'A dream come true' future for Buttry at West Point

   Austin Buttry's next step after high school can really only be described as a win-win scenario.
   The Chestnut Ridge senior will get to do two things he's known he's wanted to most of his life — serve his country, and be able to wrestle. Buttry recently signed to attend West Point and wrestle for the Black Knights of Army.
   "It's really where I've always wanted to go," he said. "Growing up, I told my parents I wanted to be an Army man. And I'll be able to wrestle too which is exciting. First and foremost, the job placement is something you can't beat."
   He's not sure exactly sure of a career path yet, but says he's open to being in the military long term.
   As for the wrestling side of West Point, Buttry is just as enthused. He'll wrestle for Joe Heskett, who was an NCAA champion in 2002 at Iowa State. Heskett became the Black Knights' coach in 2010.
   "Coach Heskett means what he says about the program," said Buttry. "He's definitely someone I want to wrestle for. Army told me to keep my options open in case something doesn't work out, but this is the place I've wanted to go."
   Buttry, who also considered Bloomsburg and the Naval Academy, has lofty goals from an athletic standpoint also.
   "I want to be a national champion. That's a big goal that I hope to put a lot of work into to achieve."
   Before all of that, though, is another promising high school wrestling season, where official practice begins two weeks from today. Buttry had a breakout year as a junior by going 40-8 and qualifying for the state tournament for the first time. In Hershey, the Lions' heavyweight knocked off 2012-13 nemesis Mitchell Hall of Tussey Mountain and came within a whisker of reaching the state finals. Buttry eventually finished fifth and is ranked second preseason by PA Power Rankings at 285.
   He owns 86 career wins at Chestnut Ridge, and also helped the Lions to a fourth place finish in the state team duals last winter.
   "I just want to be a well-known name around here and be a good senior for my teammates," he said. "Hopefully, I'll leave a good impression on my school and family, because that's whats important."

Photo by Bedford Gazette

   Chestnut Ridge heavyweight Austin Buttry works for a pin during the state team duals last season. Buttry has announced his plans to attend Army and wrestle for the Black Knights.