Observer-Reporter Athlete of the Week: Logan Macri, Canon-McMillan
Name: Logan Macri
School: Canon-McMillan
Year: Senior
Sport: Wrestling
Macri’s week: The 120-pounder roared through his weight class to win a gold medal in the Powerade Christmas Wrestling Tournament in the C-M gym over the weekend.
Macri’s last two victories in the event came against a defending state champion and PIAA runner-up.
In the semifinals, Macri stunned Doug Zapf of Downingtown West, the Class AAA 106-pound gold medalist last season, 3-2.
Next up was Louis Newell of Seneca Valley, who fell to North Hills’ Sammy Hillegas in the 113-pound Class AAA final in Hershey last March. Macri held a 1-0 lead until the final seconds when Newell tied it with an escape.
Macri hit a takedown early in the first overtime for a 3-1 sudden victory.
“I expected to win,” said Macri. “I wanted to run through everyone but it didn’t happen as planned. I was fresh the first few bouts and came into some tougher competition. I have to work on my gas tank a little bit, then I’ll be good to go.”
The victory was especially sweet, considering Macri fell to Jefferson-Morgan’s Gavin Teasdale in last year’s 120-pound finals.
Macri won six bouts in the tournament, starting with three quick pins. The first came in 35 seconds against Hunter Petcher of Shaler and second in 1:11 over Will Gallagher of St. Paul’s High School in Brooklandville, Md.
A fall in in 1:15 over Kyle Bush of Ridgway put Macri into the quarterfinals, where he came away with a 12-5 decision over Gabe Willochell of Latrobe.
Great work ethic: One reason C-M head coach Jeff Havelka believes there is no ceiling on what Macri can accomplish this season is his strong drive to improve.
“He’s so tough mentally and he has a desire to win,” Havelka said. “He wrestles smart matches and always has a game plan. When he gave up that escape (against Newell), that was tough for him. But he got back on the line and went on to win the match.”
Macri has been dealing with a slight muscle pull in his back but he says it doesn’t bother him. He keeps it stretched out before and after each bout.
Macri finished in fifth place at 120 pounds in last season’s state tournament and failed to place two years ago. His goal is to be on the awards stand this year.
“All summer, I worked hard getting into shape earlier,” said Macri. “I worked on some technical stuff. This gives me the confidence to go out and take care of anyone in the state, and anyone out of the state, too.”