Teasdale opens quest for 4th state title with 16-0 technical fall
HERSHEY — Gavin Teasdale is three matches away from becoming the 13th four-time PIAA wrestling champion.
The Jefferson-Morgan senior and Penn State University recruit earned a 16-0 technical fall in 2:07 against Midd-West’s Avery Bassett in the first round at 126 pounds during Thursday’s action in Class AA at the Giant Center.
Teasdale used an early takedown and picked up 12 near-fall points with four turns using a tilt to build a 14-0 lead at the end of the first period. Teasdale took bottom in the second and scored a quick reversal.
“I knew once he stood-up he would leave that wrist open,” Teasdale said. “I kind of baited him to stand up, and then once I got the wrist, I was able to turn him.
“I want to work on all three phases of my wrestling. I know the takedowns will be there, but I want to work on the other positions. That is why I took bottom to start the second. I wanted to get out as quickly as I could. I want to get more takedowns moving forward. I am glad to get this first one out of the way.”
Teasdale (37-2, 159-2) wrestles Saegertown’s Kenny Kiser (33-5) in the quarterfinals.
Southmoreland’s Tyler Griffiths and Jaden Datz, Frazier’s Thayne Lawrence and Bentworth’s Jon Vargo join Teasdale in the quarterfinals that begin this morning at 9 a.m.
Lawrence (27-2) pinned Fort LeBoeuf’s Trenton Pace (31-13) in 5:10 at 152. Lawrence, a sophomore who finished third in the state tournament last season, built a 4-0 lead heading into the third with a takedown and reversal. He chose neutral to start the third, and after recording a takedown with 1:12 remaining, planked the Bison senior.
“I feel like I did pretty good today,” Lawrence said. “I feel like I could have done a little more on top. I was pretty sloppy there, but that comes with the first day of the tournament. I will get a better warm-up tomorrow and go out there and see what I can do.”
Lawrence meets Southern Columbia’s Cade Linn (40-9) in the round of eight.
Griffiths (23-6) earned a 10-3 decision over Reynolds’ Hunter Michaels (35-8) at 145. Griffiths used three takedowns, but the match was filled with cautions and stalling calls.
“To be honest, the ref was killing both of us for cautions and stalls,” Griffiths said. “The ref was really on us, but I started to wrestle smart and get to my attacks.”
Griffiths, a senior, was the state runner-up a year ago, and the four-time state qualifier hopes he reach the top of the podium on Saturday. Griffiths faces Pequea Valley’s Gabe Miller (40-3) in the semifinals.
“I beat him (Miller) in the semifinals last year,” Griffiths said. “It was a tough match. I was actually down 5-0, but came back to win it. He is a tough kid and I know it’s going to be a tough match, but every match at this tournament is tough. You have to wrestle every match like it is the state finals and go hard for six minutes.”
Datz (30-5) used four takedowns and two escapes for a 10-4 decision over Mercer’s Will Chess (38-8) at 170. Datz, a senior who is wrestling in his first state tournament, meets defending state champion Edmond Ruth (29-0) from Susquehanna Township in the quarterfinals.
“I felt a little bit of nerves going into the match, but I think everybody has that,” Datz said. “I felt like I should have made this tournament the last two years, so I was anxious to wrestle. I know that I have the defending state champion in the quarterfinals, but anything can happen, especially at the state tournament. There are upsets every year. If I don’t come out on top in the quarters, I will work hard to wrestle back and hopefully place.”
Vargo (31-6) used a strong third to pick up an 8-1 decision over Coudersport’s Elijah Ayers (32-9) at 182 in his first time wrestling at the state tournament. Vargo had a 2-1 edge after the second before scoring an escape, takedown and three near-fall points. The junior Bearcat wrestles Mahoney’s Matt Lewandoski (33-3) in the quarters.
“I was pretty confident going into my match,” Vargo said. “I just took a couple of deep breaths and went out there and wrestled. I felt good on top today. I was able to ride him out. I really don’t know anything about who I wrestle tomorrow. I really want to make sure I get in the semis because I will know that I have placed.”
Teammate Manny Dovshek (26-9) won his preliminary bout, but lost in the first round at 120. Dovshek is still alive for a medal in the second round of consolations.
Mount Pleasant’s Al Miscovich (40-9) dropped a heartbreaking 6-3 decision in double overtime. Miscovich returns this morning in the second round of consolations at 132. Teammate Cody Vokes (37-8) won his preliminary match, but lost in the first round to fall into the consolations at 285.
West Greene’s Connor Main (33-10) won his preliminary bout, but lost in the first round to move into the consolations at 220.
Elizabeth Forward’s Ryan Michaels (34-5) won his preliminary match, but lost in the first round to drop into the consolations at 106.
Southmoreland’s Ryan Mauro (16-13) lost his first two bouts at 220 to have his season come to a close. Mauro is a two-time state qualifier, and will return for his senior year.