Cameron Coy Completes Storied High School Wrestling Career with Third State Title

HERSHEY: Penn Trafford wrestler Cameron Coy had a brief flashback to his sophomore season Saturday night at Hershey’s Giant Center.

It couldn’t be helped.

Not after Coy finished off his stellar career with his third PIAA Class 3A Wrestling Championship gold medal. He defeated Cathedral Prep sophomore Carter Starocci by a 5-2 margin to clinch his spot at the top of the 152-pound podium.

The lone blemish in Coy’s state tournament career, a runner-up finish to Sam Krivus his sophomore season that continuously sticks in his head.

“It’s been a great career,” said Coy, who finished with an overall record of 148-11. “Unfortunately, I can’t say it’s been four. But you can’t complain with three, especially in the state of Pennsylvania.

“I think about [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”][my sophomore year] 100 percent. Sammy was a great competitor, one of the best in the nation. He was two grades ahead of me, very mature. Honestly, looking back, I thought I was just as good if not better.”

Continued Coy, “Mentally, I don’t think I was ready for it. Physically, I was, but the mental part is most important at this stage of the game. There was a controversial call, but no one remembers that. They remember who got their hand raised.”

No problem for Coy in that department.

Going for three titles and completing a gold medal run of this magnitude can have a weird affect on even the most accomplished wrestler. But for Coy, it was business as usual.

He came out strong against Starocci, scoring on a quick takedown to open up a 2-0 lead. After an escape, Coy was back at it, dominating on his feet to take a 4-1 lead to the second.

Coy, who will continue his wrestling career at the University of Virginia, escaped off bottom in short order to open up an insurmountable lead. Starocci escaped in the third but couldn’t close the gap.

“It’s something I expect of myself,” Coy said of starting fast. “I wish I could have finished the match a little stronger. I feel I could have gone into my shots a little more in the second period and opened up a little bit.

“In these kinds of situations, just getting your hand raised is most important. But in my mind, there is more to it because I’ve been there and done that. Expanding is something I’m looking forward to, especially at the Dapper Dan and in my college career.”

You could see the emotion on Coy’s face when he got his hand raised for the final time in his high school career. The journey was over.

Coy ran over to embrace his coaches. He received congratulatory handshakes and pats on the back as he ran back the tunnel.

Despite falling one match short of being a four-time champion, Coy still proved to be elite. It was his moment, one he will never forget.

“My coaches have been there my whole high school career,” Coy said. “They are the best. I do a lot of extra club stuff, but they still get on me if I’m slacking. They expect me to lead the team and expect nothing less.

“If I don’t hesitate or do something different [two years ago], I have my fourth state title. But I have three and a lot more to look forward to.”

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