The Junior High wrestling states took place at the First Summit Arena Cambria County War Memorial in Johnstown, PA. It was held February 29- March 1. The Clearfield wrestlers who made it to states were, Ty Aveni, who is 112 lbs.; Carter Freeland, who is 117 lbs.; Will Domico, who is 132lbs.; Patrick Knepp, who is 140 lbs.; Carter Chamberlain, who is 167 lbs.; and Sara Cutler, who is 172 lbs.

The Junior High Wrestling coach, Mr. Danver, thinks it is a great accomplishment that they have worked for all season. They were competing against the best of Pennsylvania in their age division, and they are all deserving of where they are at. This was the second most qualifiers they have had in a single year. It was also the first year of the girl’s division at the state tournament and Sarah Cutler is their first female Junior High state qualifier.

Mr. Danver also says the kids put in hours of hard work. They practiced everyday after school and some even went to separate clubs on their own time to get extra work. During the season, they prepared by going to a couple of tournaments in the Pittsburgh area that gave them a very close level of competition as the state tournament.

A goal the wrestling team set for states is to get everyone on the medal stand. There are 42 kids in each weight class and only the top eight are considered place winners. Therefore, it isn’t easy making it on the medal stand, but it is what they have worked for all year. Although, the coaches say no matter what happens, they are all proud of how far they have made it.

At the Junior High state tournament, all the wrestlers either placed or won 2 or more matches. Ty Aveni went 2-2, Carter Freeland went 4-2, Will Domico placed eighth, Patrick Knepp went 3-2, Carter Chamberlain placed seventh, and Sarah Cutler placed fourth.