McCoy leads local state contingent

   It seems as if every time Justin McCoy’s name is mentioned when it comes to high school wrestling, it’s about breaking records and creating more history.

   That’s the case when you’ve had a career as great as the Chestnut Ridge senior has, and one last terrific moment could be in store this weekend at the PIAA Championships in Hershey.

   If McCoy repeats as a Class AA state champion - at 152 pound this year after winning 145 last March - he’ll be the first two-time champ at Chestnut Ridge, and only the second from the county and fifth from District 5 to ever win more than one state title.

   District 5 doesn’t always get the notoriety of some of the larger areas in the state, but it has a rich wrestling tradition. So what McCoy’s on the doorstep of accomplishing is really something to savor.

   Heading into Thursday’s opening round at the Giant Center, McCoy stands at 164-17 in his career, already a four-time district champion and two-time regional winner. That win total is also the new District 5 record.

   By the way, McCoy’s fan base grew by one in the last week as his sister Brooke and her husband welcomed a son into the world. A picture posted by the family on social media showed four baby onesies, one of which says on it “When I grow up, I want to wrestle like my uncle”.

   Time will obviously tell whether his nephew will follow his footsteps to the mat, but little Luke certainly won’t have to look past his uncle for a better role model.

McGill among favorites at 160

   McCoy’s Chestnut Ridge teammate Jared McGill would like nothing less than claiming his first state title. Having finished fourth at 170 last year, the undefeated junior decided to drop a weight this time around to go after the top prize.

   His physicality and mat wrestling ability makes McGill especially dangerous. He’ll be one to watch this weekend, but will face a tough task in a presumed Friday quarterfinal with returning champion Creighton Edsell of Wyalusing. Edsell suffered his first loss of the season in the regional finals.

   The other county wrestlers who qualified are Chestnut Ridge’s Levi Hobson (170) and Austin Crouse (182), Everett’s Garret Cornell (126), and Tussey Mountain’s Brady Villa (126). Cornell is a two-time qualifier, while the other three are making their first trip.

   Best of luck to all!

Class AA Champion Picks

106 - Pat Demark, Trinity

113 - Beau Bayless, Reynolds

120 - Jaret Lane, Southern Columbia

126 - Gavin Teasdale, Jefferson-Morgan

132 - Joe Klock, Muncy

138 - Cole Matthews, Reynolds

145 - Kollin Myers, Boiling Springs

152 - Justin McCoy, Chestnut Ridge

160 - Jared McGill, Chestnut Ridge 

170 - Edmond Ruth, Susquehanna Township

182 - Cody Mulligan, Saegertown

195 - Gavin Hoffman, Montoursville

220 - Anthony Walters, Bishop McCort

285 - Dan Scheib, Tri-Valley