Month: January 2025

On Saturday 1/25, the Cougar grapplers journeyed up to Bucks County to compete at CB West’s second annual “Battle Of The Buck!” It was East’s second trip to the event, and after winning it the previous year, the team had sights on retaining the title. But, after losing a wrestler to illness, the challenge was daunting. In the end, the Cougars battled hard and took a solid 2^nd place finish despite entering only 12 wrestlers. They amassed 167 points coming in second to eventual champs and hosts, CB West. With 7 place-winners, the team performed well in the 16-team tournament. Valen Piff (127), Declan McDowell (133), Cade McDowell (172), and Caleb Aikens (189) claimed silver medals, while Chris Fosmire (114) and Frankie Hydutsky (145) wrestled back for bronze medals. Mike James (107) dug deep and found his way to a 5^thplace finish. In the JV portion, the Cougars took the competition by storm with five champions: Declan Jewell (133), Joe Duque (189), Nick Capell (160), Nick Romano (172), and Mason Tauss (145). Ultimately, it was a great day of wrestling for East, and the stage is set for the final third of the season. Up next, more league action with an old Southern Chester County foe. See you then!!

On Wednesday 1/22, Downingtown East wrestling once again hosted Chesmont National competition to do battle with visiting West Chester East. The Cougars also used this night to celebrate the careers of the seniors and the contributions of their parents. Downingtown put forth a steady effort winning 9 of 13 bouts and besting the Vikings 43-23. Mike James (107), Chris Fosmire (114), Valen Piff (127), and Declan McDowell (133) all secured falls while Frankie Hydutsky (145) and Scott Zhang (160) recorded tech falls. Cade McDowell (172), Caleb Aikens (189), and Colin Smith (215) earned hard-fought decisions on the back end to finish the evening. The JV Cougars waged another impressive war with 17 bouts and a 48-26 winning scoreline! Most of all, congrats go out to our 6 seniors: Chris Munoz, Valen Piff, Frankie Hydutsky, Mohamed Elkhouly, Scott Zhang, and Tommie Grizzanti! We thank them for their years of service and wish them well in all future endeavors! Best of luck Cougars!

After a heartbreaking league loss mid-week, the Cougar grapplers found their focus and regrouped to compete at Octorara’s annual “George Heebner Invitational.” This Friday night tournament is a blender with 3 lightning rounds and plenty of fast-paced action. East won the event last season, but knew they could not rest on past achievement to take the championship this year. After the dust settled, and all of the 1^st place hammers had been distributed, the Cougars took the team title with 7 individual champions and 225.5 points, beating 2^nd place Warwick by a stretch. Chris Fosmire (114), Valen Piff (127), Declan McDowell (133), Frankie Hydutsky (145), Cade McDowell (172), and freshmen Colin Smith (215) and Shammah George (285) all took top spot on the podium! Chris Munoz (121) and Caleb Aikens (189) lost hard-fought finals to take second. Congrats also go out to Rylan Piff (114), Noah Fosmire (121), Liam Aikens (127), and Nick Romano (172) who logged in their first Varsity tournament matches of the season. Now, the Cougars must set sights on the league again with a mid-week clash against WCE and a celebration of this year’s seniors. Stay WARM!!

In this third week of January, the Chesmont National reconvened and league duals took the spotlight across the county. Downingtown East travelled to Montgomery Avenue to take on the Warriors from West Chester Henderson, who they edged last season by a point. This year, the Cougars were not so fortunate, losing every swing match and falling to Hendy 28-34. Energy levels appeared low and East paid for it losing a few tightly-contested bouts that could have gone their way. Chris Fosmire (114), Valen Piff (127), and Cade McDowell (172) picked up the only falls for East, while Declan McDowell (145) received a forfeit. Caleb Aikens bumped to 215 and did an outstanding job securing a major decision. Hats off to Mike James (107), Declan Jewell (133), and Shammah George (285), who lost their matches, but fought bravely and saved crucial team points by battling to the end. The JV Cougars swept the Warriors 48-0, once again putting on an excellent performance! Now, it is time to regroup, but the time is short. East travels to Octorara/District III on Friday night for their annual George Heebner Classic. Best of luck to the Cougars! Let’s get back on track!

On Saturday 1/11, the Cougar grapplers once again travelled down to Boothwyn, Delaware County to rumble at Chichester High School’s annual winter duals. The 5-team event brought some heat to the frozen Delaware Valley for sure. East started slowly, but increased their focus to finish strong and secure a 3-1 mark on the day. They lost to Upper Dublin in a narrow defeat 29-34, but bounced back to beat Springfield (D) 44 – 16, Chichester 49 – 16, and Marple Newtown 57-12. Valen Piff (127), Declan McDowell (133), Scott Zhang (160), Cade McDowell (172), and Caleb Aikens (189) were all undefeated 4-0 at the day’s end. Mike James (107), Chris Fosmire (114), Chris Munoz (121), Mike Brady (139), and Frankie Hydutsky (145) finished with 3-1 records. In the JV room, the Cougars took the competition by storm and won 17 of 23 bouts! Job well done by the entire squad! Next week brings more Chesmont league action mid-week and another individual tournament at Octorara at the week’s end. Press On!

The new year has begun, and Chesmont wrestling is off to fast start. On Wednesday 1/8, league action raged across the county and Downingtown East hosted neighboring Coatesville in a high-powered dual. The tide shifted on many occasions, but in the end, the Cougars prevailed over the ‘Ville with a final score of 33-22. Mike James (107), Chris Fosmire (114), Mike Brady (139), and Caleb Aikens (189) collected falls for the blue and gold, while Declan McDowell (133), Scott Zhang (160), and freshman first-time Varsity wrestler Shammah George (285) won crucial decisions. Praise also goes out to first-year starters Chris Munoz (121) and Colin Smith (215) who battled their opponents and contained their match scores to keep the team score in check. Also on the evening’s slate, the JV Cougars won 10 of 13 bouts to route the Raiders 46-15. Liam Aikens (127), Declan Jewell (139), Mohamed Elkhouly (152), Nick Capell (160), Kaiser Ahmad (172), and Colin Kimble (215) secured falls or tech-falls in the effort! Congrats to both teams on a strong league performance. Next up, the Chichester Duals at the week’s end. Fasten your seat-belts as the action continues to rise in 2025!