Tye Boyer-Indian Valley - 140 lb.

Tye Boyer (27-11) of Indian Valley advances to the Second Round Consolations with a solid 7-2 victory over Jared Dolde (28-14) of Connellsville in the First Round Consolations. Tye will now face the loser of tomorrow's Quarterfinal bout with Donnie Tasser (38-3) of Belle Vernon and Marshall Peppelman (38-2) of Central Dauphin.

Bryan Pearsall-Warwick - 125 lb.

Bryan Pearsall (40-4) kept his quest for a State medal alive with a Fall in 1:23 over Briar Malischewski (27-11) of Quakertown. Bryan will now face the loser of Kyle Bove (35-6) of Kennett and Chris Albright (39-2) of Red Lion, Quarterfinal Round match.

Estricher Gets Big Upset

Mechanicsburg Senior, Danny Estricher (34-4) just recorded one of the biggest upsets of the 2008 PIAA AAA Wrestling Championships with his 9-3 victory over Connellsville's highly-ranked Justin Haines (36-7). Estricher now moves into tomorrow's Quarterfinals where he will face David Osei (34-1), a Senior at Abington High School.

AAA First Round Consolations

AAA First Round Consolations have began. Results will be posted as soon as they are avaliable. Enjoy!!!!

Edwin Taylor-Strong Vincent - 189 lb.

The surprise match of the evening, in my opinion, was the dominating victory by Strong Vincent Senior, Edwin Taylor (26-1) over Northampton's 189 lb. ace Joe Piro (41-7) by a score of 11-6. Taylor will now face Norwin's undefeated Senior, Mike Salopek (32-0) tomorrow in the Quarterfinal Round.

Quentin Wright-Bald Eagle Area

2007 PIAA AAA 171 lb. State Champion Quentin Wright from Bald Eagle Area (36-0), picked up right where he left off from last year as he opened his Preliminary Round with a 0:16 Fall over Josh Homer of Downingtown West (40-6). Wright will now face Lance Bryson (41-1), a Senior, from Albert Gallatin in tomorrow's Quarterfinals Round.

Dallago of Central Dauphin (152 lb.) pulls off a close one

Tony Dallago from Central Dauphin (43-6), needed the Overtime Rideout period to beat James Sheptock from Northampton (36-4). A last second escape by Dallago tied the score up 2-2. The first minute of overtime went through with neither securing a takedown. Sheptock then started down for the first 30-second period but couldn't get out to keep the score tied 2-2. Dallago chose down for the start of the second-30 second period. Sheptock opted to give Dallago the free escape to start the period Neutral. Dallago basically ran circles for a few seconds giving up a stalling warning. With about 4 seconds remaining, Dallago rolled Sheptock to his back for two points as the buzzer ran out, giving Dallago the 5-2 win.

Peppelman Brothers-Central Dauphin

When you speak of Central Dauphin, many will speak of the Freshman Beast of the East Champion and OW at 135 lb. - Kenny Courts and the injury he sustained gaining his championship at the BOTE. On the other hand alot will tell you when they think of Central Dauphin wrestling they think of the Peppelman Brothers duo of Walter and younger brother Marshall. Having a combined record of (81-5) after today's Preliminary Rounds, the Peppelman brothers continue with winning fashion in the Prelim Round of the 2008 PIAA AA Wrestling Championship. Marshall (37-2) started things off with a 8-1 decision over Jonathan Hammond of Methacton (42-4) as older brother, Walter (45-3)-145 lb., came in and finished things off with a 9-4 decision over Owen J. Roberts' Junior, Nick Fuschino (40-4).

Donnie Tasser-Belle Vernon

140 lb. Senior, Donnie Tasser from Belle Vernon has to be one of the favorites going into this weekend PIAA AAA Wrestling Championships. Donnie, (38-3), barely survived today's Preliminary Round with a mere 1-0 decision over Conneaut Lake's Senior, Cash Horne (33-4). Entering tomorrow's Quarterfinal Round, Tasser will go to battle with Central Dauphin's Sophomore and returning runneruup in the 2007 State Championships, Marshall Peppelman (38-2).

Alton Twins - Central Mountain

Dylan (42-1)-135 lb. and twin brother Andrew (44-0)-140 lb. will keep their thrill of victory going into the Quarterfinal Round tomorrow, both winning by fall in the Preliminary round. Dylan started things off with a fall over Tevin Gibson of Easton (30-12) in 1:03 while Andrew finished things off with a fall just a bit quicker, pinning Eddie Stephenson of Northern York (32-6) in just :12. Dylan will now face Ryan Kemmerer of Spring Ford (37-1) as Andrew will face Nazareth stud, Bobby Ward (18-0) in tomorrow's Quarterfinal Round.

Top ranked Jordan Oliver - 130 lb.

