Super 32 Challenge Preview – Keystone State Stars
The Super 32 Challenge is the premier Pre-Season Tournament in the Nation and Pennsylvania has always faired well in Greensboro, NC. It will be a hard task to top last seasons results at the Super 32 when five Keystone State wrestlers won Super 32 Championship Belts and a total of 22 earned medals. The registered wrestlers are more than capable of having success against the top competition in the Nation. In total 11 PA wrestlers competing were PIAA State Finalists with a total of five PIAA State Champions; Tyson Klump, Luke Karam, Dakota Geer, Greg Bulsak, and Jordan Wood.
The Tournament kicks off Saturday October 31st and concludes on Sunday November 1st.
Below is a look at Pennsylvania’s stars and their chances of finding success at the 2015 Super 32 followed by a complete list of registered Pennsylvania participants.
106 lbs.
Wrestling fans will get an early look at some of the Top Incoming Freshmen of 2016 at 106 lbs. in the Super 32 Challenge with seven ranked rookies registered to compete. Leading the way of the Pennsylvania wrestlers are 2015 PIAA State Medalists Kevan Gentile (Jim Thorpe) and Jaret Lane (Southern Columbia Area). Both wrestlers placed in the 2015 State AA Tournament at 106 lbs. – fourth and fifth respectively. PIAA State Qualifier Job Chishko (Penn Trafford) is returning to 106 lbs. where he will look to solidify his role as one of the top lightweights in Pennsylvania. Another returning PIAA State Medalist, Tyler Griffiths (Southmoreland) is set to compete at 106 lbs. and could make a deep run. Overall the field at 106 lbs. is more wide-open than other weights and I expect several at least several Pennsylvania Medalists. Gentile, Lane, Chishko, and Griffiths are obviously contenders to and on the medal stand but several rookies could make a push. Freshman Patrick Gould (East Stroudsburg) recently defeated Jaret Lane at the Journeymen Classic and won the Super 32 Challenge Qualifier in Muhlenberg. Shane Hanson-Ashworth (Malvern Prep) is a successful Youth wrestler and will challenge many of the top wrestlers.
Medalists Contenders: Jaret Lane, Kevan Gentile, Job Chishko, Tyler Griffiths, Patrick Gould, and Shane Hanson-Ashworth
Keep An Eye On: Sean Pierson, Trent Snader, Jacob Dunlap, Colton Camacho, Tyler Dilley, and Jo Jo Aragona.
113 lbs.
Arguably the most talented group of Keystone State wrestlers will compete at 113 lbs. Leading the way are three 2015 PIAA State Finalists including PIAA State Champion Tyson Klump (Nazareth Area). The senior was the 2015 PIAA State Champion at 106 lbs. defeating Cole Manley (Altoona Area) in the finals. Manley will also be competing at 113 lbs. after a busy summer of competing across the Nation. 2015 PIAA State Runner-up Gage Curry (North Hills) already owns Super 32 Challenge hardware finishing as the runner-up in 2013 at 106 lbs. Returning to the the Super 32 as a senior the American University recruit will be a favorite to win the Championship title. Upperclassmen will have a young star to deal with at 113 lbs. with super freshman Julian Chlebove (Northampton Area) who as an eighth grader made a strong push in 2014 at 106 lbs. falling just two wins shy of a medal finish. As a rookie Chlebove is projected to finish on the podium and will surprise Super 32 onlookers. Also nearly finishing on the podium at 106 lbs. in 2014 at the Super 32 was Benton Area’s Alan Diltz who fell just one win shy of earning a medal. As a senior the 2015 PIAA State Third Place Medalist will compete at 113 lbs. and should find himself again in competition for a Super 32 medal. Three additional 2015 PIAA State Medalists will join the already heavy field with Jakob Campbell (Boyertown Area), Chris Wright (Central Dauphin) and Louis Newell (Seneca Valley).
Super 32 Title Contenders: Gage Curry and Julian Chlebove
Medalists Contenders: Tyson Klump, Cole Manley, Alan Diltz, Jakob Campbell
Keep An Eye On: Chris Wright, Louis Newell, Gage Bayless, Gavin Park, Dalton Rohrbaugh
120 lbs.
