The Saucon Valley Panthers get the District XI trophy for the third year in a row.
Less than a week after earning a sixth consecutive Colonial League title, the Saucon Valley wrestlers and coaching staff accepted their third consecutive District XI team championship. Winning 10 of the 14 bouts, the Panthers methodically plowed through the Wilson Warrior lineup to the tune of a lopsided 57-20 victory.
Josh Jones can accomplish a lot in only :10 seconds.
The Panthers pounced on the Warriors with eight pins. Seven of the falls, by Dane Druckenmiller (106), Josh Jones (126), Justin Kyra (138), Thomas Spirk (152), Dane Csencsits (182), Jarrett Hirschbeck (195) and Nick Warnke (285), all came during the 1st period of action. Nick Rosengrant (132) built a 15-4 lead before finishing his day at the office.
Sophomore Thomas Spirk picks up six for Saucon.
Saucon senior Jason Jones was also awarded bonus points in the form of a Wilson forfeit at the 145 lb. bout. With that win, Jones set a new school record by passing Ray O’Donnell at the top of the list for most career victories. O’Donnell was a 2013 Saucon Valley graduate and PIAA State champion who went on to wrestle at Princeton University.
With win #153, Saucon Valley’s Jason Jones finds himself at the top of the Panther record-books for most career wins!
In addition, the Panthers received a decision from senior, Angelo Mahaffey (160). Mahaffey, who tactically alternates with sophomore Thomas Spirk (152) in the Saucon Valley lineup, used three takedowns and an escape to beat Wilson’s Anthony Micci.
Saucon senior Angelo Mahaffey about to convert one of his three takedowns.
Saucon Valley 58 , Wilson 9
106: Saucon Valley’s Dane Druckenmiller (Sr.) won by Fall, :54
113: Wilson won by forfeit
120: Wilson won by tech-fall
126: Saucon Valley’s Josh Jones (Jr.) won by Fall, :10
132: Saucon Valley’s Nick Rosengrant (Jr.) won by Fall, 5:10
138: Saucon Valley’s Justin Kyra (Jr.) won by Fall, :37
145: Saucon Valley’s Jason Jones (Sr.) won by forfeit (SVHS record, #153!)
152: Saucon Valley’s Thomas Spirk (So.) won by Fall, :51
160: Saucon Valley’s Angelo Mahaffey (Sr.) won by Decision, (7-3)
170: Wilson won by Decision, (4-2)
182: Saucon Valley’s Dane Csencsits (So.) won by Fall, 1:15
195: Saucon Valley’s Jarrett Hirschbeck (Jr.) won by Fall, 1:32
220: Wilson won by Fall, 3:33
285: Saucon Valley’s Nick Warnke (So.) won by Fall, :51
Panthers are 3-Peat Champs!
Coach’s Quote:
“It was incredible to see all of the fans come support the team this entire week. The stands were packed with Saucon Valley supporters, alumni, youth wrestlers and many more. That is what makes Saucon Valley such an amazing place. Our wrestlers are blessed to be in such a wonderful community that supports and encourages them at all times. I would like to thank everyone that continues to support our wrestling team through fundraising efforts, volunteer work, and much more. You are the reason Saucon Valley is what it is today!”
Chad Shirk
Wrestler of the Match: Sophomore, Thomas Spirk was named wrestler of the match in the 2018 District XI final. Spirk hit a “cement-mixer” for an electric :51 second pin against Wilson’s Zavery Lesher.
Thomas Spirk
Saucon Valley is certainly no stranger to the sights and sounds of the Giant Center and the PIAA State Championships. Since 2013, the Panthers have been competing as a team in the post-season at Hershey. In 2016, Saucon lost to Brookville 31-30 in the PIAA State Championship Final.
“Stay healthy, be fresh, and get ready to go,” offered Coach Shirk when asked what the focus will be this week. “We have quite a few kids that were members of last year’s team. They know the mind set that they need to have, competing against the best teams in Pennsylvania. The only thing that we will ask from our kids is to give it their all. You can’t ask for anything more. They do everything we ask them to do, they just need to believe in themselves and let it all hang out.”
Asked if the focus will shift at all once his Panthers walk into the Giant Center he continued, “We need to stay focused, but on the other hand, we just need the kids to relax and seize the moment. If they put too much pressure on themselves, they will not perform to the best of their best abilities. The kids just need to do what they have been doing all year and we will see where the chips fall!”
It is, once again, a great time to be a Panther wrestling fan!
The Panther wrestlers and staff will be looking to keep a balanced focus in the upcoming PIAA Championships.
UP NEXT: Saucon Valley will leave for Hershey on Wednesday to compete in the 2018 PIAA State Championships. The Panthers are the #1 seed out of District XI and are scheduled to wrestle against Faith Christian who are the #1 seed out of District I. The Panthers take the mat on Thursday at 2 p.m.
Good luck Panthers, the Source is with you!
