Nat 3 Nat 9 139 Cooper Hornack (Burrell) – Columbia #3 Kyler Larkin (Valiant Prep, AZ) – Arizona St. Larkin Nat 4 Nat 13 145 #3 Jack Consiglio (Malvern Prep) – Stanford #4 Alex Braun (Woodbury, MN) – Oklahoma Consiglio PA 3 PA 7 152 HM Ryan Garvick (Central Dauphin) – Indiana #12 Miguel Estrada (Frontier, CA) – Iowa Estrada Nat 3 Nat 16 160 #4 Conner Harer (Montgomery) – Rutgers #3 Charlie Millard (Homestead, WI) – Minnesota Millard Nat 3 Nat 19 172 Hunter Hohman (Grove City) – American #2 Gage Wright (Parkersburg South, WV) – Virginia Tech Wright Nat 4 Nat 23 189 #2 Tucker Hogan (Daniel Boone) – Lock Haven #3 Karson Tompkins (Midlothian, TX) – Air Force Hogan PA 3 PA 10 215 #3 Rune Lawerence (Frazier) – West Virginia #6 Max Shulaw (DeSales, OH) – Virginia Lawrence PA 3 PA 13 285 #9 Sean Kinney (Nazareth) – Lafayette (Football) #4 Koy Hopke (Amery, WI) – Minnesota Hopke Nat 3 Nat 26 114 The Match Up: Ayden Smith vs Abram Cline The Analysis: Smith is a multi-time PA state champion who also picked up a pair of wins over world champ Paul Kenny this season. His losses were to #1 Landon Sidun and #7 Davis Motyka. Cline is a multi-time CA medalist, finishing 3rd and 3rd these last two seasons. He didn’t pick up any ranked wins this season, and took 3 losses to CA runner up Edwin Sierra and OH D1 champ Ethan Timar. He does have a win over Dom Munaretto from the Fall which would indicate an ability to step up against top 5-10 competition. But, looking at what they’ve done this year and being in PA with Cline having to fly across the country, I like the Rutgers commit Smith to control this one. 121 The Match Up: Louie Gill vs Beric Jordan The Analysis: At his best, Louie Gill can hang with, and beat, the best in the country. The reason he fell a bit to 14 to end the season is that he also – at times – takes some of the more head-scratching losses among the top 15. He was part of a top 10 trio in the 121 AA bracket this season with Aaron Seidel and Gauge Botero. Seidel would end up winning that state title, with Gill and Botero dropping to (at the time) unranked opponents, Gill doing so twice. Though he was able to double up on Botero having beat him during the season and then at Hershey. Jordan is a mainstay in the top 5 from Ohio and then moving to Oklahoma. He’ll be heading to Norman for the Sooners but first, he’ll look to add another high quality win to his HS resume. His only loss on the year was Leo DeLuca in the Ironman finals. His best win was Nate Desmond (finished as the prep champ). Ultimately, I think Jordan has earned the spot as the favorite in this one, and has shown a remarkable level of consistency to win the matches he’s supposed to. Gill should keep it close for PA but this should be where Team USA draws its first blood. 127 The Match Up: Chris Vargo vs JJ McComas The Analysis: Vargo made huge news in the PA post-season defeating Jax Forrest in the regional finals. It was likely that he would face Forrest again in Hershey. And he did, and Forrest got revenge in that one. However, Vargo is definitely a national level kid who can go toe to toe with the best, even if he hasn’t yet strung together the elite wins to keep him in the top 10-15 range. He’ll have that chance here. McComas is similar to Jordan in that the guy just beats the people he should and it doesn’t matter the weight. His only losses were to Jax, Seth Mendoza, and Hunter Hollingsworth up at 138. His best wins were Gage Walker and Cole Evans, both of whom finishing in or right near the top 10. McComas is the favorite here, should go back-to-back with Jordan for Oklahoma wrestlers picking up wins for Team USA. 133 The Match Up: Mason Gibson vs Adrian Meza The Analysis: Gibson came onto the HS scene as a phenom and while he finishes the season just out of my top 25, he certainly has the pedigree to beat just about anyone in this weight.
