Downingtown East Wrestling

District 1’s finest gathered at Souderton HS this past weekend for the Southeast Regional tournament. The target was one of five coveted places per weight class, and 16 participants per weight. If a wrestler could grab one of the five, he would travel to Hershey for the PIAA State Tournament in one week. It’s a difficult target to say the least, and our own Adham Abouraya (285) took on the challenge but fell short. He lost his preliminary bout by fall and had to default out due to some ongoing injuries. However, Adham kept East’s streak alive of qualifying for the Regional tournament and will have the valuable experience he needs for his senior season next year. The season will come to it’s official close for East at our final banquet on Monday 3/13 at Iron Hill. The coaches and boosters hope to see everyone there. Although the team had many ups and downs, there are pieces to celebrate and wrestling days to look forward to. Our team is young and there is much potential to be realized. Everyone involved must see the greatness in this sport and what it instills in young student-athletes that many other sports cannot. Realizing this leads to a positive culture, and a positive culture leads to success, together as one. INVICTUS

The PIAA wrestling post-season officially began this past Saturday and the Cougars took their top 13 competitors to the District 1 West tournament held at Oxford High School. It is one of four District tournaments in our region and only the top 4 finishers move on. East’s young squad battled hard, but in the end, only Adham Abouraya (285) was able to punch through with a 4th place finish. Seniors Bandon Pacinelli (152) and Ryan Loraw (160) fell to injury, and Josh Hillestad (145) fought for a 1-2 mark. We want to thank and congratulate the three of them for their years of effort and service. Valen Piff (114) and Felix Mason (215) finished 6th and 5th respectively in the final non-placing rounds to determine alternates. Although East keeps its run alive with Adham’s advancement, the hard realization of just what it takes in this sport to move forward is taking hold. Hopefully, our team begins to set new goals now so that the near future holds greater achievement. Good luck to Adham in the District 1 Regional tournament next weekend!

On “President’s Day,” Downingtown East hosted its annual Chester County JV Championships. The event is a JV individual tournament held on 3 mats in Boyer Gymnasium. The action is always furious and this year was no different. Congrats go out to all of East’s JV grapplers who competed for the final time in 2023! Scott Zhang (139) was our lone champion, with Michael Brady (121) and Caleb Aikens (172) taking 2nd. Christian Fosmire (107), Garret Knott (145), and Ishan Katakam (160) both wrestled hard to take 4th. Our other competitors were Collin Scott (107), Pat Macauley (133), Adam Acevedo (139), Nick Romano (152), Jake Bouska (152), Gunnar Savidge (160), and Lance Saeta (172). This group is young and just getting a taste, but the future is bright with their level of potential and drive. DE Wrestling will continue to support them in their development so they can on day take their spots on the biggest stage. Best of luck to all!

On Wednesday 2/15, the East grapplers finished their 22-23 regular season with a trip to Pottsgrove to tangle with the Falcons. On the last leg of their “revenge tour,” the Cougars came out with great energy and registered a strong victory. The final score was 49-19 with pins from Declan McDowell (121) and Paxson Warnock (139), while Josh Hillestad (145) grabbed a tech fall and Ryan Loraw (160) and Adham Abouraya (285) sealed major decisions. Valen Piff (114), Frankie Hydutsky (127), Cade McDowell (172), and Caleb Aikens (189) received forfeits. The squad finished its season in the plus with a final record of 10-6. Congratulations to the team for battling through some low moments and coming out improved; it took a strong and collective effort. The coaches and fans are proud! Now, it’s time for our JV wrestlers to dial in for the Chester County JV Championships on Monday 2/20. Good luck to them as they seek a spot on the podium in their last competition of ’23!

The Downingtown East wrestling squad continued on its tour of improvement as they journeyed to Doylestown to take on the “Bucks” of CB West in dual meet action! The dual was a first for both schools, so anticipation was high and the competitors had high energy. The Cougars prevailed 45-18 and won the final 9 bouts of the event after struggling in the first 4. Paxson Warnock (139), Brandon Pacinelli (152), Ryan Loraw (160), Cade McDowell (172), and Adham Abouraya (285) collected falls for East, while Steven Elinski (133), Josh Hillestad (145), and Caleb Aikens (189) picked up decisions. Felix Mason (215) was awarded the lone forfeit of the dual. It was a terrific inaugural event and the Cougars look forward to having the Bucks down to Devon Drive next season. Next up, East finishes out the regular season with an away dual at Pottsgrove. Good luck to the boys!

The Downingtown East grapplers traveled to West Chester East on Wednesday evening to compete in their final Chesmont dual of the season. It was important to the team to finish strong and reclaim a victory over WCE that eluded them last season. From the start, the Cougars were high-energy and motivated.

They beat the Vikings 42-21 and won 9 of 13 bouts to secure a 4th place finish in the league. Josh Hillestad (145), Ryan Loraw (160), and Felix Mason (215) collected falls, while Valen Piff (114) and Frankie Hydutsky (127) secured major decisions. Also contributing with wins were Steven Elinski (133), Declan McDowell (127), Adham Abouraya (285), and Varsity newcomer, Caleb Aikens (189).

Congrats to East for a strong performance and for picking themselves up after a tough run in the Chesmont!

Next, the Cougars will travel to Central Bucks West on Saturday for a first-time-ever dual with the Bucks! GO EAST!!

After another midweek loss in the league, the Cougar squad needed an opportunity to regain some steam. Despite some injuries and illnesses, East took 12 competitors to Interboro’s 8-team “Bucs Invitational” and logged a strong performance. The team finished 2nd out of 8, coming in behind nationally ranked Malvern Prep. Valen Piff (114) and Josh Hillestad (145) took second in the finals, while Frankie Hydutsky (127), Paxson Warnock (139), Brandon Pacinelli (152), Ryan Loraw (160), and Felix Mason (215) all wrestled back for 3rd. The event had all ability levels and presented an excellent challenge and day of learning for our young Cougars. The rest of the regular season remains with one league and two non-league duals. East has to gather its strength and push hard in these final duals to show its improvement. Good luck young men!

This week brought the final home contest for the East wrestling squad as they locked horns with reigning league champs, West Chester Henderson. Nursing many injuries and ailments, the young Cougars fought their hardest against a tough Warrior team. East lost 21-45 with Ryan Loraw (160) earning a tech fall, Valen Piff (114) a major decision, and Josh Hillestad (152) and Felix Mason (215) a pair of minor decisions. Only two weeks of regular season remain and East will have to patch up and keep their noses to the grindstone to achieve some positive outcomes. Next up, the first annual “Bucs Invitational” at Interboro HS. Best of luck to the Cougars!