Retherford Wins FILA Cadet National Title & Named OW

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]

Zain Retherford was disappointed when the PIAA ruled him ineligible to compete in wrestling for the 2011-2012 season following his transfer from Line Mountain to Benton. The junior had compiled an impressive 84-3 record at Line Mountain including winning a State Championship at 103 lbs. his freshman season and finishing third in 2011 at 112 lbs. Despite not competing scholastically his junior season Retherford has obviously stayed motivated to end his high school career on a high note. This March Retherford competed at the NHSCA Junior Nationals at 126 lbs. winning the Championship.

This past week in Akron, Ohio Retherford accomplished arguably his highest ever accolade winning the FILA Cadet National Title in the Freestyle Division. Retherford, competing at 63 kg (138.75 lbs.), reached the finals and faced a past 2x FILA Cadet All-American Bryce Brill from Illinois. Brill finished his sophomore season ranked #6 in the Nation at 145 lbs. by Intermat. Retherford dropped the opening period (2-3) to Brill but rallied back to win the final two periods (4-1, 2-1) and capture his first ever FILA Cadet National Championship. For his performance in a weight described by Josh Lowe of Intermat as the toughest class of the tournament Retherford was named the Tournament’s “Outstanding Wrestler.” By winning the FILA Cadet Nationals Retherford earns a spot on the Cadet Freestyle World Team where he will represent the United States of America in Baku, Azerbaijan this coming August.

Also earning a Championship at the FILA Cadet Freestyle Nationals was undefeated 2x State Champion Chance Marsteller at 76 kg (167.5 lbs.). The Kennard-Dale sophomore dominated the field, winning his first 6 matches without giving up a point, claiming his first FILA Cadet National title. In the finals Marsteller defeated 2011 160 lbs. ASICS Cadet National Champion Zach Beard of Oklahoma. In 2011 Marsteller won the ASICS Cadet National Championship at 152 lbs. in Fargo, ND. By winning the FILA Cadet National Championship Marsteller will represent the United States at the FILA Cadet World Championship in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Also winning a FILA Cadet National Championship was Ray O’Donnell who captured the 85 kg (187.25 lbs.) title in the Greco-Roman Division earning his first career FILA Cadet National Championship. The Saucon Valley junior finished third at this years PIAA Class AA State Tournament at 195 lbs. and won the 2011 ASICS Cadet National Tournament at 171 lbs. in Fargo, ND.

In addition to Pennsylvania’s three Champions at the FILA Cadet Nationals, the Keystone State earned 7 additional medals across both Freestyle and Greco-Roman Divisions. The 3 National Champions and 7 All-American’s are listed below*.

*Note: Wyoming Seminary’s Michael Johnson, Jr. 125 kg (275.5 lbs.) is from Illinois

 

FILA Cadet National All-American’s From Pennsylvania

 

(Freestyle Division)

50 kg Luke Pletcher (Greater Latrobe) 5th

50 kg AC Headlee (Waynesburg Central) 6th

54 kg Dalton Macri (Canon-McMillan) 4th

63 kg Zain Retherford (Benton Area) Champion & Outstanding Wrestler

76 kg Chance Marsteller (Kennard-Dale) Champion

85 kg Eric Morris (Wyoming Seminary) 2nd

84 kg Alex Deciantis (North Allegheny) 5th 

 

(Greco-Roman Division)

76 kg Eric Morris (Wyoming Seminary) 5th

85 kg 1st Raymond O’Donnell (Saucon Valley) Champion

85 kg Troy Hembury (Muncy Area) 3rd

 

 [/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]