Three Wrestlers Advance: One Goes to States

Even though the South Allegheny wrestling team has not been around for that long they are just as competitive as any other team around. Coached by Keith Gephart and led by seniors Alex Humpfries, Chris Hrutkay, and Jeremy Murn, the wrestling team competed in the section tournament at Charleroi High School on Saturday February 16th. Murn along with juniors Wesley Weston and Robert “Buddy” Blotzer, advanced to the Regional Tournament, the next round of competition at Charleroi High School. After hard practices, struggling with maintaining the weight, and not having their original line-up they are ready for the competition. Congratulations boys and Good Luck! Senior- Chris Hrutkay
What are your plans for sports after high school?
“I plan on running cross country and maybe wrestling.”
What was it like to play sports your senior year?
“There was definitely a different mentality in mind.” “It was a little harder because I knew this was going to be my last year.”
Is there anything you wished you would have done differently?
“I wish I’d of worked harder during the off season.”
Mr. Gephart– Head Wrestling Coach
Can you describe this years wrestling team?
“They are average. The continue to improve every year. Something more improves. For example last year in the Allegheny County tournament there was one finalist and one winner, Phil Sorrentino. This year at the Allegheny County tournament there were two finalists Wesley Weston and Buddy Blotzer and one winner Buddy Blotzer.”
How many wrestlers do you expect to make it past WPIAL’s this year?
“4-5”
Are there any obstacles the team will have to overcome this year?
“We already have overcome obstacles this year. Functioning with the line-up has been difficult. We don’t have the original line-up due to injuries.”
How do you see the wrestling program now as to when it started?
It got very competitive in a short period of time.”
Injury Report:
Dean Vhiel– Shoulder
Ryan Weston– Knee

Sections were held Saturday February16th at Mount Pleasant.
After sections were completed Wesley Weston, Buddy Blotzer, and Jeremy Murn were qualified for WPIALS.
WPIAL’s were held Friday February 22– Saturday February 23.
Ryan Weston was ranked 3rd in the 140 lb. weight class but did not compete due to a knee injury. Buddy Blotzer was also ranked 3rd in the 135lb. weight class.
Wesley Weston wrestled at the 152 lb. weight class.
Jeremy Murn wrestled at the 171 ib. weight class.
Buddy Blotzer wrestled at the 130 lb. weight class.
After WPIAL’s were completed Murn went two and out, Wesley was forced to take 4th place due to a concussion forfeit, and Buddy took 2nd place with the match score of 3-2 to Mitch Spencer of Avella.