Todd’s Talks With Pat Lugo: “Always Evolving”
Support Todd’s Talks Ever Changing, Always Evolving. “Look around you. Everything changes. Everything on this earth is a continuous state of evolving, refining, adapting, enhancing…changing. You were not put on this earth to remain stagnant.” – Steve Maraboli For those of you who know Pat Lugo, this quote truly embodies who he is, not only as an athlete, but a person. He’s never satisfied, working harder to not only better himself but everyone around him. He’s the kind of wrestler that most coaches in the world wish they had. An example of leadership, discipline, someone who responds to pressure rather than reacts to it. There’s no mats, gyms or arenas too big for this guy. You’d never know that just talking with him. He’s calm, collected and well spoken. He gets the big picture. Pat Lugo wants to grow the sport of wrestling, his love. He wants to start where he grew up. Pat Lugo grew up in South Florida, specifically Homestead. He began wrestling in 2001 at the age of 4. The wrestling scene in this area was bleak. There weren’t a lot of programs as the sport was still in it’s infancy stages back then. Pat’s father, in an effort to get him some practice partners and an effort to grow the sport founded a club. One club turned into a second which was larger and it led Lugo to success. Pat was a 4 time place winner in the state of Florida and a two time champion. He knew he was destined for better. His work ethic and drive would push him to Edinboro University. Lugo states, Edinboro’s coach at the time, Tim Flynn had a lot to do with his early success in college. “He was a great mentor, made you look at things differently.” After Flynn’s eventual departure to West Virginia University, Pat decided he had a bigger calling, more important goals he wanted to achieve. He needed somewhere that would align with his goals and a training facility that would push him to be his best. Enter the University of Iowa. I’ll spare you all the details. Pat Lugo made a great decision. He ended his college career being a two time All American for the Hawkeyes, winning a Big 10 title as well as a Midlands title. He wanted to be better, push his limits, he did just that. Iowa provided some of the best training partners in the world and with Pat’s self motivation and strive to be the best, he made the most of it. Pretty impressive from a guy that grew up in a state that didn’t wrestle much. That says something about him. It shows his tenacity, the mindset it takes to be great. Pat Lugo is as mentally tough as anyone I’ve ever known. Pat then decided to join the Hawkeye Wrestling Club. When asked his favorite style of wrestling, he stated “ It’s all the same to me. I’m a competitor. I train the same for every match.” “I don’t have a favorite style, just grateful to compete.” He was afforded many great opportunities, wrestling in countries like France, Egypt, and Poland. That builds character, toughness and grit. Those are all qualities that Pat Lugo had already, these trips and tournaments only enhanced those characteristics. In 2023, Lugo decided it was time to retire from Senior Level competition. It wasn’t results oriented, rather a feeling he had internally that it was time to do more. That feeling Lugo had led him back to South Florida. It led him to starting the Miami Hawks Wrestling Club. The passion within him grew as he wanted to develop the talent and grow the sport in the state that provided him so much as a youth wrestler. He knew he had the experience, knowledge, and drive to do this. He relied on some former teammates that had opened some clubs in other state for advice. He wasn’t too proud for that. He took trips to coach, teach but most importantly learn. Pat said, “ I want to be a mentor, someone positive in a young person’s life. Seeing kids grow from their first practice to placing at states and beyond, that is why I do this.” “I want to create opportunities for the youth.” Pat is well aware of where his team is located. Miami, some of the nations best athletes come from Florida, specifically South Florida. “If I can get some kids who aren’t necessarily football, basketball or baseball stars to just come out to wrestle, I know I can make them great.” Pat isn’t alone in his Hawks Wrestling Club venture. He’s got a great lineup of coaches, working with him. Right now Pat has put together a wrestling camp for not only boys but girls. The clinicians include Spencer Lee, Austin DeSanto, Michael Kemerer, Max Murin, Forrest Molinari, Nosomy Pozo as well as his own high school coach, Humberto Reyna. To say that this is an incredible opportunity to learn from some of the countries best coaches is a gross understatement. This guy is making it happen. He knows the value each of these technicians offer. Lugo credits Reyna for really turning him into not only the wrestler he is but the man that he is today. That’s a big statement from such an accomplished wrestler. That line up of coaches provides an opportunity not just for locals to go learn from the best of the best but kids that are willing to travel as well. This camp will take place June 6th-9th. It’s incredible the amount of detail that has gone into this. If you miss it for any reason this summer, please keep an eye out. This will be an annual camp. What Pat Lugo is doing for Florida wrestling is commendable, hell it’s inspiring, truly a great thing to watch. The best part is he’s doing it for all the right reasons, a better person than any of his other accolades will ever convey.