Dec 11, 2017 4 min read

Last year, Garrett Johnston wore the colors of Chartiers-Houston, working hard as the head coach to turn that program’s wrestling fortunes.

Now, he has the blue and gold colors of West Greene in his ensemble, and hopes to turn that program’s wrestling fortunes.

Johnston, a West Greene graduate, answered the Pioneers’ call after Kory Bissett resigned after last season. The goal, just as it was at Chartiers-Houston, is to breath new life into a program that has struggled with numbers. Pat Jennings, Johnston’s assistant last season, filled the C-H opening.

“I care a lot about (the West Greene) program,” said Johnston, who spent five seasons at Chartiers-Houston. “The teaching job got me to go back. I loved it (at Chartiers-Houston). My goal now is to keep this program alive.”

Johnston led the Bucs to a 4-1 record in Section 1A of Class AA, trailing only Burgettstown. Chartiers-Houston finished third in the section tournament, advancing to the WPIAL event, where the Bucs were eliminated in the first round.

West Greene failed to win a match last season in Section 2A and entered this season with only four returning starters. Johnston has nine on the roster, including Connor Main.

Main spent last season at Waynesburg, but decided to transfer back to West Greene, where he began his varsity career. Main, wrestling at 220 pounds, finished second in his weight class at the season-opening Chartiers-Houston tournament three days ago.

“I wanted to come back and graduate at West Greene,” said Main. “I went back late, Aug. 25 when I got (the proper forms) turned in.”

Main finished second in the Section 4 Tournament and seventh in the WPIAL Championships last season in Class AAA. He had a 29-7 record and is 76-31 in his career.

“I missed my friends,” said Main. “I liked Waynesburg but it didn’t feel like home.”

The Pioneers lost just one senior from last season and Johnston envisions bringing the program up to a standard not seen in years.

“There is a rich tradition there that a lot of schools don’t have,” he said.

Close one

for Teasdale

Three-time undefeated Class AA state champion Gavin Teasdale of Jefferson-Morgan had a close call in the finals of the Eastern Area Tournament at Gateway High School over the weekend.

Teasdale won the 132-pound title with a 4-3 decision over Colton Camacho of Franklin Regional.

Camacho was a state qualifier in Class AAA last season, finished third in the district and compiled a 35-10 record.

“He’s got a bull’s eye on his back,” said J-M head coach Mike Lesko before the season. “Everyone is going to bring their A-game against him.”

Teasdale ran his career record to 126-0 and is trying to become only the 13th wrestler in PIAA history to win four titles and the fifth to finish his varsity career without a loss or tie.

The Rockets visit McGuffey Wednesday to open the Section 2A schedule.

Nijenhuis wins at CV

Gerrit Nijenhuis won the gold medal at 160 pounds in the Cumberland Valley Kickoff Classic.

Nijenhuis, a sophomore from Canon-McMillan, decisioned Gaven Krazen of Easton, 14-1, in the finals.

Logan Macri (126) and Ken Hayman (120) each took third and Tim Hritsko (138) was fourth. The Big Macs finished ninth in the team standings with 115.5 points. Nazareth won with 181.

Conti wins

PSAC title

Dustin Conti, a senior at Clarion, won the 197-pound title at the 75th PSAC Championships at Edinboro.

Conti, a graduate of Jefferson-Morgan High School, decisioned Pitt-Johnstown’s Levi Niebauer, 4-3, in the finals.

Conti got an escape and a two-point takedown midway through the second period to take a 3-0 lead, and he ultimately held a 3-1 edge entering the final period.

Conti won his quarterfinal match, 1-0, over Edinboro’s Aaron Paddock. Conti followed with a 4-1 win over top-seeded Evan Ramos of Shippensburg to reach the finals.