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.
Congratulations go out to the Downingtown East Wrestling team as they secured their 3rd straight Chesmont League Tournament championship with a total of 205 points. Held at WC Rustin high school, the event brings together the Chesmont National and American teams to put their skills to the test and see who rises supreme. The Cougars ended the event with 4 champions: Wade Cummings (126), Austin Lillis (138), James Meyer (152), and Billy McGinley (220), who all won by fall. Jude McDowell (132) and Alec Horne (170) finished with silver medals after tightly contested matches. Nik Zimmerman (120), Brent Czajkowski (195), and Owen “The Horse” Morris (285) battled through wrestle-backs to take consolation bronze. Other place finishers were Brett Horne (106) who came in 4th, James Strommer (113) who took 5th, and Jason Gibson (182) who collected 6th after an injury. Dalton Burt (152) and Jack Clay (160) battled but came up short of the podium. The Cougars will advance 12 out of 14 wrestlers to next weekend’s District 1 Central tournament at Wissahickon HS. Good luck to the advancing wrestlers and job well done to the D-East program for continuing their hard-earned success!
Downingtown East Wrestling 