Top ranked Jordan Oliver continues to dominate with fashion as he trys to obtain his third straight PIAA AAA Wrestling State Championship. Jordan from Easton sports a (37-0) record going into tomorrow's Quarterfinals Round. Entering today's Preliminary Round, Oliver took his perfect unbeaten streak up against Indian Valley Junior, Tyler Bedelyon (21-7) with Jordan coming out with a Technical Fall with a score of 20-5 3:04. Jordan will battle with Boyertown Sophomore Alex Pellicciotti (38-4) in tomorrow's Quarterfinal Round.

Nick Kristich vs Austin Sommer - 130 lb.

Nick Kristich, Lower Dauphin (33-1) vs Austin Sommer, Northampton (36-9)

Starting in the neutral position, we have alot of motion. Both wrestlers are flurrying to get the takedown with Kristich spinning behind for the opening takedown for 2. Sommer immediatley needs injury time but immediately gets up and is ready to go. He appears to have twisted his ankle. Kristich resumes on the top position, riding Sommer tough. Working his offense he is trying to lock up a cross-face cradle but to no avail. Kristich continues to ride tough on top but no points so far. Kristich remains in the lead 2-0. Locking up a cradle, Kristich gains three nearfall points to end the first period, 5-0. Kristich defers choice to Sommer who chooses the neutral position. Both wrestlers are circling, trying to gain the takedown. Sommer is in on a deep single leg but Kristich is countering. Stalemate called by the referee. Both wrestlers are again circling, as Kristich is in on a double leg for the takedown. Kristich leads 7-0. Kristich is again trying to lock up a cradle as Sommer breaks the grip. Kristich remains on top trying to get some offense working. The second period ends with Kristich taking a 7-0 lead into the third period. Kristich chooses the top position. Stalemate is called. Kristich again riding tough on top but not much offense. The score remains 7-0 with Kristich leading. Sommersreverses Kristich for two to bump the score to 7-2. Twenty seconds left in the period as Sommer rides Kristich, trying to start some offense. Wrestlers go out of bounds. Restart in the middle with Sommer on top. Kristich escapes to lead 8-2. Match ends with Kristich winning 8-2.

Rappo Enters Season Undefeated

Senior, Mark Rappo of Council Rock South enters this year's PIAA State Championships with an undefeated record of (46-0). A heavy favorite for this year's State Championship, Rappo is battling a broken nose which he received at practice the week before Regionals. In constant pain, Mark is continuously going out and giving it his all for six hard minutes. That's the sign of a true champion. Constent pain and still going hard. Best of luck to you, Mark, on your state championship!

Photos available!

Photos from the AA prelims are now online, for viewing and/or purchase. More photos from the prelims and first consolation round will be posted later in the day...so check back often!

Click here to view the photos

Chad Frankhouser-Indian Valley- 125 lb.

Chad Frankhouser, Indian Valley Senior (30-4), after three weeks of hurting from the stretched ligaments in his ankle is finally ready to forget about the pain and let it all hang out this weekend in the PIAA AAA State Championship. Chad, first ranked in the state, has been battling aN injury to his ankle for the last three weeks. An injury that isn't so hurtful at the start of the match but towards the end, it starts to hurt. This weekend is a time where he needs to focus one match at a time and go hard for six minutes. This is the State Championships. When asked if it was still bothering him, Chad replied, "Well it hurts a bit but not constantly." I would imagine come time to wrestle, the adrenaline will be flowing so that he won't feel a thing. Chad faces Warwick Senior, Bryan Pearsall (39-3) in the preliminary round.

Lesher sets new school record - 160 lb.

Josh Lesher (36-6) of Upper Dauphin has just set a new school record for most wins in a single season with his win by fall in 2:34 over Sam Guidi (29-11) of Fort Cherry in the First Round Consolations. Josh will now face the loser of the Caleb Kolb (35-4) of Grove City and Nick Venditti (42-3), Berwick in the Quarter Finals matchup. A win in the Second Round Consolations will secure Josh of a medal. Josh now has a season total of 36 wins, the highest in a single season ever at Upper Dauphin Area High School. Great job Josh! Let's keep adding to that win total on your quest to the Third place medal in Hershey.

Seth Beitz (39-10) Juniata advances - 119 lb.

Seth Beitz (39-10) Juniata advances to the second round consolations with his 7-6 decision of Zane McClaskey (40-8) of Wyalusing. Seth will now face the loser of the Tyler Erdman (41-1) Line Mountain vs Seth Ecker (37-2) Pottstown Quarter Final round bout. A win in the Second Round Consolations will guarantee Seth a medal as the top eight finishers in each weight class win medals.

Thanks to the comment from a viewer for the correction information!

Frank Martellotti - 112 lb.

Shady Side's returning State Champion from 2007 (103 lb.) advances to second round of the Consolations with a 4-2 decision over Reynolds Freshman Adam Matthews (29-17). Frank losing in the first round Preliminaries, isn't a common thing. I don't know if he is sick this week or nursing an injury but he's not looking like the Martellotti we watched win the State Championship last year. I plan to talk to him after the conclusion of this Consolation Round to see if there may be something that's keeping him from opening up to dominate like he did last year.

