WILKES-BARRE — The Clearfield Elementary wrestling program sent seven wrestlers to the Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling (PJW) state tourney on Friday March 23 and Saturday March 24 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre.
They brought home two medals – one being the gold by Brady Collins in the 9-10 age, 85 pound class. The other being a sixth place finish by Matthew Rowles in the 8 & under, 50 pound class.
After receiving a bye in the round of 32, Collins rolled through four opponents on the way to his first state title after a runner-up finish in 2016. He picked up a 26-second fall in the round of 16, had a 9-1 major decision in the quarterfinals, a two minute pin in the semis, and another 9-1 major decision in the finals, over Colby Townley of Salisbury.
Rowles won his first three matches to reach the semis, where he was beaten 8-4 by eventual state champ Jacob Carr of Penn Delco. Rowles then lost two close decisions, 6-4 and 5-3, to wind up in sixth.
Also competing in the 8 & under age group were Bo Aveni at 55 pounds and Brayden Wills at 110.
Aveni picked up a fall in the first round before losing to the eventual silver medalist in the next round. Aveni won two consolation bouts before bowing out in the fourth round of wrestlebacks to the fourth place finisher.
Wills lost his first match, but bounced back with two consolation bracket wins before being eliminated.
Clearfield’s other 9-10 year old entrant, Cash Diehl lost two decisions in his first state tourney appearance.
Clearfield’s two 11-12 year olds, Will Domico and Carter Chamberlain both went 0-2.
