Sophomore Hunter Catka gets revenge, upends Nate Schon in Class AAA 220 lbs. Quarterfinals

It was a match that kept Hunter Catka motivated throughout the season and was the driving force in the Sun Valley sophomore’s run to 30 straight wins. The outcome was an (8-3) win in the State quarterfinals.

In the finals of the 2017 Penn Manor Tournament at 220 pounds, Catka, a returning PIAA State Qualifier, was taken down and pinned by Selinsgrove freshman Nate Schon in just 0:37 seconds.

“I was a little down after that match. He (Schon) is a really good wrestler, but he is younger than me.”

In the rematch during the PIAA State Quarterfinals it was evident that Catka was driven to erase that match from his mind. He came out swinging, collecting a takedown early on. He followed it up with another takedown on the edge of the mat ending the first period up (4-1).

“It pushed me to work harder. It’s definitely better to get those loses out early in the season.”

In the second period, Catka exposed a visibly exhausted Schon and collected a reversal to go up (6-1). He never seemed to be out of position in the match – something he had been working on since his first meeting with Catka.

“I knew I had to stay down in my stance. All season long my coaches and I worked on down blocking and staying low.”

He punched his ticket to the Championship semifinals with a takedown late in the third to close it out. While excited he is leaving Hershey with his first state medal, the sophomore is not content.

“I came here to win, but I still give all the glory to God that I am here. I am really excited.”

On Saturday morning Hunter will meet senior and 2017 State finalist Ian Edenfield, the No. 1 ranked wrestler in the State by PA Power Wrestling.