Congratulations go out to the following members of our 2014 – 2015 Chesmont championship wrestling team for their inclusion in the season’s “All-Area” (Chester County) team as selected by the Daily Local News!
Wrestler Of The Year
Wade Cummings (126 lbs.)
1st Team
Wade Cummings
James Strommer
Austin Lillis
Billy McGinley
2nd Team
Jude McDowell
James Meyer
Alec Horne
Honorable Mention
Brett Horne
Nik Zimmerman
Brent Czajkowski
Jason Gibson
Downingtown East wrestler Jason Gibson’s inspiring story is featured on chesmontsports.com. Please take a moment to read and share with others.
The District 1 Regional tournament plays host to wrestlers from 63 of the represented schools in the four-county area, Chester, Delaware, Bucks, and Montgomery. Some consider it a “meat grinder,” where the best of SEPA come to fulfill their destiny, or meet their fate. Downingtown East wrestling attended with 10 charged hearts, but only 3 remain. The team finished in 6th place with 51pts, and placed 3 athletes in the top five of their respective weight classes to qualify for the PIAA State tournament this coming week at Hershey. Wade Cummings won the 126 lb. class with a 3-2 victory over highly-ranked Zach Trampe from CR South. Their match was held till last as the premier event of the night. James Meyer took 2nd at 152 falling in the 2nd tie-breaker with a score of 2-1 to another CR South foe, Dylan Schwartz. Lastly, Billy McGinley took 4th place at 220 losing to Pennridge’s Ezra Outlaw 3-1. Congratulations must also go out to the other regional qualifiers who put forth hard efforts, but came up short: Nik Zimmerman (120, 0-2), Jude McDowell (132, 0-2), Austin Lillis (138, 0-2), Alec Horne (170, 0-2), Jason Gibson (182, 2-2), Brent Czajkowski (195, 0-2), and James Strommer (113, injury withdrawal). The weekend definitely drew some tears, but also shed light on future possibilities for the DE wrestling program, especially for those who have gotten a taste of the regional. Good luck to the state qualifiers as they brave the toughest high school championship in the nation! Bring home some hardware gentlemen!!!
Despite snow, ice, district-enforced abbreviations, and lots of frustration across District 1 Central wrestling programs, the tournament finished strong on Monday evening (2/23) at Wissahickon HS. Our 12 qualifying Downingtown East wrestlers put in another remarkable performance and captured the title, their 3rd consecutive, amassing 171 pts., over 50 more than 2nd place WC Rustin. All 12 wrestlers wrestled in the conclusive rounds with 10 qualifying for next weekend’s SEPA Regional tournament at Oxford HS. The Cougars emerged with 6 champions in James Strommer (113), Wade Cummings (126), Austin Lillis (138), James Meyer (152), Alec Horne (170), and Billy McGinley (220). Nik Zimmerman (120), Jude McDowell (132), Jason Gibson (182), and Brent Czajkowski (195) all wrestled back to claim 3rd place bronze medals. Wade Cummings was voted “Outstanding Wrestler” of the event. Once again, D-East wrestled tough for each other knowing each individual performance is a step towards a team championship. Congrats to the wrestlers, coaches, and supporters for a great weekend of wrestling! Now, the stakes grow even higher at the Regional tournament approaching; only the top 5 out of 12 qualifiers will move on to the PIAA State Tournament. Good luck Cougars and best wishes for a strong week of preparation.
Downingtown East Wrestling 