Blair Crowns Seven Champions at the 2007 Bethlehem Holiday Wrestling Classic

FOUR BLAIR STUDENT-ATHLETES WIN LENAPE VALLEY INVITATIONAL

JOE STANZIONE TAKES HOME FRITZ AWARD IN BETHLEHEM: MOST PINS/LEAST TIME (3 falls in 4:23)

The Blair Academy wrestling team worked hard through the Holiday break and it’s showing. This past weekend (December 28, 29) Blair outscored rival Northampton 313.50 to 210 to win the Bethlehem Holiday Wrestling Classic. And taking no prisoners in Bethlehem were Buccaneer champions Chris Villalonga (125 lbs.), Joe Stanzione (130 lbs.), Austin Ormsbee (135 lbs.), Garrett Frey (140 lbs.), Adam Hogue (160 lbs.), Cory Peltier (171 lbs.) and Kyle Hansen at heavyweight.

“It was good to get Adam {Hogue} back into the lineup; he put together four nice matches on his way to a 160 lbs. title. Chris {Villalonga} is really opening up, showing different offensive moves on both his feet and the top position – he’s taking his wrestling to another level. I was impressed with Joe Stanzione as he dominated the 130 lbs. field and wrestled with a lot of tenacity,” said Jeff Buxton. “Cory {Peltier}, Kyle {Hansen}, and Austin {Ormsbee} all turned in nice performances to win first place in their respective weight classes.”

Stanzione was on fire and recorded three falls in 4:23, including a fall in the semifinal round at 2:55 over Quakertown’s Matt Rusk, to take home the Fritz Award for most falls in the least amount of time. Chris Villalonga looks unstoppable and won his fourth tournament of the year at 125 lbs. Chris decked Bryan Pearsal of Warwick (Penn.) in 3:18. Austin Ormsbee (135 lbs.), Garrett Frey (140 lbs.), Adam Hogue (160 lbs.) all won by decision in their finals bouts as did Cory Peltier at 171 lbs. Peltier did, however, have three pins on the day and is looking stronger as the season progresses. Kyle Hansen pinned Matt Truszcienski of St. Mark’s Delaware (in 2:44) in his 285 lb. finals bout to defend his crown.

Tony Buxton wrestled tough throughout the tournament and brought home the bronze medal at 119 lbs. Buxton snagged a 1-0 decision over Brock Waughen of Milton (Penn.) in his third place bout. Sean Boyle lost a close bout to Mark Rappo of Council Rock South (Penn.) 2-1 in the 112 lb. finals. Evan Silver nearly missed the 103 lb. title as he was defeated by Sean Boylan of St. Mark’s 6-1 in his finals bout. C.J. Cobb and Steve Hanzlik both placed fifth; Cobb at 145 lbs., Hanzlik at 215 lbs. And Jesse Shanaman (152 lbs.) and Ben Krakower (189 lbs.) scored important team points with sixth place finishes.

“Tony {wrestled} tough in the wrestle-backs to bring home the bronze and Evan {Silver} defeated a Cadet National champion on his side of the bracket, showing Pennsylvania coaches that he is here to stay. Sean Boyle lost a close match at 112 lbs. to Rappo. I felt Sean was the aggressor and am proud of him,” Buxton added.

Final Team Scores in Bethlehem: Blair 313.50, Northampton (Penn.) 210, Council Rock South (Penn.) 164, St. Mark’s (Delaware) 159.50.
***Northampton holds a #10 national ranking.

LENAPE VALLEY INVITATIONAL:
Coach Danhof took five Blair wrestlers to The Lenape Valley Invitational and four of the five won titles. They are: Matt Tadich at 112 lbs., Anthony Valles at 135 lbs., C.J. Cobb at 140 lbs., and Carter Lorant at 160 lbs. Kyle Taylor also wrestled tough and placed 5th at 103 lbs.

Next up for the Blair Academy wrestling team is the Easton Invitation this Saturday, January 5. The event will be held at Shawnee Junior High School in Forks Township. Blair will hit Blue Mountain, Liberty and Penncrest – all Pennsylvania powerhouses. Blair will also be tested by Skyline (Va.).
***Shawnee Intermediate School info: 610-250-2460: 1010 Echo Trail, Easton, PA 18040, US

Please direct all questions and comments to buxtoj@blair.edu.