Yet another loaded weight will come to head at 120 lbs. as many top names from across the State head to North Carolina. A a total of six PIAA State Medalists will compete at 120 lbs. with 2x PIAA State Third Place Medalist Tyshawn White (Central Dauphin) leading the charge. Last season at the Super 32 Tyshawn was defeated by Spencer Lee and forced to default out of the Tournament falling just one round short of earning a Super 32 Medal. The senior returns to 120 lbs. where he hopes to break through and find a spot on the podium. Another District 3 star Austin DeSanto (Exeter Township) will be in search of his first Super 32 Challenge Medal after finishing fifth last season in his first trip to the GIANT Center. Other PIAA State Medalist who will compete include Kordell Rush (Pennridge), KJ Fenstermacher (Liberty), Hunter Baxter (Pine-Richland), and Jalin Hankerson (Boiling Springs). An additional seven wrestlers competing at 120 lbs. were 2015 PIAA State Qualifiers. Eighth grader Luke Nichter may cause a headache for upperclass wrestlers.
Medalists Contenders: Tyshawn White, Austin Desanto, Kordell Rush
Keep An Eye On: KJ Fenstermacher, Zurich Storm, Hunter Baxter, Jalin Hankerson, Angelo Barberio, Luke Nichter
126 lbs.
Last year Luke Karam (Bethlehem Catholic) was not satisfied with his finish at the Super 32. In the quarterfinals at 120 lbs. Karam fell to eventual Champion Yianni Diakomihalis (New York) in a tight (3-2) match. His following match in the consolation round Karam was upset by Michael May (Ohio) in sudden victory (8-3 SV). As a sophomore Luke placed sixth at 106 lbs. in the 2013 Super 32 but was forced to injury default in the semifinals against Gage Curry (North Hills) before defaulting out of the Tournament and ending up in sixth. 2015 isn’t going to get any easier as Luke happens to find himself in the overall deepest weights of the Super 32. Leading the way is Daton Fix (Oklahoma) and Nick Suriano (New Jersey) who are two of the best wrestlers in the Nation pound-for-pound. Karam does lead the list of registered PA Wrestlers as the 2x PIAA State Champion and Lehigh recruit will look to overcome the Super 32 hump. PIAA State Runner-up Brian Courtney (Athens Area) came one win shy of a Super 32 Medal in 2014 at 120 lbs. and should challenge for a spot on the medal stand again in 2015.Great Latrobe senior Ethan McCoy, a returning PIAA State Medalist and former National Prep Finalist, should challenge the top tier wrestlers and compete for a Super 32 medal. will 2x PIAA State Medalist and former PIAA State Runner-up John Pipa (Bishop McDevitt), in addition to returning PIAA State Medalist Andrew Wert (Central Dauphin), will join the 126 lbs. field.
Super 32 Title Contenders: Luke Karam
Medalists Contenders: Brian Courtney and Ethan McCoy
Keep An Eye On: John Pipa, Andrew Wert, Dom Means, Jeremiah Oakes, Zach Stedeford, Micah Visuwan
132 lbs.
Returning PIAA State Finalist Sammy Sasso (Nazareth Area) is coming off a big summer where he was crowned a Cadet National Freestyle Champion in Fargo, ND. Now up at 132 lbs. Sasso enters his sophomore season with a National ranking. He will have a strong test in North Carolina with two of the Nation’s best wrestlers competing at 132 lbs. as Chad Red (Indiana) and Yianni Diakomilhalis (New York) are ranked #1 and #3 in the Nation by Flo Wrestling. Both wrestlers won Super 32 Challenge Championship Belts in 2014. Joining Sasso from Pennsylvania will be 2015 PIAA Medalists Wade Cummings (Downingtown East), Brett Kulp (Exeter Township) and Zach Hartman (Belle Vernon Area). Both Cummings and Kulp were PIAA State Fourth Place Medalist last season at 120 lbs. and 126 lbs. respectively. For Brett Kulp, a 2x PIAA State Medalist, he will be looking for his first Super 32 Medal after finishing two wins shy in 2014. One name PA fans who are not already familiar with should be by season’s end is Rui Evanitsky (Scranton). Although he has yet to qualify for the PIAA State Tournament Rui is a talented wrestler who is slick and quick. He recently won the Lock Haven Classic defeating 2x PIAA State Medalist Taylor Ortz (Brookville Area) by major decision (9-1).
