Easton and Bald Eagle, two schools rich in wrestling tradition, battled down to the wire at last year’s Manheim holiday classic before the Red Rovers were able to secure their 8th straight team title. Both teams had 3 champs, but Easton had 2 runners-up to none for the Eagles. Easton had a 5 point advantage in the end. It’s been 13 years since a school other than these two has laid claim to the Number One spot at Manheim. The Rovers (73) and Eagles (61) have also won the most individual top prizes in the 37-year history of this prestigious event.
There are 25 miles of highway separating Manheim and Hershey. Historically, the Manheim Lions Holiday Tournament has served as a “prep” stage for the PIAA Tournament, which takes place 2 ˝ months later in Chocolatetown. Last year, 42 state qualifiers had performed earlier in Manheim.
Fourteen wrestlers, who collected medals at the 2007 state tournament, will be appearing in Manheim this December. Among them, three state champs – Kegan Handlovic (112) and Jordan Oliver (119) of Easton and Quentin Wright (160) of Bald Eagle. State silver medalist Jordan Enck (215) wrestles for host Manheim Central. Bronze medal winners in the pack include Cody Kelly (112) from Reynolds and Andrew Alton (130) from Central Mountain. Others in this elite group of PIAA medalists – Colin Daily (Easton), Jordan Rich and Dylan Alton (Central Mountain), Zach Cecchetti and Tony Clark (Kiski Area).
Two new teams will visit Manheim for the first time. North Allegheny, who rose to prominence under the tutelage of the legendary Gus DeAugustino (380 wins) in the 70s and 80s, will have 4 state qualifiers as catalysts in their lineup – Dave Cawley (7th at 135), Nick Rodgers (8th at 103), Joe Waltko (119) and Karl DeCiantis (160). The Tigers are 5th on the all-time list of state champions with 25. Upper Perkiomen decided to give up another trip to Reno in favor of the Manheim venue. The Indians expect to rally behind the savvy and talent of junior 135-pounder Ryan Kemmerer, brother of 2-time state champ Zack Kemmerer. Ryan finished 5th at States last March.
Forty-one of the 84 Manheim Holiday Tournament place winners are returning for another dose of Manheim mat action this year. Easton leads the way with 7, while Kiski and Central Mountain check in with 6 apiece. Lower Dauphin and Cumberland Valley, who finished #1 and #2 in the District III Team Tournament last winter, each has 4 Manheim award winners still in school. Reynolds also has four. The Raiders are coming off another spectacular dual-meet season, finishing 19-0. They defeated Northwestern Lehigh in the PIAA Class AA team championships.
Eight of the 2006 Manheim Holiday Tournament champions are preparing to defend their crowns. Representing Easton, senior Kegan Handlovic (112, 43-3) and senior Jordan Oliver (119, 45-1). The Alton brothers (both sophomores) are the pride of the Central Mountain Wildcats – Dylan (125, 39-4) and Andrew (130, 40-7). Senior Tony Clark of Kiski (135, 33-7), Mike Evans, a Cumberland Valley soph (152, 44-5), and Bald Eagle senior Quentin Wright (160, 41-0) are capable of ruling the middleweight division at this year’s tournament. Jordan Enck (Manheim Central senior) is distinct in being the only returning champion in the upper weights (215, 29-3).
The Ramblers of Erie Prep should be impressive behind the stewardship of state qualifiers Jamal Lyons (140) and Nick Milano (152). Shikellamy, Neshaminy and J.W. Robinson (VA) are confident that this tournament experience will benefit their young teams.
The 38th annual Manheim Lions Holiday Wrestling Tournament (December 27 and 28) at Manheim Central High School is shaping up to be another excellent exhibition of scholastic wrestling.
