Three ’Dogs in hunt for PIAA medal

By Matthew Digiacomo

March 11, 2010 — According to first year head coach Barry Anderson, Meadville had not taken more than one wrestler to states since 2001.

That changed this year with a trio of Bulldog grapplers making it to Hershey, and each with a legitimate chance to reach the medal stand. As for Anderson, he could not be more ecstatic.

“We are all pumped,” said Anderson.

The first MASH grappler to hit the mat today will be Shelton Mack.

The senior 119-pounder will take on Council Rock North’s Shane Longstreth in the first round, and he will do so with a giant chip on his shoulder. Mack, a three-time Northwest Regional champion, is still looking for his first win in Hershey.

“Shelton has a lot to prove,” said Anderson. “Not to everyone else, but to himself. He has been there twice before but never won a match.

“I think this is the year he goes down there and performs well.”

If confidence is any indication, Mack is definitely ready.

After wrestling most of the season at 125, Mack made the drop to 119 in January. But it was that grappling with larger, stronger wrestlers during the first half of the season that has this Bulldog ready to go.

“The drop felt great,” said Mack. “Once I got down, I just felt stronger. And I know from previous years that I have to wrestle just like I have the entire season.

“Go right at them and score points. Make them change how they want to wrestle.”

Joining Mack in the land of Chocolate are first-timers Kasey Davis, a senior, and sophomore Zach Towers.

Davis, a 130-pounder who could be mistaken for Mack’s identical twin, finally took the next step after feeling the disappointment of coming up short the last two seasons. And despite making the trip as the third seed out of the Northwest Region, his skills on the mat make him a threat for any spot on the podium.

“Kasey has been good enough in the past,” said Anderson. “For whatever reason, it just hasn’t worked out for him. I really look for him to get on the medal stand because of his speed and explosiveness.”

Anderson also thought Davis’ road to Hershey would be a huge advantage.

The senior twice had to face adversity in Altoona, and nearly came out on top in each case. The first time, he tied the match with a takedown, but rolled through and gave up four points to lose in the semifinals.

The second time, after not being awarded a couple takedowns, he finally grabbed the final state qualifying position by finishing off a shot he very much needed.

“It was a confidence booster,” said Davis. “And I know I can’t hold back. I have to go after everyone and score points.

“I’m not satisfied yet. Want to finish (my career) out solid by getting a medal.”

Davis will face Pittsburgh Central Catholic’s Tyler Zymroz in his opener.

Towers, the youngster of the trio, is different from his teammates.

While Mack and Davis use their speed to overcome opponents, Towers is more likely to beat opponents down. He may not be as explosive as the two seniors, but he doesn’t need to be. He has the size and strength to match up with just about anyone in his bracket, and is still quick enough to catch opponents off guard.

“I just have to keep wrestling tough,” said Towers. “This is a great opportunity to prove myself. It is a great graduating class (in my bracket), but I think I can place really high.”

And we will know quickly if he can.

“That first match (against Zach Thompson of Mechanicsburg) is going to tell us a lot about what kind of wrestler Zach is,” said Anderson. “He has the mental toughness and talent to compete down there, but every match is going to be tough. He has to be willing to go after people.

“When he gets opponents on their back, the rarely get up.”

Also, three other area grapplers will be in Hershey this weekend.

Tim Wheeling (112) and Caleb Baker (285) will carry the torch for General McLane. Titusville’s Jake Burnside also makes the trip at 171 pounds.

The Class AAA tournament gets underway today at 4 p.m. at the Giant Center in Hershey. Action continues Friday at 1 p.m. and Saturday at 8 a.m. The consolation placement rounds will be held Saturday at 6 p.m., with the championship matches to follow at 8 p.m.

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