Staudenmayer leads 10 locals into state wrestling semifinals

HERSHEY, Pa. - It was just the quarterfinals, but Plymouth Whitemarsh's John Staudenmayer knew his round-of-eight match was likely his greatest obstacle on the way to a state championship.

In a clash of unbeatens and the top two ranked 171-pound wrestlers in Pennsylvania, Staudenmayer trumped Bethel Park's Nick Bonaccorsi with a slim 5-3 decision to reach the semifinals at the PIAA Class AAA Wrestling Championships on Friday at the Giant Center in front of a crowd of 6,425.

It's the third consecutive year that Staudenmayer (40-0 and ranked No. 1 by Pa. Power Rankings) beat Bonaccorsi (40-1) at the state tourney, with all three encounters decided by three or fewer points.

Staudenmayer, a senior seeking his first state crown, exuded such a glowing energy after the match that it's a wonder he stayed in his tights. He advances to Friday's 8 a.m. semifinals against Solanco's Connor Moran with a relieved sense of confidence.

"It's nice to get that out of the way in the quarters," Staudenmayer said. "Feel good going into [Saturday] - a whirlwind of emotions right now. I'm so happy."

"We knew this was going to be the toughest match he had," Plymouth Whitemarsh coach Nate Wachter added. ". . . That win should get him some confidence and take that right into the finals."

Including Staudenmayer, 10 wrestlers from Districts 1 and 12 remained in the championship draw and advanced to the semifinals. The others were West Chester Henderson's Jim Long (103 pounds), Billy Rappo (Council Rock South, 103), Matt Harkins (Hatboro Horsham, 119), Jeremy Minich (Boyertown, 125), Joe Mazzi (La Salle, 130), Matt Cimato (La Salle, 140), John Bolich (Upper Moreland, 189), Brandan Clark (Methacton, 215), and Jeremy Reith (Father Judge, heavyweight).

Twenty-two area wrestlers remained in contention to place at the tournament; the top eight finishers from each class earn medals.

Conversely, the season ended for a bevy of big names with great aspirations.

Council Rock South 140-pounder Matt Martoccio followed up a shocking first-round defeat with a 2-0 loss in the first round of consolations to Scott Bosak (State College). In two days, Martoccio (44-4), a senior, doubled his loss total, abruptly ending a stellar season that included district and regional championships.