Quakertown head wrestling coach Kurt Handel has watched his team develop character and create its share of highlights this season. They’ve also had a good time in the process.
“These guys have brought a work ethic second to none,” beamed Handel. “But they also have brought just as much fun with them.
“They are a tight-knit group who are always laughing and having fun.”
Quakertown recently added to its accomplishments when the Panthers claimed the Southeast Class 3A Regional title, advancing six wrestlers to the PIAA state championships at the Giant Center in Hershey this weekend.
Pennridge, which finished second, and Council Rock South, which finished fifth, both will bring five grapplers to their sport’s big dance. Central Bucks West’s 114-pound freshman Chris Dennis, Council Rock North’s 127-pound sophomore Eren Sement, and Central Bucks East’s 285-pound junior Joe Collins also won individual titles.
Palisades sophomores John Haubert (fourth place, 133) and Dan Haubert (172, fifth place) will both advance to Hershey.
Collins, whose older brother Quinn reached the state finals last year, has understood the effort needed to reach Hershey.
“It has been a long journey,” he stressed. “But thanks to my coaches, family and friends, I’ve been able to push myself further than I thought capable at the beginning of the season.
“Once I got to wrestle the Carlisle heavyweight again in a tournament, I realized that this season was becoming very promising, and I would be able to do some great things.”
He has never forgotten the mentorship of his older brother.
“Quinn has influenced me a lot, especially throughout high school,” added the younger Collins. “He has taught me a lot about wrestling, and provided a great example of where I want to see myself in my wrestling career.”
For Quakertown, it was the team’s second consecutive regional title and third overall.
Sophomore Collin Gaj (145 pounds) and junior Mason Ziegler (121) both won their respective weight classes. Seniors Zach Borzio (152) and Calvin Lachman (215) were second, sophomores Gavin Carroll (139) was third and Issac Williams (114) was fifth.
Ziegler won his second consecutive regional title and was appreciative of the achievement.
“I was very happy about it,” he beamed. “I thought I wrestled well at the tournament. And I am ready to wrestle at the Giant Center.”
Pennridge sophomore Colby Martinelli (107) and junior Sam Kuhns (139) claimed gold for the Rams, while sophomores Quinn McBride (114) and Talan Hogan (172) were second. Junior Cole Coffin (114) was third.
Council Rock South junior Bekhruz Sadriddinov won his second straight title at 160. Junior Luke Reitter (114) was fourth, and junior Connor Lenahan (107), along with sophomores Ben Brillhart (133) and Gavin Cole (152) were all fifth.
Sadriddinov had his moment, but he is looking ahead to the bigger prize.
“It feels pretty good to be a regional champ again,” he said. “But it really isn’t the goal. The main goal is the state title. This just comes along with it.
“I am very prepared for states since this is my second trip.”
CR South head coach Brad Silimperi didn’t lose sight of his team’s success.
“We pushed five through to states,” he stressed. “Anytime you get one through it’s a good thing, but punching five through is fantastic. It didn’t come easy for us. Our guys had to look in the mirror and figure it out in the wrestlebacks.
“I’m super proud of their character. Bek became our 36th overall champion, which tied the record with North Penn. That’s pretty amazing since we have only been doing it for 21 years.
“Now we are onto states where anything can happen.”
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