Super 32 Title Contenders: Sammy Sasso
Medalists Contenders: Brett Kulp, Wade Cummings, Zach Hartman, Rui Evanitsky
Keep An Eye On: Wyatt Long, Lucas Schaf, Jacob Wasser, Caleb Garland, Aaron Rump, Mike Stuart
138 lbs.
There may not be any title contenders from PA at 138 lbs. but there are plenty of capable wrestlers who can make deep runs. 2x PIAA State Third Place Medalist and Clarion recruit Taylor Ortz (Brookville Area) heads the field. Additionally 2015 PIAA State Medalists Jake Hinkson (North Allegheny) and Evan Fidelibus (Easton Area) will be in contention for a Super 32 medal. 2x PIAA State Medalist Colin Glorioso (Huntingdon Area) advanced just two wins shy of a Super 32 Medal in 2014. Sophomore and returning PIAA State Medalist Justin McCoy (Chestnut Ridge) has had success prior in North Carolina at the Super 32 Middle School division and will be in search of his first high school medal. The Keystone State has a group of quality participants that are evenly matched with wrestlers such as James Hoffman (Hazelton Area), Brock Port (Bellefonte Area), Dylan Chatterton (Central York),, Mason Lindenmuth (Brockway Area), Owen Wherley (South Western) and Luke Gardner (Pottsville Area). All of the wrestlers have potential to pick up multiple wins at 138 lbs. Rookie Ryan Vulakh (North Penn) will be one wrestler to pay attention to.
Medalists Contenders: Taylor Ortz, Jake Hinkson, Evan Fidelibus, Justin McCoy, Colin Glorioso
Keep An Eye On: Luke Gardner, Ryan Vulakh, James Hoffman, Owen Wherely, and Brock Port
145 lbs.
Junior Eric Hong has returned home to Pennsylvania after spending two seasons competing for Georgetown Prep in Maryland. Hong is an established wrestler who was a 2015 National Prep Runner-up and 2013 Super 32 Medalist. Now at Kiski Prep Eric will be a favorite to win a National Prep Championship in his junior season. Only nine wrestlers from Pennsylvania are competing at 145 lbs. but several could end up on the medal sand as senior Jimmy Saylor (Easton Area) will compete for his first Super 32 medal. The PIAA State Medalist and Army recruit is returning to 145 lbs. where he spent all of last season. Moving up from 132 lbs. senior and 3x PIAA State Qualifier Zackery LeBarron (Warrior Run) will test his new weight at the Super 32. PIAA State Qualifier David Kelly (Pine-Richland) and senior Mitch Hartman (Belle Vernon Area) should pick up several wins. Rookie Darrien Roberts (East Stroudsburg Area North) is a highly touted freshman who will attempt to establish himself against an older field.
Super 32 Title Contenders: Eric Hong
Medalists Contenders: Jimmy Saylor
Keep An Eye On: Zackery LaBarron, David Kelly, Mitch Hartman, and Darrien Roberts
152 lbs.
One of the top seniors not only in Pennsylvania but the Nation is Mifflin County’s Hayden Hidlay. The 2x PIAA State Medalist will be making southward trips often in the future as he committed to N.C. State last season. Hidlay has been busy in the off-season competing at the Fargo Junior Nationals and most recently Flo’s Who’s Number One? event. Hidlay will likely have a chance for a re-match with his new rival Mason Manville (Wyoming Seminary) who he has faced five times since the end of last season. At the 2014 Super 32 Hayden had an impressive showing finishing in third place and winning six straight matches in the consolation round. Fellow senior Nick Monico (Saegertown) is a 3x PIAA State Medalist and fell to Hayden Hidlay earlier this month (1-0) at the Journeymen Classic, Clearly Monico is capable of hanging with the big guys. Besides Hidlay and Monico senior Shae Bloom (Curwensville Area), a 3x PIAA State Qualifier and 1x Medalist, will be in the hunt for a Super 32 Medal. Conestoga Valley senior and Lock Haven recruit Lucas Ortiz is actually down a weight class from last season where he was a PIAA State Qualifier at 160 lbs. Depending on how he handles the cut Ortiz could make a strong push at the Super 32. Additionally Cole Karam, brother of Luke, may not get the headlines like her brother but he is very capable of having a break-out season as a senior. Last season he just missed a PIAA State Medal.
