C-M’s Binni, Trinity’s Morgan go out in style
McMURRAY — Andrew Binni and Bodie Morgan didn’t want their last high school match to be a loss, and the duo was able to get some redemption from their last match at the state tournament in earning major decisions in their respective weight classes to lead the WPIAL All-Stars to a 27-19 victory over the New Jersey All-Stars on Saturday at the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic.
In what has been dubbed, “The Rose Bowl of Wrestling,” the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic was celebrating its 50th anniversary inside the AHN Arena on the campus of Peters Township High School.
Binni, a senior at Canon-McMillan who will continue his wrestling and academic careers at the Naval Academy, scored the first points of his match with Sawyer Ostroff of Donovan Catholic using a chin-back in the second period for a 3-0 lead in the 127-pound weight class.
Binni added three more near-fall points to take a 6-0 advantage into the third. He escaped and scored a takedown to provide the WPIAL All-Stars with four team points.
Binni, who had aspirations of winning a state title in his final high school season, finished fourth in the state in Class 3A, and during his consolation-final match, suffered a high-ankle sprain, which put in doubt if he was going to be able to compete in the Classic.
“I wish I got to my attacks a little more in the first period,” Binni said. “My ankle was all taped up and I was still getting used to the feel of it. I was able to get a bar and finish on top after getting the lead, and I was able to get to my leg attacks more.
“It took me about a week to adjust after getting hurt and finishing fourth at states, but once I got picked for the Classic, the goal was to get healthy, get ready for the Classic and win one more time in the WPIAL. Above and Beyond Physical Therapy in Canonsburg is who got me ready. Nick Lopez, Dave Germeyer and Blaze Kansco got me ready right after I got back from Hershey. They do a great job.”
Morgan, a senior at Trinity who will wrestle and study at Davidson, lost in the Class 3A state finals at 172 pounds, but was able to finish up his high school career with an 8-0 victory over Ed Terreri of Paramus Catholic.
“I think I could have been more offensive out there, but I’ll take the win,” Morgan said. “It feels good to finish my high school career with a win, especially after finishing second at the state tournament.”
Morgan scored a takedown in the first for a 2-0 lead and used an escape, takedown and three near-fall points to build up an 8-0 advantage heading into the third, which was more than enough for victory.
“I don’t do any other sports besides wrestling, so I am going to get myself ready for college,” Morgan said. “I am excited for that, and I really like the coach and the program. They are really building it up.”
While Binni and Morgan had solid victories for the WPIAL All-Stars, Jorden Williams of Chartiers-Houston and Gaven Suica of Burgettstown fell short in their bouts.
Judging by FloWrestling national rankings, Williams had one of the tougher bouts for the WPIAL All-Stars, as he dropped a 2-0 decision to No. 16 Tyeler Hagensen of Mount Olive at 114.
After a scoreless first period, Williams did all he could to escape or score a reversal in the second, but Hagensen was able to ride out Williams for two minutes. Hagensen scored a reversal in the third and hung on for the victory.
Suica, who will continue his wrestling and academic careers at Edinboro, dropped a 13-2 major decision to Jack Myers of Morristown at 139.
Bentworth’s Chris Vargo wrestled for the Pennsylvania All-Stars, who came up short to the United States All-Stars, 27-12, but Vargo was neck-and-neck with JJ McComas of Stillwater, Okla., in a 2-1 setback to double overtime at 127.
McComas came in ranked No. 4 by FloWrestling but Vargo didn’t let that intimidate him as the two wrestled a scoreless first period. McComas escaped in the second for a 1-0 lead and Vargo escaped in the third to send the match into sudden victory.
After a scoreless minute in sudden victory, Vargo took bottom in the first 30-second rideout. McComas held Vargo down but was given a stall warning. McComas escaped in his portion of the rideout with roughly 10 seconds remaining. Vargo pursued McComas but didn’t get the match-winning takedown.
In the first women’s dual meet at the Classic, the Ohio All-Stars beat the Pennsylvania All-Stars, 39-19. Butler’s Ava Malovich was named the “Outstanding Wrestler” for the Pennsylvania All-Stars.
Bethel Park’s Mason Kernan was the “Outstanding Wrestler” for the WPIAL All-Stars.
Bishop McCort’s Mason Gibson earned the “Outstanding Wrestler” award for the Pennsylvania All-Stars in the main event.
Frazier’s Rune Lawrence was the lone WPIAL wrestler to win a match for the Pennsylvania All-Stars in the main event.