In sixth grade, Quakertown’s Jeremy McGuigan won the Eastern Nationals Tournament in his weight class.
Ironically six years later, McGuigan is on the path to a bigger prize in two weeks, one that can be sweet in a few ways in Hershey.
The 285-pound senior captured his weight class and led his squad to the team title in their own gym at the PIAA District One Class 3A East Championships.
Overall, the Panthers also advanced Zach Borzio (106), Todd McGann (113), Kyle Miller (120), Vinny DeSpirito (126), Zack Lewis (132), and Domenic DeFalco (138).
Council Rock North’s Kyle Hauserman (120), Luke Lucerne (126) and Cam Robinson (152) as well as Council Rock South’s Cavan Kinne (106), Matt Colajezzi (160) and Giani Gilch (182) all captured crowns. Central Bucks East’s Danny Eckley (220) also won a title.
At the District One/12 Championships, Faith Christian also had a productive day, winning the team title and crowning seven individual champions, five of them gaining the honor for the first time. Palisades’ Ben Haubert won the District 11 Class 2A 152-pound title.
For McGuigan, it has been an impressive run for someone who left the sport after middle school and returned his sophomore season only to have it cut short due to an injury. After deciding not to come out his junior year, McGuigan changed his mind for a final run.
It has resulted in a 41-6 overall record with plenty of momentum ahead.
“This week was a huge accomplishment for me,” said McGuigan. “However, I am not surprised by it. I have been working hard for this all year, and it is finally showing. This year, my coaches and teammates urged me to come back. Every day since then, my coaches have tested me to be my best.”
Panthers head coach Kurt Handel was slightly disappointed about his team’s showing on the opening night, but his mood changed later with a championship.
“I was surprised because I thought we were out of the team championship,” he stated. “It was awesome to see that we won it. These kids have worked so hard for it.”
He sees McGuigan’s success as an evolving situation.
“He has taken so much time to work on things, and you can see the results,” said Handel. “He has gained confidence and made himself a really good wrestler. You can see him progress each week. He has the potential now to have a great finish to his season.”
Faith Christian’s A.J. Stayton (113), Eric Alderfer (120), Lincoln Hower (126), Isaiah Vizcarrondo (132) and Leo Muzika (195) all were first-time winners, and Max Schultz (152) and Damon Waltenbaugh (170) were previous district champions.
“It was great not only to win as an individual, but also have other members of my team win with me,” said Muzika. “Overall it was great to show how hard we work by dominating districts.
“I trust we will be able to ride the momentum into regionals as long as we stay focused.”
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