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
Category: 2017-2018
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!
D-East continues impressive run advancing 7 to regionals!
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!
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 holds the line at Avon Grove!
Chesmont League wrestling continued Wednesday night (1/24) and the Cougars travelled down to Avon Grove to take on the Devils. The two teams have been at a few of the same competitions this season, but have not crossed dircect paths. With Chesmont placing implications, East was able to hold the line in a back-and-forth affair that saw them put on an average, but winning performance. The Cougars won the dual 43-31, and Keanu Manuel (106), Kyle Mittelstadt (126), Matt Romanelli (160), Spencer Uggla (170), Josh Wileczek (195), and Zach Aceto (285) collected falls. Lukas Richie (132) and Brett Horne (138) earned decisions to round out the scoring. Alex Hillestad (113) delivered a great performance as he staved off a major decision despite being undersized. Although it wasn’t their greatest outing, the Cougars know the season is long and more challenges await them. It’s time to get back to fundamentals and prepare for next week’s league conclusion at Boyer Gymnasium.
The Cougars bounce back at the Denver Duals!
After a tough midweek loss against district rivals, East wrestling decided to respond and compete at the level they know they’re capable of. Travelling to Cocalico HS on Saturday for their annual “Denver Duals,” the Cougars posted a 4-1 record on the day and lost a close one in the championship dual. They defeated Westtown 49-30, Allentown Central Catholic 66-14, Solanco 54-29, and Garden Spot 42-41, but fell to eventual champions Cocalico 32-39 in a hotly contested final. Junior captain Lukas Richie (126) went 5-0 on the day and recorded his 100th win! Senior captain Josh Wileczek (195) also went 5-0 and continued to perform with great leadership. Keanu Manuel (106), Kyle Mittelstadt (132), Jett Lucas-Murphy (145), and Zach Aceto (285) all finished 4-1, while emerging sophomore PJ Grubb (182) went 3-1. Congrats to the Cougars for getting back on track and setting the stage for a competitive finish to the regular season. Good luck this week with Chesmont League action coming back into the fold!
East falls in the Battle of the Brandywine!
Despite the cold and snow, Downingtown East Wrestling hosted crosstown rivals Downingtown West on Wednesday night (1/17) for an evening of wrestling action. The “Battle of the Brandywine” always promises some excitement for the entire Downingtown wrestling community, and this edition was no exception! At the finish, West claimed the title with a 43-18 victory, but East captured 4 victories and held firm in some of the defeats. Keanu Manuel (106) and Jett Lucas-Murphy (145) recorded falls for the Cougars while Matt Romanelli (160) and Josh Wileczek (195) picked up decisions. With a number of young and inexperienced guys in the line-up, East showed that it has promise and that their future along the Brandywine and in the Chesmont League depends on how they bounce back. Good luck this coming weekend at Cocalico!
Downingtown East Wrestling 