State Semi Thoughts, and a Finals Look

Chestnut Ridge fans, including Larry Weyant and Lonnie Buttry, cheer 

after a Lions' pin in the state semifinals against Wyalusing Valley last night.

  Was there ever a doubt?

  That's what it looked like Chestnut Ridge's Derrick Claar was suggesting after he pointed to Lions' head coach Greg Lazor following his rousing final-seconds comeback at 145 pounds last night.

  Claar's late move to put Wyalusing Valley's Denton Porter on his back for a four-point play and an 8-5 win was the beginning of what ultimately became the end, a 45-21 domination of the previously unbeaten Rams.

   That end: Just that Chestnut Ridge is the first team wrestling finalist from Chestnut Ridge in Class AA history, the first team wrestling finalist from Bedford County in Class AA history, and the first team wrestling finalist from District 5 or District 6 in Class AA history.

   What a night for the Lions. 

   Moments like these are ones that will be etched in stone forever. For the wrestlers, for the coaches, for the parents, and for the fans. 

   It's an absolute privelage to be able to get paid to be up close and personal watching high school athletes compete at the highest level. It's my job but it's often hard to consider it a job. 

   In my eight-plus years at the Bedford Gazette, I've been able to see so many great accomplishments, not only in wrestling. No matter what happens this afternoon, thank you to Chestnut Ridge for giving me one more fantastic story to capture last night.

In print and online

   I encourage you to get a copy of today's Bedford Gazette, which of course has my story and four photos from Friday's action. Also, Aaron Burkett won his 100th career bout last night and I will have something on him for Monday's paper. 

Finals Preview

   Chestnut Ridge goes after more history against Boiling Springs in today's championship match.

   The Bubblers are very strong and balanced, a lot like the Lions, and have come through the tough top part of the bracket with a nailbiter over Brookville and a solid win over Reynolds.

   Can the Lions pull it off? Yes, but here are my key points:

   - Ridge needs to win the toss. According to the Lions, they haven't won many of them this year. They did last night, and maybe that trend continues to turn in their favor.

   - The 145-pound bout, likely between Claar and A.J. Kostyak, is a big toss-up. I feel that is one that Chestnut Ridge needs. 

   - With Boiling Springs being so good from 126-170, if the Lions could get 145, wherever Trent Crouse goes (152 or 160), and one other one along with saving as much as they can against the hammer trio of Grant Bond, Korbin Myers, and Kyle Shoop, things could work out for the title. 

   It's hard to make a point prediction here. Honestly, I think Boiling Springs is a little bit better and will probably win. That doesn't mean my heart won't be pulling a little for the Lions.