This past Saturday (2/24), the East grapplers made their way to ol’ Prospect Park and the District 1 West championships at Interboro High School. The pressure was on as nine Cougars had to find their way into the top 4 to qualify for next weekend’s SEPA Regional tournament at Oxford. In the end, East finished in second place with 104 team points and successfully advanced 7 wrestlers to the next stage. Lukas Richie (126) and Josh Wileczek (195) claimed individual titles while Brett Horne (138) found his rhythm and took 2nd. Keanu Manuel (106), Matt Romanelli (160), and Zach Aceto (285) stormed back after semi-final losses to capture 3rd place, while Jett Lucas-Murphy secured 4th. Congrats also go out to Jack Lawton (152), who took a non-qualifying 6th place, and Spencer Uggla (170) who went 1-2; both wrestlers picked up big wins for the team’s overall point total. East wrestling fans admire the team for a great showing at Interboro, rising above expectations and holding firm to the “no quit” mantra. Good luck to the remaining seven as they travel to Southern Chester County in one week to grab a golden ticket to Hershey!
Month: February 2018
The Cougars push 9 through to Districts!
On Saturday 2/17, the Chesmont held its annual league wrestling tournament at WC Rustin High School. As a member of the 13-team league, the Cougars sent their starting fourteen wrestlers in hopes of placing individuals in the top six and moving them on to the District 1 West tournament the next weekend. East performed well, especially in the latter rounds where they were able to advance 9 of their 14 entries to the next stage of the post season. The team finished in second place with 145.5 points, coming in behind league champs, D-West. Lukas Richie (126) and Josh Wileczek (195) collected championships while Keanu Manuel (106) finished in 2nd place. Grinding through the wrestle-backs, Jett Lucas Murphy (145), Matt Romanelli (160), and Zach Aceto (285) captured 3rd place finishes, while Jack Lawton (152) took 4th, Brett Horne (138) took 5th, and Spencer Uggla (170) finished in 6th. Senior captain Brett Horne also picked up his 100th win during the event! Special thanks go out to Alex Hillestad (113), Sean Mullen (120), Kyle Mittelstadt (132), PJ Grubb (182), and Kyle Hodges (220), who missed qualification, but helped the team to its tremendous overall result. Going forward, the remaining 9 must stay focused and set sights on a top-four finish next weekend at Interboro. Once again, a wrestler’s season is on the line as the post-season windows grow smaller and smaller. Good Luck Cougars!
The Cougars get it done on Senior Night!
On Wednesday 1/31, East wrestling hosted it’s final home dual of 17-18, as well as it’s last league match against Coatesville. The night was competitive, but also celebratory as the Cougars paid tribute to departing seniors and their parents. The journey for seniors Josh Wileczek, Brett Horne, Jack Lawton, Vanshil Thakkar, and Nico Medina has been challenging, but also rewarding and memorable. East defeated Coatesville 45-25, winning 8 of 14 bouts, and sewing up 3rd place in the Chesmont National division. Kyle Mittelstadt (126), Lukas Richie (132), Jett Lucas-Murphy (145), Spencer Uggla (160), Matt Romanelli (170), PJ Grubb (195), and Zach Aceto (285) all recorded falls while Jack lawton (152) secured a decision. Senior captain Josh Wileczek (195) suffered his second loss of the season in an overtime bout, but now knows what it takes to compete at a high level for six minutes and beyond. Many congratulations and thanks go out to the team, especially to the seniors and their parents who have supported them along the way. Good luck and God speed!
Downingtown East Wrestling 