Schools Sports

Saucon Wrestling Ends Regular Season Unbeaten in Colonial League

Est. Read Time: 4 mins

No disrespect meant to the mystical powers of the Earth, but it seems that not even Mother Nature could stop Coach Chad Shirk’s Saucon Valley wrestlers from successfully completing the final stretch of the Colonial League regular season.

With Wednesday night’s match against Catasauqua and Saturday’s home contest against Palmerton postponed due to inclement weather, what’s a coach to do? Considering a perfect Colonial League regular season was on the line, one might want to take the cautious approach and finesse a schedule that nurtures and best accommodates the wrestlers. Coach Shirk, however–confident in his team–would opt to schedule a double-header Friday evening at Catasauqua. It didn’t matter to Shirk and staff that Palmerton was supposed to travel to Hellertown on Saturday. It didn’t matter that Saturday was supposed to be a Senior Recognition event. Shirk & Company–believing in these seasoned Panthers–would just take their show on the road. The result: Saucon Valley 127, Mother Nature 18.

In the 4 p.m. opener against Catasauqua, Saucon Valley would tally pins from Paul Miller (106), Jack Hill (113), Blayne Hirschbeck (160), Nate Kehs (170), Jason Lynch (182) and Trey Polak (285). Saucon would get another six points resulting from a Catasauqua forfeit to Devan VanVliet (195).

Saucon would also register tech-falls at 132 and 138. Freshman Jason Jones would tilt his way to a 16-1 victory over Catty’s Antonio Castaneda, while Saucon senior Nick Schneider would take only two minutes to reach his 15-point margin of victory.

Bonus points continued with Dylan Yonney again wrestling well. Yonney used an arsenal of takedowns on his way to a 16-4 major decision against a scrappy Devin Greene.

Saucon’s Angelo Mahaffey (120), Ty Druckenmiller (126) and Nate Harka (152) would each earn decisions for the Panthers, contributing to the 65-6 win.

Saucon senior Ty Druckenmiller was honored by Shirk as “Wrestler-of-the-Match.” Ty refused to be turned by a nasty second period arm-bar and hit a late third period takedown to secure his hard-fought 4-3 victory over Ryan Greene.

In the nightcap, Saucon would win 65-12 behind five Palmerton forfeits and a couple of pins by Schneider (138) and Yonney (145).

Jason Jones (132) and Blayne Hirschbeck (160) would earn tech-falls, while Jason Lynch garnered a major decision over Zach Graver. Lynch tenaciously controlled Graver, allowing only a late escape on his way to a 9-1 victory. Coach Shirk recognized Lynch as “Wrestler-of-the-Match” for his victory over the former state qualifier.

Saucon was also awarded decision points from Brett Svites (152) and Devan VanVliet (195). Svites would fight off Matt Wolfe’s pressured attacks for a 3-2 win, while VanVliet would convert a late takedown to preserve his win.

Although the Colonial League regular season has now come to a close for Saucon Valley (8-0 in the CL East division), it is not time yet to relax and celebrate. Saucon will have to defend their two-time title as Colonial League champions. Come Monday night, Shirk & Company will need two more victories to achieve the “three-peat.” The likely scenario will have SV traveling once again to Catasauqua to take on 6-1 Northern Lehigh in the CL tournament semi-finals. They will then have to defeat either 7-0 Northwestern Lehigh or 6-1 Bangor in the CL finals. Saucon beat Bangor 49-12 on Jan. 17.

Based on common opponents and margin of victory, one would likely wager that Saucon would see Northwestern Lehigh in the final. One would also likely consider Saucon to be a slight favorite against the Tigers. Northwestern Lehigh has an excellent program that certainly has the potential to win the Colonial League this year should Saucon not bring their A-game or take the Tigers lightly. However, Coach Shirk and assistant coaches Don and Tommy Rohn have forged this team with the goal of peaking for late wrestling season success. These battle-tested Panthers are, as always, hard to wager against. Good luck Saucon!

Nick Schneider of Saucon Valley trying to turn his opponent.

Nick Schneider of Saucon Valley trying to turn his opponent.

Saucon Valley senior Ty Druckenmiller trying to turn Catty's Brian Greene.

Saucon Valley senior Ty Druckenmiller trying to turn Catty’s Brian Greene.

Jason Lynch controls Palmerton's Zach Graver.

Jason Lynch controls Palmerton’s Zach Graver.

Saucon freshman Jason Jones getting near fall points.

Saucon freshman Jason Jones getting near fall points.

About the Author: Keith Riefenstahl is a deeply rooted sports fan, former coach and freelance writer. A Penn State grad and veteran educator, he resides in Saucon Valley with his wife Jill and four children: Brooke, Kiele, Travis and Tanner.

Newsletter

Subscribe to receive our newsletter in your inbox every Monday, Wednesday & Friday.

Please wait...

Thank you for subscribing!

About the author

Josh Popichak

Josh Popichak is the owner, publisher and editor of Saucon Source. A Lehigh Valley native, he's covered local news since 2005 and previously worked for Berks-Mont News and AOL/Patch. Contact him at josh@sauconsource.com.

Leave a Comment