Consolations Round 1

Conslations Round 1 has begun. It will be interesting as a few of the Regional champions were beaten during the Preliminaries. Frank Martellotti from Shady Side Academy, returning state champion will be facing Adam Matthews of Reynolds. Should be some exciting matchups. Follow the live results at http://liveevents.nhscasportsnetwork.com/2008piaa-aa/

Lesher-Upper Dauphin vs Kolb-Grove City

An early takedown gives Caleb Kolb of Grove City (35-4) 160 lb. class an opening 2-0 lead in the first period. Josh Lesher (35-6) choses down to start the second period. An escape to start off the second period puts them in the neutral position. After a brief flurry, Kolb again secured another takedown to go up 4-1 with :45 to go in the second period. Injury time for Lesher. Lesher again escapes to make the score 4-2. Starting the third period on top, Lesher is looking to get his offense going for some offensive points. Kolb reverses Lesher to go up 6-4 and a late escape for Lesher takes the score to 6-5 with the win going to Kolb of Grove City.

Derec Sauve-Susquenita

Susquenita Blackhawk's dynamic duo kept up with winning fashion with a win in the preliminary rounds of the 2008 PIAA AA Wrestling Championships. In the 152 lb. class, Sauve (37-3) took a 10-3 decision over Chris Stay (28-9), a senior from Beth-Center. Susquenita Teammate Joe Harper (36-0) at 145 lb. also won his prelim bout by fall in 3:02 over Claysburg-Kimmel Senior Matt Aungst (32-7).

Schmelyun-Bermudian Springs

After a disappointing loss in the finals of the SE Regional tournament, Derek Schmelyun (135 lb.) is looking to avenge that loss with some destruction this weekend in the PIAA AA Wrestling Championship. This morning in the preliminary bout, Derek, a Junior, (43-4) faces David Ivashchenko of South Park, a Senior, (34-3). It's 2-0 after the first period, Ricky gains control on the top and is racking up some nice riding time. Derek is tough on top as he is a tilt master. It's very hard to get out from under Derek when he gains control and works his offense from the top position. Stalemate is called, as they get a fresh start from the middle. Working again from the top position, it appears that Derek is having problems getting the rhythm going as he can't seem to turn Ivashchenko. Schmelyen chooses bottom to start the third period with a 2-0 lead. After trying for the escape or reversal for the entire third period, Ivashchenko rides Schmelyun but can't produce any offense with the match ending Schmelyun the winner, 2-0.

Family Tradition

It seems anymore today that wrestling has developed into a family sport. Take for instance this year's PIAA State Championships. All together there are six sets of twins that are participating in this year's championships. Leading the sets of twins in AAA are the Alton brothers from Central Mountain, Dylan at 135 and Andrew at 140, as well as the Snyder brothers from Bellefonte, Addison at 125 and Preston at 130. In AA, there seems to be more as there are four sets of twins participating in this year's PIAA AA Championships. Derek at 125 and Devon at 135 from Troy Area, Evan 112 and Rob 130 Henderson from United, the Parliman twins from Lehighton, Ed at 160 and Eric at 189 and last the Ryan twins from Mt. Union, Kevin at 140 and Keith at 145.

112 lb. - Spisak battles returning State Champ

Frank Martellotti from Shady Side Academy in the first round preliminaries. After an early takedown, Martellotti went up 2-0 early on. :15 seconds in to the second period, Spisak earned a reversal to tie the bout 2-2. Spisak picked up some nice riding time before Martellotti needed to take some injury time. After a minute of injury time, the match resumed with Spisak again dominating the offense on the top. A low scoring bout with :42 seconds left still has the bout tied 2-2. With :25 seconds left in the second period. Martellotti was hit with a stalling warning. The second period ends 2-2. Starting Neutral in the third period, one could argue the call by the official as it appeared Spisak had a takedown at the edge of the match to be called off by the official. Continuing in the Neutral position . . . another injury time is called with 1:02 left in the match. A late flurry toward the edge of the mat provides no scoring again. With ten seconds left in the match, Spisak is awarded a takedown to go ahead 4-2. Joe Spisak defeats the returning 103 PIAA AA State Champion by the score of 4-2.

Wrestling about to begin

The 2008 PIAA State Championships are about to begin. Wrestling begins with the AA Preliminaries beginning at 9:00 AM. Wrestling continues at 12:15 PM with the first round consolations. Today promises to be a fun filled day of wrestling with alot of interesting matchups right at the beginning in the Preliminary rounds. AAA follows the AA with there preliminaries beginning at 4:00 pm followed by the first round consolations at 7:15 PM. Check back for play by play action as well as other related stories from the 2008 PIAA Wrestling Championships.