East competes at the District 1 Duals!

On Thursday 1/23, the Cougar grapplers hit the PA Turnpike and travelled to Council Rock South in Bucks County. The Rock hosted the first round of District 1’s team tournament infmamously known as the “District Duals.” There, East faced Neshaminy in an 8th seed vs. 9th seed match-up. After max effort, the Cougars came up short and lost 32-40 to the Braves, knocking them out of progression. Ryan Loraw (106), Bo Horvath (152), Spencer Uggla (160), and Ray Wileczek (220) collected falls for the Cougars. Keanu Manuel (113) worked furiously for a tech fall and Matt Romanelli (170) battled one of the top Braves for a 12-5 decision. Despite the loss, the team had some great performances and will use the experience to prepare for more league action next week. Great job men!

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The Cougars take it to the Ville!

Wednesday night brought more Chesmont action as the Cougars travelled to neighboring Coatesville to take on the “Red and Black.” East prevailed 60-21 and clinched another league victory. The Cougars hunted for falls and got them from Bo Horvath (152), Spencer Uggla (160), Matt Romanelli (170), Billy Dyer (182), Jackson Swearhart (195), Ray Wileczek (220), and Zach Aceto (285). Ryan Loraw (106), Keanu Manuel (113), and Alex Hillestad (126) picked up forfeits to cement the score. Now, East saddles up for District 1 action as they head to the first round of district duals to face Suburban power Neshaminy. Good luck team!

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East falls just short in Chesmont showdown!

League action heated up again on Wednesday night and the Cougars visited WC Henderson for an evening of thrilling competition. The Warriors were reigning Chesmont champs and the odds were statistically stacked in their favor. In the end, Henderson would claim victory, but only by the skin of their teeth! Falling 39-38, the Cougars took seven bouts from Henderson and came up one point shy of throwing the entire league for a loop. Keanu Manuel (113), Bo Horvath (152), Matt Romanelli (182), Ray Wileczek (220), and Zach Aceto (285) all collected falls for the Cougars, while Ryan Loraw (106) and Spencer Uggla (170) took decisions. It was a tough loss for East after building the momentum for an upset, but they learned some valuable lessons going forward. Good luck to the team as they head to the Denver Duals on Saturday!

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East faces the grind at the Big Red Duals!

On Saturday 1/11, the Cougars once again travelled up to Souderton HS to take part in their 16-team “Big Red Duals.” The event is a true grind and the East grapplers felt it from the first whistle. They finished the day in 4th place going 2-2 as a team. They defeated Souderton 72-9 and Northeast 58-15, but fell to Central Dauphin 55-12 and CB East 43-26. The day had its share of ups and downs, but the team definitely learned a few lessons. Going undefeated 4-0 on the day were Keanu Manuel (113) and Zach Aceto (285). Finishing with 3-1 records were Ryan Loraw (106), Bo Horvath (152), Spencer Uggla (170), and Matt Romanelli (182). Next up for East is more league dual action with returning league champs WC Henderson. Good luck Cougars!

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The Cougars roll in home opener! 

East wrestling opened their Chesmont National campaign with a bang last night! As their home opener, the Cougars hosted the Devils of Avon Grove for the first league dual of the year. They came out on fire and never looked back taking a 63-6 victory over their Southern Chester County foes. Ryan Loraw (113), Keanu Manuel (120), Sean Mullen (132), Bo Horvath (152), Spencer Uggla (170), Matt Romanelli (182), and Billy Dyer (195) all earned falls for East. Picking up strong decisions for the Cougars were Alex Hillestad (126), Alex Viscomi (138), Connor Huntoon (145), Ray Wileczek (220), and Zach Aceto (285). The JV squad also put up big numbers with wins by Josh Hillestad, Brent D’Archangelo, Matt Thompson, Alejandro Santiago, Nick Viscomi, Grace Wileczek, Jon Jon Asiddao, Jackson Swearhart, and “Heavy” Kevy Clark. The total team effort puts East’s league mark at 1-0 and overall record at 7-4. Congrats to the team and good luck going into the weekend.

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East grapples to the bronze at the Rage!

On the first Saturday of 2020, Downingtown East once again entered the “Rage in the Cage” at Garnet Valley HS to wrestle in their famed 8 team classic. The Cougars had a sluggish start, but recovered well, and ended up taking 3rd place in the event honoring their seed. They beat WC Rustin 45-33 and Interboro 45-22, but fell to eventual champs Carlisle 23-43. Undefeated wrestlers on the day were Keanu Manuel (113), Matt Romanelli (170), Spencer Uggla (182), Billy Dyer (195), and Zach Aceto (285). This solid performance sets the Cougars up for an exciting week, including league duals that begin this coming Wednesday against Avon Grove. Good luck East!!

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