Holiday Tournament Action

Many of the local wrestling teams swing back into action over the next three days as we get closer to the beginning of 2013. Here's a closer look at what's on tap.

Note: Bedford will not be attending the Boiling Springs Tournament on Thursday. Due to the weather on Wednesday, the Bisons were forced to pull out of the event.

Friday and Saturday - Southmoreland Holiday Classic
In the field: Northern Bedford, Southmoreland, Riverview, Meyersdale, Jefferson-Morgan, West Greene, Corry, North Star, Blairsville, Forest Hills, Bentworth, Mount Pleasant, Ligonier Valley, Jeannette, Greenville, Baldwin, Valley, Knoch, Hickory, Freedom, Burgettstown, Gateway, Charleroi, Butler, Mars, Highlands, Marion Center, Hollidaysburg, South Side, Slippery Rock, Pine Richland, Grove City, Beth-Center.

Overview: This has become a solid event with schools ranging from District 5 to several WPIAL teams to a couple from District 10. Northern Bedford is the lone local. There will be several studs here, starting with defending champions Justin Patrick of Ligonier Valley, John Demaske of Jefferson-Morgan, Vince Vahaly of Bentworth, Noah Tarr of Blairsville, Cody Law of Forest Hills, and Dustin Conti of Jefferson-Morgan. The brothers of Patrick (Josh) and Law (Triston) should also be in the fold as well as Blairsville teammates Andrew Doak and Scott Thompson. Of course, there won't be a marquee bout such as Jason Nolf-Nick Roberts this year (Roberts graduated, Nolf and Kittanning at Powerade Tournament), but this event gives what can be a partial preview of the Southwest Regional in two months.

Saturday - Dale Bock Invitational at Chambersburg
In the field: Chestnut Ridge, Bermudian Springs, Chambersburg, Century, Fairfield, Southern Huntingdon, State College

Overview: James Buchanan was the 8th team originally scheduled here, but they appear to be a scratch. Some standout individuals here, including returning Class AAA state champion Garett Hammond, a Penn State recruit, of host Chambersburg. The Trojans also have state placewinner Tanner Shoap in the lower weights. Bermudian Springs is loaded with talent, notably state placewinner Tristan Sponseller and qualifiers Ted Marines and Austin Jackson. Chestnut Ridge brings its solid lineup in with a ton of confidence after a strong start that has included wins over rivals Bedford and Claysburg.

Elsewhere in dual meets, there are two on Thursday night. Claysburg hosts Mount Union, one of the better teams in District 6, while HOPE for Hyndman travels to Berlin.