The PIAA State Championships for Wrestling lit up the inside of Hershey’s Giant Center over the second weekend of March. The competition draws the top wrestlers from across Pennsylvania, and some of them, viewed as the best wrestlers in the nation. Downingtown East captains Josh Wileczek (195) and Lukas Richie (126) put their talents on the line in this great event and fought bravely. Josh lost his opener 7-5 in OT, and fell in his wrestleback 3-1. Being a senior, he will not be able to return to the championships, but the East faithful will never forget his efforts and leadership in the program. Lukas won his preliminary 4-2, but suffered a fractured finger in the quarterfinal and was pinned. In his wrestleback, Lukas lost 1-0 as his fracture swelled and he was unable to grip. Fortunately, Lukas has another season to make his mark at the tournament and his well-known work ethic will definitely lead him there. The coaches would like to thank all of the wrestlers, parents, sponsors, and community wrestling fans that made 2017-2018 possible. Despite the odds, the team made great strides in both league and non-league competition, and continued its tradition of sending wrestlers to the state tournament. Next season is just around the corner, so let the preparation begin. What are your goals? Set them now and see them within reach, sooner rather than later! INVICTUS
Month: March 2018
Two Cougars win trips to Hershey!
With seven remaining wrestlers, Downingtown East strapped on the headgear and competed at this past weekend’s SEPA Regional Tournament at Oxford HS. Each weight class started with 13 competitors, but in the end, only the top five could advance to the state tournament. Senior captain Josh Wileczek (195), and junior captain Lukas Richie (126) captured silver medals and punched their tickets to the big dance. Congratulations to the two, for taking the tournament match by match and continuing our school’s tradition of qualifying student athletes to states. Congrats also go out to East’s other regional competitors in Brett Horne (138), Jett Lucas-Murphy (145), and Matt Romanelli (160) who fought tooth and nail for the group and forged a 15th place team finish. The PIAA state tourney looms as the concluding and most exciting competition of the season! Good luck to Lukas and Josh as they prepare for this final st
age! Go Cougars!
Downingtown East Wrestling 