Over the past few years, Pennridge has watched both Council Rock South and Quakertown be recognized as two of the better wrestling programs in District One and the state.
However, this season, the script has been slightly altered. Pennridge has risen to one of the elite programs in the district, although they have still managed to fly under the radar.
The Rams’ only blemishes have been losses to CR South along with respected powers Malvern Prep and Easton. Pennridge recently was the third seed behind CR South and Sun Valley at the opening round of the District One Class 3A Duals.
“We get zero respect,” boasted Pennridge second-year head coach Brian Kuhns. “I know it was back and forth with us with the district people about who was going to be the second and third seed at the duals.
“But we have used it (lack of respect) to our advantage. For years, Council Rock South and Quakertown have had solid programs, and they have some very good wrestlers. But, we believe we have a solid lineup overall.”
The Rams beat Strath Haven, 48-16, in the opening round of District One 3A Duals Jan. 26. Top-seeded CR South advanced with a 45-19 victory over Upper Perkiomen, and sixth-seeded Quakertown got past Pennsbury, 37-28.Central Bucks South was eliminated by Sun Valley, 45-18.
The winners advanced to the second round Saturday at Upper Dublin High School. From there, the top four teams advance to the PIAA tournament in Hershey.
For Pennridge, their stellar season has not been without challenge. Throughout the season, the lineup has been ravaged by injuries and illnesses, thoroughly testing the depth of their program.
“We haven’t had an ideal lineup,” stressed Kuhns. “We have gotten so much from kids who probably would have had little action this season. These guys have gained a ton of experience. Our guys have truly stepped up.”
Kuhns noted the contributions of freshman Cole Meenan, who has buoyed between 107 and 114 pounds, and sophomore Danny Metzler, who has split time between 121 and 127. They both are wrestling on the varsity level for the first time. Beginning this week, Meenan was 9-5 and Metzler was 3-8.
“Cole has really done a great job for us,” beamed Kuhns. “He only had a 2-2 record in middle school last year, and we didn’t know what to expect. But he has really battled and made a difference for us.
“Danny also wrestled a little bit in middle school, and he doesn’t have a winning record. But he has helped us gain some bonus points, and he is just someone who gives it everything he has out there.”
Both wrestler’s work ethics are a true reflection of the team’s grit and character this season.
Kuhns currently has his eye on the big prize from the district.
“We feel we can beat any of these teams,” he said. “Last year was my first year as head coach, and we won an opening match at the duals this year. It was an experience for our young guys last year, and we only lost one senior.”
This season, Gio Iadonisi (152, 16-8) is the lone senior in the starting lineup that features sophomores Talan Hogan (172, 21-7), Riley Cullen (215, 17-9) and Colby Martinell (114, 19-4), and juniors Cole Coffin (121, 25-2) and Sam Kuhns (139, 20-7).
The Rams will meet Quakertown in the second round Saturday. They earlier defeated the Panthers 37-32 in a match in which the Rams won the final three bouts, two by falls. Pennridge has never won a District One championship, and Kuhns believes this team has what it takes to stand at the top of the podium.
Yet, it first will be an epic battle with Quakertown.
“We know what to expect and know what we have to do to win,” said Quakertown head coach Kurt Handel. “There can be some kids who we haven’t seen and vice versa. We would really like to get out to Hershey, and we believe we can.
“We know Quakertown well,” added Kuhns. “This is a huge opportunity for our kids. We feel pretty confident heading into the weekend.”
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
