A long time spectator, Zack Witmer finds himself in the State Tournament Semifinals

Saint Joseph’s Academy freshman Zack Witmer has been on several stages in his wrestling career but not one like the PIAA State Tournament. The rookie, a highly touted wrestler who came into the season ranked #2 on PA Power’s Top Incoming Freshman Report and is No. 7 in the state,  took care of business in the Class AA quarterfinals against No. 6-ranked Andrew Ischo (Reynolds).

Witmer is no stranger to the Giant Center, but not necessarily in the role as competitor. 

“It’s probably been 12 years in a row coming here. It’s weird. It doesn’t feel like States now that I am wrestling in it. It’s a lot more stressful.”

He can relax a little knowing he is leaving Chocolate Town with a PIAA State Medal after defeating Ischo in the quarterfinals, thanks to a second period tilt.

“I was a little nervous coming into the match, but I prepared hard, I trained hard.” 

Despite a scoreless first period Witmer got to work on top with his bread and butter tilt.

“I didn’t get the takedown like I wanted in the first, but in the second, I got a turn to break the match open. That’s my best turn, and everyone knows it.”

Zack collected Ischo’s wrist and worked him over to go up (3-0). Witmer kept his composure in the third period getting an escape and sealing his spot in the semifinals with a late takedown to win it (6-0).

When asked about his first State Tournament, Witmer smiled and looked up at the crowd.

“It’s awesome,” he said. “There’s nothing like it. That’s why Pennsylvania is the best State in the country. I mean, look at all the fans here. This is the dream.”

It’s a dream Witmer will look to keep going in the Championship Semifinals later this evening, where he will face the returning PIAA State Champion and Southern Columbia senior Jaret Lane, who is ranked No. 1 in the state.