Super 32 Title Contenders: Hayden Hidlay
Medalists Contenders: Nick Monico, Shae Bloom, Lucas Ortiz, and Cole Karam
Keep An Eye On: Tyler Delorenzo, Skitch Light, Hunter Gimbor, and Chase Stephens
160 lbs.
Two of the top wrestlers in Pennsylvania may be on a collision course in a rematch of the 2015 PIAA State Third Place match at 152 lbs. with BECA junior Mikey Labriola and senior Kaleb Young (Punxsutawney Area). Labriola, who recently committed to Nebraska, defeated Kaleb Young for third place at the PIAA State Tournament in a grueling (5-3 UTB) match. Young, who will be heading to Iowa next season, is considered one of the top seniors from PA owning two PIAA State Medals and finishing seventh last season at the Super 32. The two will have stiff competition with Ohio’s Alex Marinelli (St. Paris Graham) and Daniel Bullard (Archer, GA) who come in ranked #1 and #6 respectively at 160 lbs. by Flo Wrestling. A sleeper this season will be Exeter junior Ty Bagoly who over the summer caught the attention of many in Fargo, ND when he finished sixth at the Cadet Freestyle Nationals. Moving up to 160 lbs. this season Bagoly will showcase his improved strength and could make a push for the medal stand. PIAA State qualifiers Ethan Smith (Greater Latrobe) Josh Stilling (Pennridge) and Trent Hidlay (Mifflin County) are wrestlers who are looking to propel their young careers at the Super 32.
Super 32 Title Contenders: Mikey Labriola and Kaleb Young
Medalists Contenders: Ty Bagoly, Ethan Smith, Josh Stillings, and Trent Hidlay
Keep An Eye On: Sean Hoover
170 lbs.
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Huntingdon Area PIAA State Runner-up junior Jacob Oliver
National Prep Champion Chris Weiler (Wyoming Seminary) is hoping to add a Super 32 Championship to his long list of accomplishments. Weiler, a Lehigh recruit, enters his senior season ranked #3 in the Nation at 170 lbs. by Flo Wrestling. Weiler is no the only the only Pennsylvania star who will be competing with a total of six PIAA State Medalists from 2015 competing at 170 lbs. in Greensboro, NC. Jumping up from 152 lbs. is 2015 PIAA State Runner-up Jacob Oliver (Huntingdon Area) who despite the weight increase will challenge the top wrestlers. PIAA State Fourth Place Medalist Noah Stewart (Mifflin County) is capable of earning a Super 32 medal after going (4-2) last season. District 3 pair Jared Siegrist (Manheim Central) and Chance Norris (Garden Spot) are both returning PIAA State Medalists. Siegrist, who recently committed to Lock Haven, should make a strong push for a Super 32 Medal and Chance Norris won’t be far behind. A pair from the WPIAL, Nino Bonaccorsi (Bethel Park) and Ethan Smith (Greater Latrobe), faced each other multiple times last season and could do it again at the Super 32. Bonaccorsi was a PIAA State Medalist in 2015 finishing sixth in the State. Both wrestlers are moving up from 152 lbs. in 2014 and will be tested at the Super 32. Add to the mix 2x PIAA State Medalist Garrett Hoffman (Montoursville Area) and 2x PIAA State Qualifier Adam Soldridge (Bethlehem Catholic) and the Keystone State has the potential for one of it’s best weight-classes.
Super 32 Title Contenders: Chris Weiller
Medalists Contenders: Jacob Oliver, Noah Stewart, Jared Siegrist, Chance Norris, Ethan Smith, Nino Bonaccorsi, Garrett Hoffman, and Adam Soldridge
Keep An Eye On: Matt McGillick, Michael Hughes, and Blaze Kansco
182 lbs.
