Category: 2022-2023

On Saturday 12/10, the Chesmont League hosted their annual league wrestling tournament at WC Rustin High School. The league tourney sets the stage for early heated combat every year, and the 2022 edition was no different. Downingtown East took a young line-up of 11 healthy wrestlers and managed to secure 5 places on the podium. Adham Abouraya (285) was East’s lone finalist and lost a close 3-2 decision in the finals. Josh Hillestad (152) and Tommie Grizzanti (189) both wrestled back hard for 5th place finishes, while Valen Piff (121) finshed 6th and Ryan Loraw (172) injury defaulted and settled for 6th. The team finished 9th out of 12 teams, keeping them from the basement, but also making it known that this season’s theme will be learning and progressing. East has to keep it’s nose to the grindstone and use each day as a stepping stone towards greater achievement. Next up, the Pequea Valley Invitational on Saturday 12/ 17. Good Luck Cougars!

Pennsylvania’s official high school wrestling season opened this past weekend (12/2 and 12/3) and our own Downingtown East Cougars broke the ice at Solanco’s “Mule Invitational.” The tournament has been around for years and it’s an opening weekend meat-grinder. Licking some wounds from Fall sports, East sent 9 healthy wrestlers, all up a weight class, to engage in some early battle. In the end, 2 wrestlers snatched podium space. Seniors Josh Hillestad (152) and Ryan Loraw (172) placed in the top eight of their respective weight classes. Josh took 8th and Ryan took 5th. Gaining their first Varsity wins of the season were Frankie Hydutsky (133), Scott Zhang (139, and Steven Elinski (145). East finished in 21st place out of 25 teams, which serves as a significant wake-up call. The work has just started and there is much room for improvement! Next up, the ChesMont league tournament on Saturday 12/10.

The Route 100 Wrestling Club begins in 1 week1s on Monday 4/4! The club is designed for all levels with a focus on area teams and their development. DE’s own Wade Cummings is a director/coach and he is supported by other local legends (see the flyer below)! The DE staff is a proud supporter of this opportunity and STRONGLY advises our team members to sign on and start improving for 22-23! The club runs on Mondays and Wednesdays (6:30 to 8:30pm) at Pottsgrove HS. If rides are an issue, the DE staff will provide springboard rides (up and back) from/to Pickering Valley Elementary School right here in our district. If fees are an issue, contact Coach Horvath directly. Register today and build for the future!