Finn Solomon Likes The Bright Lights, Advances to Quarters After Win over Tal-Reese Flemming

HERSHEY, Pa.: It’s become commonplace for freshmen wrestlers to feel comfortable with their surroundings in Hershey’s Giant Center.

The early-February state team duals has helped. So has the fact that these wrestlers are competing in more big events at a young age.

Franklin Regional’s Finn Solomon hasn’t had the luxury of wrestling in team states. But, he has participated in his share of high-profile youth tournaments and witnessed former Panther wrestlers visiting Chocolatetown.

So, it comes as no surprise that Solomon wasn’t overwhelmed in Thursday’s opening round of the PIAA Championships. It showed in the Panthers freshman’s performance in a 4-2 decision over Liberty’s Tal-Reese Flemming at 113.

It was a huge victory. Flemming is a returning Class 3A state placer — he was third a year ago — and was ranked third in the state coming into the match, according to PA Power Wrestling.

“I knew before this tournament that this is where I wanted to be,” said Solomon, who is ranked eighth in the state. “It was a good match.

“He’s tough, he’s quick on his feet, and he’s long. But, I knew I could beat him. I just want to get to the finals, one match at a time.”

Solomon doesn’t have much high-school experience, but he does have plenty of people in his corner, including former Panthers wrestler and his brother, Gus Solomon.

That paid dividends throughout this bout. Solomon frustrated Flemming in the first period and was able to ride the entire two minutes of the second to keep the match scoreless.

“It was tough,” Solomon said of riding Flemming for two minutes in the second. “I had to hang on. But, it’s like Jody and John Strittmatter always told me, ‘It’s about all three positions, not just top, not just bottom.’

“I felt good coming in, and I was ready to go. I had all my energy, eating and drinking what I wanted … I just felt really good. I knew he had to cut a little more weight than me, and I had a warm-up match and was ready to go right away.”

Solomon got his shot on bottom to start the third. Fleming was able to ride for the first 20 seconds before Solomon reversed with a headlock.

It looked like Solomon was going to score near-fall points, but Flemming slipped out and was able to reverse 10 seconds later to even the match.

“I couldn’t get it tight, but I was confident on bottom,” Solomon said. “I know everyone says I’m good on top, but I have a lot of good partners who are good on top and with legs.

“My brother was always good on top, and he had a lot of little tricks. I knew I could use some of his little tricks that he used on people to beat [Flemming].”

Those little nuances came into play with the match still in doubt. Solomon was able to slip out for another reversal with 54 seconds left to take a 4-2 lead. From there, he did what he does best, which is ride out an opponent.

It doesn’t get any easier for Solomon in the quarterfinal round. He will face West Chester Henderson’s Sam McMonagle, the No. 9-ranked wrestler in the state.

“I’ve been waiting for this a long time,” Solomon said. “I’ve been watching my friends come through. They prepared me, and my coaches told me to have fun and not worry about what is going on.

“There are tough competitors throughout the bracket. It’s the state tournament, but I think I will do pretty well.”