The Nation’s #1 ranked wrestler at 182 lbs. is Dakota Geer (Franklin) who recently competed and was victorious at Flo’s Who’s Number One? event. Geer placed seventh last season at the Super 32 but is the favorite this season at 182 lbs. The PIAA State Champion will have stiff competition from a fellow PIAA State Champion in Greg Bulsak (South Park). The senior is moving up from 170 lbs. where he won a PIAA State Championship and was a Super 32 eighth place medalist. Bulsak will likely improve on that finish a season ago and could finish in the top three. Another WPIAL wrestler, Jake Shaffer (Greater Latrobe), will be in search of his first Super 32 Challenge medal. Last season Shaffer fell just one win short of the medal round when he lost a tight (1-0) match to Greg Bulsak. The 2x PIAA State Medalist and Virginia recruit could once again find himself competing for a Super 32 Medal. 2015 PIAA State Qualifiers Drew Peck (Chambersburg Area) and Milton Kobaly (Belle Vernon Area) will add to Pennsylvania’s talent. 2015 Cadet National Freestyle All-American Jake Woodley (North Allegheny) is one of the most improved wrestlers and despite not qualifying for the PIAA State Tournament will be in search of his first Super 32 Medal.
Super 32 Title Contenders: Dakota Geer and Greg Bulsak
Medalists Contenders: Jake Shaffer, Jake Woodley, Blake Barrick, Drew Peck, and Milton Kobaly
195 lbs.
At 195 lbs. National Prep Fourth Place Medalist Zane Black is now at The Phelps School after spending a season at Wyoming Seminary his sophomore season. The junior will be in search of his first Super 32 Challenge medal at 195 lbs. Joining Black will be several other talented PA Wrestlers including PIAA State Medalists Trey Hartsock (Mifflin County), Gavin Hoffman (Montoursville Area) and Gregg Harvey Jr. (Boyertown Area). All three returning PIAA Medalists will be in contention for a Super 32 medal.
Super 32 Title Contenders: Zane Black
Medalists Contenders: Trey Hartsock, Gregg Harvey Jr., and Gavin Hoffman
Keep An Eye On: Dayne Ross
220 lbs.
Returning PIAA State Champion and Super 32 Champion Jordan Wood (Boyertown Area) will look to defend his 2014 Super 32 Challenge belt at 220 lbs. The senior and 3x PIAA State Finalist is coming off a difficult rematch with sophomore Gable Stevenson (Minnesota) at Flo’s Who’s Number One? event. Wood, the #2 ranked wrestler in the Nation at 220 lbs. according to Flo Wrestling, has placed three times at the Super 32 Challenge. National Prep Medalist Cole Nye (Bishop McDevitt) has returned to District 3 after spending a season at National Prep Power Wyoming Seminary. The is hoping to capture his first Super 32 Medal at 220 lbs. Also at 220 lbs. are 2015 PIAA State Qualifiers Nathan Barcaskey (Moon Area) and Zach Sintobin (Clarion Area).
Super 32 Title Contenders: Jordan Wood
Medalists Contenders: Cole Nye
Keep An Eye On: Nathan Barcaskey and Zach Sintobin
285 lbs.
National Prep Champion Mike Rogers (Wyoming Seminary) is the Super 32 Challenge favorite at heavyweight. The N.C. State recruit was a National Prep Champion in 2015 and was third in 2014. Rogers will be in search of his first Super 32 Medal. Senior Andrew Gunning (Liberty) is moving up to heavyweight after finishing fifth in the State at 220 lbs. in 2015. A pair of District 1 heavyweight stars will be competing with Bruce Graeber (Neshaminy) and Tommy Killoran. Graeber was the South East Regional Runner-up to Killoran but avenged the defeat at the PIAA State Tournament the week following. In the fifth place medal match Graeber defeated the Boyertown Bear (8-2) to earn his first PIAA State Medal in his first trip to Hershey. Both Graeber and Killoran will be in contention for a Super 32 Challenge medal at heavyweight. Additionally sophomore Isaac Reid (Kiski Area), who last season was ranked for several weeks top ten in the State, will be looking for a break-out sophomore season. The Super 32 Challenge is a great first step for Reid who could surprise fans.
Super 32 Title Contenders: Michael Rogers
Medalists Contenders: Andrew Gunning, Bruce Graeber, Tommy Killoran, and Isaac Reid
Keep An Eye On: Bryce Town, Oscar Daniels, and Jared Schell
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