HARRISBURG — Luke McGonigal of Clearfield won a Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling (PJW) state title on Saturday afternoon at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. Competing in the 11-12 age group at 105 pounds, McGonigal is the first wrestler from Clearfield to win a PJW state title since Matt Kyler in 2003.
The Area 5 champion received an opening round bye, then picked up two first period falls and a 6-2 win in the semifinals to advance to the championship bout. There, McGonigal faced off with Ryan Vulakh of North Penn. McGonigal was tied 2-2 when he was slammed to the mat illegally, making the score 3-2, and was unable to continue due to injury, thus earning the win.
Clearfield picked up two other medals as well – Luke’s younger brother Mark placed sixth in the eight and under, 70-pound class and Travis Ogden placed eighth in the 13-14, 187-pound class.
Also representing Clearfield at the state meet were Karson Kline (2-2 at eight and under, 60 pounds), Trae Kitko (0-2 at 11-12, 160 pounds), Logan Gilbert (1-2 at 13-14, 107 pounds), and Josiah McClarren (0-2 at 13-14, 117 pounds).
The Curwensville Golden Tide brought home two medals. Steve McClure was pinned in the championship finals of the 11-12, 200 pound class by Logan Petrosky of Belle Vernon to earn a silver medal and Zach Holland placed sixth in the 11-12, 65 pound class.
Other Curwensville participants were Jake McCracken, Jordan Peters, Ben Junod, and Kaleb Witherite.
Full results courtesy the Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling website: http://wrestlereg.com/2013-PJW